SEARCHING FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP (C)

By Polly Guerin

Willy Shakespeare had it right when Hamlet said, “To Sleep, Perchance to Dream,” (Act 3, scene I). And “I have not slept a wink,” complained Pisanio in Cymbeline (Act 3, scene 4). When it comes to sleep such phrases surely mimic our own sentiments. Sleep deprivation deprives us of vitality, our concentration takes a downturn and we muddle through the day. “What’s the matter,” someone may ask. “I haven’t slept a wink,” is the typical reply. Women have often been told that getting the right amount of zzzz is their beauty sleep. Indeed it is for anyone who wants to maintain their good looks and avoid bags under their eyes. To many people, a good night’s sleep is an elusive luxury, but don’t reach for the sleeping pills yet. Edgar Cayce had some good advice and in his readings remarked that lack of sleep can contribute to a wide variety of stress related disorders and health problems including high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease and in some cases even death.

STRESS-RELATED SYMPTOMS

Lack of Sleep In Cayce’s readings he was most sensitive to the effect of stress on people, and never dismissed anything as ‘just nerves.’ He gave detailed analysis of the two nervous systems and a great deal of importance to their delicate mechanism. Cayce said, “The strain between the physical and mental, with the spiritual attributes of the individual, finds expression not only in the brain itself, but in that of the sympathetic (nervous) system for the brain manifestation of soul forces in the body. (4566-1) COUNTING SHEEP As we lie sleepless by the hour, reproducing images in our head of unhappiness or we try to work through problems our fretful attempts to get to sleep remain unreachable, the hours wear on and we toss and turn in the bed disarranging bed linens and blankets. In this sleep deprived process we are left frazzled and exhausted. No wonder, daytime fatigue sets in and it impairs one’s work performance. Personality changes can include memory problems and crankiness and depression. Such behavior can even lead to losing your job and on the home front it can create friction in the home and alienate your family.
THE BEDROOM SANCTUARY

Steps can be taken to avoid a sleepless night. The main objective is to de-clutter your bedroom and make it a sanctuary for sleep, where gentle music may lull you to slumber like a babe. Reading a book that does not tax your mind may induce sleep as well. Exercise equipment that beckons for attention should be removed from the bedroom. After all this is your peaceful oasis, an island of sorts, where dreams may enhance your life. To further abate the sleeping process, do not keep electronic devices by the bedside like a cell phone or any other communication tool that will stimulate and disturb your sleep. Removing the television from the bedroom is another good idea. It will prevent you from watching the late news which can disturb your mind. Another sleep trigger is to avoid watching late night movies (except on weekends when you can sleep late) because they rob you of the 7 to 8 hours of sleep that you normally need each night. A warm bath or shower before going to bed is relaxing and sleeping in a well ventilated room encourages slumber.

MILD EXERCISE, GENTLE YOGA

A light gym session, gentle yoga or exercise at home performed early in the evening before nine o’clock can also promote sleep, but if you’re training for triathlon do that earlier in the day. Meditation or prayer can also calm down your brain and prepare it for sleep. A patient once asked Edgar Cayce, “How can I overcome the nerve strain I’m under at times? Cayce advised, “By closing the eyes and meditating from within. Quiet meditation, for a half to a minute, will bring strength---will the body see physically this flowing out to quiet self, where walking, standing still, or resting. Well, too, that oft alone, mediate in silence—as the body has done. (311-4)

A HEALTHY DIET

The old adage, ‘never eat after 8 pm’ is good advice because meals too close to the hour of sleep are disruptive and may be the cause for weird dreams or nightmares. Always achieve balance in your diet by eating natural organic food, fresh veggies and fruit. Avoid caffeine either through coffee or sodas as it remains in the system for a long time. It’s too stimulating and can give you a false impression of being awake. Natural slumber can also be had by sipping a mild sedative like chamomile tea, which helps to calm anxiety, soothes and relaxes the mind and body. Some people prefer a warm cup of milk to soothe and help them fall asleep. If all else fails, summon up the child within and ask your mate to read you a bedtime story or sing a lullaby just like your mum did when you were a child. BEAUTIFUL DREAMER

Taking a nap is nifty way to catch up on sleep, but how many of us have the luxury of napping from one to three in the afternoon? However, it could be a weekend luxury to put on your agenda, but be sure to set the alarm clock so that you do not miss an important evening date. Even if sleep does not come just lying still and relaxing can be a refreshing tonic. If you have a slant board, a fifteen minute break, resting with your head down and your feet higher up also has restorative powers. Cayce said, “Remember that the body does gradually renew itself constantly.” (1548-3) So heeding his advice let us go gently into the night sleeping peacefully like beautiful dreamers.

THE RAINBOW CHAKRAS AND MEDITATION (c)

By Polly Guerin

“The Message is in the Rainbow” is my latest book that deals with the psychological impact of color on body, mind and spirit. In this discourse I provide insights into how to use color to overcome tiredness and malaise and how to balance and revitalize your body’s energy. Different colors have their own specific messages. Red, for example, can be a whirling and dramatic, purple can be inspirational and green can provide expressions of harmony. The body is an amazing life force that energizes through the spin of the Chakras and each Chakra is associated with a different color. Invisible as they are your life energy flows through the seven energy centers in the body, the Chakras, a Sanskrit word meaning ‘spinning wheels.’ In a healthy individual all seven Chakras spin very rapidly and at the same speed. When one or more of the Chakras are blocked the natural spin is reduced, illness can set in and the aging process accelerated.

MEDITATION ON COLOR

Edgar Cayce frequently recommended meditation for its therapeutic as well as spiritual value. In this meditative exercise involving the chakras, using the element of color, you can tune up the energy centers and experience renewal. The technique is quite simple. All you need do is to visualize a specific color related to a Chakra center. But first you must prepare yourself. It is best to remove your shoes and if you wear glasses remove them too. Sit in a straight-backed chair with your feet on the floor. Rest your hands on your lap. At this point I like to close my eyes. Now breathe very slowly and patiently until you begin to feel quite relaxed. In the following exercises you will be focusing on a specific color as it relates to a specific chakra and breath in the rainbow. Some people find it easy to visualize a color, others do not. To initialize the visualization process you could begin by looking at a colored chiffon scarf, an object of a specific color, like a red vase or even colored gels which can be purchased in an art supply store. Use these aids before you close your eyes so that the color registers in your mind.
THE CROWN CHAKRA

I like to start at the 7th, the Crown Chakra, at the top of the head attributed to white light and a rich violet color. This is a very cerebral area of the body and the center of higher consciousness, compassion and wisdom. As you breathe deeply and slowly bring the color of rich violet into your mind and visualize the energizing forces of this color flooding the Crown Chakra. It is not necessary to put a time limit on your visualization, but one to two minutes is sufficient. However, you can do this visualization for as long as you feel the need for rich violet, then relax.

THE BROW CHAKRA

This energy center is located between your eye brows, and that is why it is commonly known as the ‘third eye Chakra.’ The Brow Chakra, the 6th energy center, is related to indigo, a blue-deep purple color, an indicator of clairvoyance and psychic abilities. Every time you breathe in indigo imagine that the space between your eyes is filling up with the color in your brow center.

THE THROAT CHAKRA

When you need to speak up and communicate feelings or your nerves are on edge because you need to deliver a speech focus on the Throat Chakra, the 5th energy center. Visualize the blue color as a color band completely around your neck and breathe in the calming and peaceful color blue. Visualize and deeply breathe in the color blue and create a serene attitude thereby releasing yourself to self-expression and creativity.

THE HEART CHAKRA

One can never have enough love in their life and the 4th energy center, the Heart Chakra, located in the center of the chest, is related to the color green. It is the higher expression of harmony, trust and lovingness and fosters the opening to new ideas and new people. As you visualize and breathe in this energizing verdant green feel the calm and balancing quality of this color flooding your heart with compassion and love.

THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA

Thoughts and logic rest in the 3rd energy center, The Solar Plexus Chakra, which you can find in the region around your navel, the upper stomach. Visualize slowly and patiently a bright yellow color and breathe in the kind of yellow brilliance you might see on an incredibly sunny day. This is the center and the color that governs your mental energy and logic, and has domain over your will power over digestion.

THE SPLEEN CHAKRA

The 2nd energy center, The Spleen Chakra, also referred to as The Sacral Chakra is located at the area two to three inches below the navel. It takes its energy from a warm orange color which has a lot to do with your emotional needs with boundaries of warmth and intimacy, pleasure and joy, attachments and letting go. As you visualize this warm orange glow in the area of your pubic bone breathe in an orange band surrounding you in the spleen area from the front to the back of your body. Do this as the need occurs to you to revitalize your feelings for one to two minutes, then relax.

THE ROOT CHAKRA

Like an artist visualize the color red for the 1st energy center, The Root Chakra, located at the groin area, the very center of your sexuality, reproduction and the need for grounding and security. Paint your visualization with a vibrant red color and feel the warm of this bright color rejuvenating this center with health, energy, passion and love.

RAINBOW RESULTS

Attuning your body through color mediation to improve health, activity, peace of mind, love and compassion takes but a few minutes each day. If you have time you can repeat the process but this time visualize the colors again starting up from the Root Chakra up to the Crown Chakra. When completed you may feel slightly light-headed but imbued with the knowledge that rainbow results have enriched your life.

PAIN IN THE LEG SYNDROME OUCH!!!

PAIN IN THE LEG SYNDROME OUCH!!! (c)

By Polly Guerin

I’ve heard people explode that something was a “pain in the neck,” but what about that awful “pain in the leg” syndrome?” Although the sensation of pain or cramps in the leg seems to occur at night causing sleep deprived sufferers, this discomfort can also happen during the day. The condition may be noted by women wearing stiletto heels that can result in the shortening and tightening of the Achilles tendon. If the tendon is short and tight because of heels, the foot loses its ability to flex up and down, so switching from killer heels to flat shoes can cause heel and calf pain. Sports enthusiasts engaged in hard running performance often put severe pressure on their feet and that is why you may see any one of them stopping from time to time to stretch their legs. Teenagers engaged in challenging school sport activities may also suffer from leg cramps. Clearing no one is exempt from this condition. Older people seem to be especially vunerable to leg cramp or pain. In the British TV sitcom, “As Time Goes By,” Lionel, the male lead, in a senior moment kneels down on a pillow to propose to Jean, but when he tries to get up a leg cramp seemingly ruins the romantic moment.

PAIN IN FEET, CALF AND LIMBS

Leg cramps can result in some startling situations. I was in a movie theater with an older Uncle one time and when the leg cramps came on unexpectedly he uttered such a strike of pain and stiffened up that the movie attendant was ready to call for an ambulance. The leg spasm and leg pain did not last too long, and although he had had attacks previously he had done nothing to curtail their re-occurrence. It’s unwise to let leg pain go untreated as it could exacerbate into other health problems. While there are some respectable leg cramp commercial products which anyone can purchase at retail, but America’s prophetic psychic, Edgar Cayce had some very easy-to-adapt recommendations that are worth applying. Cayce recommended, “If the feet and limbs give a great deal of trouble, we would apply Mullein Stupes over those areas of the ankle, foot and calf. Put these (Mullein Leaves) on hot and then bind about with padding or wadding to keep the heat. Apply these stupes at least twice each day. Preferably use the green or fresh mullein. This would be bruised, put in very hot water and allowed to stand a few minutes, the dipped out and applied between gauze over the affected area. (2227-3)

CASTOR OIL’S MIRACULOUS CURE

There’s a lot to be said about the simply application of Castor Oil rubbed on painful areas of the leg. One young man who consistently suffered from pain in ankles and leg took Cayce’s advice and simply rubbed Castor Oil on these areas for several days and the pain went away. I can also attest to the curative powers of Castor Oil as I use it frequently to relieve the pain, which crops up occasionally in the calf of my left leg. When there is severe pain, however, one may also consider that it may be emanating perhaps from the spine. In any case, though self-medicating is good, you should always consult a physician to determine the cause of the pain and the proper medical treatment.

CASTOR OIL PACKS

Cayce also suggested Castor Oil packs to treat leg pain and for that matter other areas of pain in the body. It takes time and patience to do-it-yourself, and it does not have to be messy. For the at-home remedy the materials needed include: Castor Oil, a soft wool flannel cloth, (a size large enough to cover the leg area or body part), a plastic sheet or blue pads, plastic packaging tape, an electric heating pad, a bath towel and two safety pins. FOLLOW THESE STEPS: First spread the plastic sheet on the bed to protect it. Being a practical person I discovered that two or three blue plastic training piddle pads that they sell in pet stores for dog us are equally protective. Just put about three of the pads with the blue plastic side down on the bed lengthwise with the white soft side up so that you can rest on it during the treatment. In advance to lying down on the bed you need to have saturated the soft wool flannel cloth with Castor Oil, but not drippy. Before proceeding place an extra blue pad under the leg to be treated. Lie down and apply the Castor Oil saturated flannel around the leg and then take up the ends of the blue pad and wrap it snugly around the leg. I like to tape the ends together with wide self-sealing packing tape. On top of that place a heating pad and turn it up to “low” to begin with then to “medium” or high if you can tolerate it. Now place the towel around the entire area even over the heating pad and fasten the towel in place with the safety pins.

REST AND RELAX

Let the Castor Oil and heating pad do its curative work for about an hour and a half and then turn it off. When the treatment is concluded remove the heating pad (do not leave it on overnight), but the Castor Oil pack itself can be left on your leg. However, if you prefer to remove the pack simply cleanse the area with a solution of soda water. (2 teaspoons of baking soda to a quart of water) Don’t discard the flannel pack, even if it still has Castor Oil on it. Merely store it away in a plastic container for future use, even on other parts of the body when needed. I have used this Castor Oil pack on numerous occasions on my legs and other parts of my body with pain relief and return to normalcy results.

VARICOSE VEINS

We stand on our feet for long hours during the day and some people’s work exacerbates the painful condition that is called varicose veins, which aggravate and tire the entire body. Edgar Cayce said, “Thus the great distress is caused when the body is on the feet for any great length of time; causing not only the disorders through the lower limbs and thighs but in the feel also. As we find in the present, those pressures that exist in the lumbar and sacral axis, a s well as the lower portion or coccyx end of the spine are the areas that need the more adjustment to alleviate those tendencies for the circulation that carries blood away from the heart, and yet is so slow in the return of same; thus causing the enlarging of the veins in the lower limbs. He further states, “We would also take Mullein Tea. This should be made of the fresh, green leaves and let steep for about twenty to thirty minutes. Then strain and keep in the ice box, so that it may be kept fresh. Take about an ounce to an ounce and a half of this each day. Keep this up, and it will aid in the circulation, in the elimination of the character of acid in the system, and aid in the circulation through the veins, that are disturbing.” Harking back to the previous paragraph where in I mention Mullein Stupes Cayce continued, “When there is the ability to rest, apply the Mullein Stupes to the areas in the knee and along the thigh, and just below the knee where the veins are more severe. Yet he advises, “Yet the Tea taken internally will be more effective.” To all these treatments Cayce recommended, “Do have the corrections osteopathically made in the lumbar-sacral axis, AND the coccyx area; and coordinate the rest of the body, for the tiredness and for relaxing of the nerves, when these are done. (243-38)

LIFE VIBRATES WITH HEALTH

Cayce said, “Remember, life is vibration. Illness and disability are a manifestation of a disturbance in the normal vibrations of the body. So one way or another, Castor Oil may be an agent for restoring the body’s natural vibratory pattern. How Castor Oil does these seemingly miraculous cures is a mystery, but one thing is certain Edgar Cayce teaches us to awaken our sleeping beauty and to recognize the source of healing is within to engage our own power to vibrate with glowing health.

NONSURGICAL FACELIFT, NO KIDDING!!!

NONSURGICAL FACELIFT, NO KIDDING!!! ©

By Polly Guerin

Some say that a woman’s face is but a reflection of her inner beauty and perhaps the celebrated British poet, Robert Browning’s poem, ‘A Pretty Woman,’ concedes to this theory. One verse reads, “So, we leave the sweet face fondly there: Be its beauty, Its sole duty! Let all hope of grace beyond, lie there!” Ah, but how to maintain a beautiful, youthful face, that is the question. It is not only women in the performing arts, socialites, movie stars and celebrities who are drawn to products that insure an attractive youthful face it is every woman’s prerogative. This quest for maintaining one’s beauty has fueled a cosmetic industry rich in commercial elixirs, potions, creams and tonics all promising to keep the face youthful and wrinkle free.

THE MIRROR IMAGE

“Mirror Mirror on the Wall Whose the Fairest of them All?” said the witch in the Wizard of Oz. In the same manner don’t we all look in the mirror and start to fidget pulling facial skin tighter towards our ears or pulling at the corner of our eyes and notice how those crow’s feet seemingly disappear. “Well, don’t we say to the mirror image, “That’s how I used to look!” So how did these aging signs happen? Excessive massaging of the face can break down collagen, heavy drinking can impair blood circulation, too much sun does its damage, heavy smoking encourages wrinkles, and yo yo diets with weight gain and weight loss extremes take their toll as well. When Edgar Cayce, the great American psychic was asked, “How can people avoid aging in appearance?” He replied “The mind! I couldn’t agree more. I had an aunt who was handsome but not really pretty. However, she was impeccably groomed and before she left her house she looked into a blue tinted mirror and the world perceived her as beautiful by her radiant smile and sparkling eyes.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

In a healthy person a large amount of fat is packed under the facial skin and as we age, this fat tends to diminish and the skin becomes less elastic and begins to show the telltale signs of sagging. In response to an inquiry, “How can sagging facial muscles be avoided?” Cayce advised: “About twice a month, we would have mud packs; face and neck, and across the shoulders and upper portion about the neck; especially extending over the area of the thyroids---as an astringent and as a stimulation for a better circulation throughout the system. (1968-4) Obviously treatment for the face starts at the upper portion of the body. However, once the skin has matured and deep lines pave their way into your skin and brown patches appear routine care will not restore a youthful complexion but maintenance will---cleansing, cell renewal, moisturizing and sun protection are the four keys to curtaining further deterioration. Yes, there are injections that erase lines and wrinkles, creams that stimulate the growth of collagen and surgery to tighten loose skin, even face-lifts to make a visible improvement on your appearance, but these can only be performed by a physician. There may be justified reasons to resort to plastic surgery to correct nature’s errors and in the worst scenario to correct serious deformities from accidents or war-related injuries.

EDGAR CAYCE’S ADVICE

The great prophet Edgar Cayce advised that, “Cosmetic surgery, the face lift, can be postponed or avoided entirely with a program of good nutrition, general exercise, massage, hydrotherapy, and special facial exercise. However, when the muscles in the face become flabby, the face droops, sags, and ages.” He further is a great exponent of positive thinking. “Negative thoughts and poor circulation accelerate the appearance of lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and muddy color, while poor elimination will not only produce blackheads, pimples, and dry or oily skin, but is one of the chief causes of major skin disease. Cayce advocated exercises for the face with the logic that if we can go to the gym to tone up our bodies, why not exercises for the face?

HEAD-AND-NECK EXERCISES

Remember those head-and-neck exercises I described in an earlier discourse on maintaining a gorgeous complexion. Well, back to the drawing board or should I say back to basics. These head rolls are an excellent way to start the day and perfect as a break exercise when working at the computer. Quite simple roll the head very slowly over to right shoulder, then to the back then to the left shoulder and return to center (repeat in the opposite direction, and do each roll at least 10 times). When performed each day, according to Cayce, his head-and-neck exercise will stimulate the circulation to the entire face, head and neck: keep the throat and jaw line firm; and prevent the formation of double or multiple chins. No cost, just your time, you don’t even have to go to a gym. When I do the head-and-neck exercise it sounds sand grating or crackling sounds that tell me the body is doing its job at maintaining my looks and sending oxygen to my brain.

SINGER’S TIPS

Having been a singer for a long time with a chorale group I am thoroughly convinced that singers’ good looks well into their 80s comes from the vibrations within their head when they are singing. I was delighted to find that Edgar Cayce seems to support this theory as he recommends, “Do as singers do and practice the vowels going up and down the scale singing as loudly as you can (benefits the mouth and cheeks)” as follows: Oh—Oh—Oh—Oh—Oh, Ah—Ah—Ah—Ah—Ah, Eeh—Eeh—Eeh—Eeh—Eeh—and Ooh—Ooh—Ooh—Ooh—Ooh—and repeat these vowels several times. Even a non singer can perform these exercises singing, of course, for her own amazement.

SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY

Alas we all want to put our best face forward to a critical world that seems to worship the cult of youth. However, there’s nothing wrong with growing old gracefully, but by applying some of these really simple and basic, common sense exercises the face can appear more toned up, brighter and less wrinkled. So how can you avoid aging in appearance? Well Cayce reminded us, “The Mind!” For how we think about the beautiful face we present each day, so it is in the eyes of the beholder.

WHAT'S SO COMMON ABOUT THE COMMON COLD?

Awaken Your Sleeping Beauty: Edgar Cayce as told by Polly Guerin

WHAT’S SO COMMON ABOUT THE COMMON COLD?

Susceptibility to colds is almost universal, widespread and contagious, especially in places where groups of people congregate; in schools, on public transportation, movie houses, theaters and social events. Colds are as common as common can get because they do not discriminate and can infect everyone in their path. They are definitely communicable and transmitted in numerous ways. In confined places the germs could be floating in the air or they could be spread by direct or indirect contact. No wonder, people have condoned the mantra “wash your hands frequently” or they sanitize their hands with anti-bacterial liquid preparations or anti-bacterial moist hand wipes. No one wants to get bogged down with a full-fledged or even a minor cold in the first place and seeks answers as to how to steer clear of the invasive germs. In readings the great physic Edgar Cayce advised, “The best way to cope with the common cold is to avoid catching it in the first place.” Don’t you wish it could be that easy, but Cayce had further thoughts on the subject.

PREVENTING THE COMMON COLD

Measures can be taken to ward off the infection even before it begins. Obviously a well-balanced diet is essential, sufficient rest a must and proper attire both indoors and out all help to keep the body’s resistance high. Proper ventilation in home or office with sufficient humidity in the air helps to keep the mucous membranes in a healthy condition. If a humidifier is not handy, adequate moisture can be maintained by keeping a pan of water on a radiator. Obviously, one should avoid contact with anyone who has a cold. The minute a child or person’s starts sneezing it is best to remove yourself from their vicinity. Obviously that is not so easy within a family and it is therefore it so often happens that the common cold is spread to parents and children alike.

AN EDGAR CAYCE’S READING

Cayce took the diagnosis further saying, “A body is more susceptible to cold with an excess of acidity or alkalinity, but more susceptible in case of excess acidity. For an alkalizing effect is destructive to the cold germ.” (902-1) In addition to the pressures put upon us by our computer driven society fatigue, worry, stress and strain, other emotional upsets and inadequate nutrition contribute to the acid condition that invites attack from cold germs and other infections. Cayce said, “There is no mystery or magic about getting rid of a cold once it has been contracted. All therapy aims at alkalizing the body in one way or another and relieving the symptoms of discomfort brought on by the infection.”

THERAPY RECOMMENDATIONS

When the first indication of a cold blooming comes on pushing yourself to go to work or to go out of your home will only exacerbate the cold condition further. The best way to fight a cold is to immediately go to bed and rest, because during rest and sleep, balance is restored to the autonomic nervous system. Cayce had this to say, “Stop eating for two days and drink as much liquid as possible, up to one gallon a day. This should be largely citrus fruits that are freshly squeezed with the addition of lemon or orange or grapefruit juice.” Folk medicine remedies also suggest including drinking great quantities ginger tea or fenugreek tea, which can be purchased in a health food store. Another good alkalizer, recommended by Cayce, is one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water, slipped slowly every hour. He also added that it is also important to clear out the system with an enema or colonic. Percussion massage is also very useful in breaking up a cold and can be performed by a massage therapist of a member of one’s family. An aspirin tablet or salt dissolved in hot water is beneficial for gargling to soothe a sore throat. Obviously, anyone who has a consistent history of recurring colds with accompanying complications should consult a physician.

A FOLKSY COUGH REMEDY

In the good old days before the wide selection of commercial remedies were available, most people had to rely on a good old fashioned home remedy to rid themselves of a cold. Patience and preparation is all you need to take the holistic route to cure the common cold. Edgar Cayce was a great exponent of the natural school of healing and recommended the following Cough Mixture 1, “For any flu or cold, this would be well as an expectorant as an eliminant, and to cause the clearing of hoarseness—made in this way and manner: Take an egg that has not been in the refrigerator or cold storage. Then to this white of egg, add: Juice of one lemon, dropped very slowly into same. About a teaspoon of honey, dropped slowly into same also. About three drops—one at time—of Glycerine. Beat thoroughly together. Of course, it would be worked in together when the Glycerine is added. Take a teaspoonful every two or three hours. We will find that this will clear a cold, relieve stress through the throat and nasal passages, bronchi and larynx, and most helpful for this body.” (845-3) Well, there you are a remedy right in your kitchen. Obviously home remedies should be considered immediately with the onset of a cold, don’t wait until it blows up into a full-fledged infection.

PAMPER YOURSELF AND REST

You have an excuse to relinquish yourself to a day or two off the daily routine and the best time to pamper yourself is when you have a cold. Get under the covers, you’ll get drowsy in time and sleep will overtake you and contribute to curing the cold. When sleep does not come readily, then indulge yourself and listen to some soothing music, light an aromatic candle and daydream. Keep the humidifier going and take your homemade medicine like a good patient. It’s time to stop and just taste the sweetness of life and the restorative powers of positive thinking knowing that soon you will be well!

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE ©

By Polly Guerin

When it comes to gaiety and laughter, I often think of the hilarious aria, “Glitter and Be Gay” from the 1950s operetta “Candide” based on Voltaire’s brilliant satire of human folly written in 1759. With music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Richard Wilbur much of Candide’s verve springs from its joyous parodies. The aria takes its inspiration from Charles François Gounod’s “Jewel Song” from opera Faust which he composed in 1858. In Candide the singer takes great delight in the treasures in her jewelry chest laughing all through the aria as she brings forth her sparkling gems. There’s a lot of Ha Has in this aria especially at the end when the Ha Has builds up to an amazing crescendo and the singer breaks into soaring high notes of laughter. Although the average person, could not easy to duplicate the singer’s virtuosity, but just listening to the aria in itself is quite amusing and makes one want to get into the high jinks of this humorous display of frivolity. Why would this be good for you? Well, medical studies show that laughter boosts levels of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and suppresses levels, of epinephrine, the stress hormone. Just as humor is an important ingredient for good health so is a positive attitude of optimism, and when these elements are combined it benefits the mind, body and spiritual outlook on life.

LAUGH YOUR WAY TO HAPPINESS

It was such a joy to hear young girl’s giggling on a bus recently. Their happy voices really made the day so cheerful. Watching funny movies can also help to dispel the darkness of our concerns. Yet in today’s economic climate a sense of humor seems to be hard to come by. Instead of dour attitude take up another song’s advice, “Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.” In other words, stop worrying so much and instead become a glad tider greeting each day with optimism and joy. No, I am not suggesting you become a Pollyanna, and see everything with rose tinted glasses like the heroine in the novel by the same name (1913) by Eleanor Porter. Pollyanna was a personality characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything, indeed a most unrealistic approach. However, your happy attitude can be infectious and influence family, friends and everyone around you to “Lighten Up,” and look on the brighter and positive side of life’s dilemmas and emergencies, which eventually confront us as they invariably do.

EDGAR CAYCE ON HUMOR

It’s hard to belief that America’s celebrated prophet, Edgar Cayce, had quite a lot to say about humor and in some of his readings he advised, “Cultivate the ability to see the ridiculous and retain the ability to laugh. For know only in those God hath favored is there the ability to laugh, even when clouds of doubt arise, or when every form of disturbance arises. For remember the master smiled, and laughed oft, even on the way to Gethsemane.” (277-1) Cayce did not have an exactly easy time of it during his early years when he was establishing himself as a psychic. There were many hardships to bear in regard to income and his family’s living accommodations, which were from the start not always the best. Yes, despite the modest circumstances of those early years Cayce pressed on with his psychic work and had time to advise people on humor. He said, “Remember that a good laugh, an arousing even to what might be called hilariousness, is good for the body physically, mentally, and gives the opportunity for greater mental and spiritual awakening.”

LAUGH YOUR HEART OUT

Obviously, Cayce agreed with Laugh Practitioners that laughter is good medicine. These modern day laugh practitioners have made a business out of laughter. They hold sessions to engage groups of people to laugh their hearts out. The group starts out with a simple Ha Ha and keeps building up with heartier Ha Has till everyone is kneeled over laughing. Stress rolls away, the body feels lighter, the smiles on the faces of the participants reveal their joyful surrender that releases cares and tension by learning how to laugh heartily. This is an excellent therapy and I understand that the sessions are not usually expensive. Most importantly humor also relieves emotional distress and assists in changing negative thinking. No wonder some enlightened holistic and senior centers have incorporated laugh sessions into their extra-curricular activities. Case in point, when Norman Cousins, an author, editor, professor and promoter of holistic healing was suffering from a life-threatening issue disease he turned to laughter medicine. He knew he didn’t have a good chance of getting better in a hospital, so he checked himself out of the hospital and into a hotel room, where he watched Marx Brothers movies all day. He attests to that fact that laughing at the silly antics in the movies helped him recover from the disease. He contends that laughter is an antidote to apprehension and panic. Author Toni Carroll Terman, laugh lecturer and author of the book, “Laugh Your Fat Off,” written in collaboration with her husband Dr. Philip Terman, is an outstanding proponent of laugh therapy. She cites many ways to laugh those pounds of your body and to boost mind, body and spiritual renewal. You can purchase her book on Amazon.

NEVER LAUGH AT ANOTHER’S EXPENSE

I adore comedians who can magically take us to another place where we can laugh at their well intentioned jokes. It’s such a relief to let go and laugh our worries away. However, when a comedian or anyone for that matter makes a joke out of someone’s misfortune or by the joke’s content reflects upon an individual’s shortcomings or simply makes fun of them--this treatment is not in good taste or acceptable. Edgar Cayce recommended, “One should cultivate more the humorous side of life. Not that which is at the expense of another; that is, never laugh at anyone but laugh with others often.” (2327-1) Okay there are times that we need to grieve but life must go on. I remember a mother who fell into such a deep depression over her soldier son’s death that she totally began to ignore her other children. A good neighbor urged her to pull herself together, and repeated the phrase “Your children need you,” over and over again. When this mother heard the laugher of her other children she was roused from her grief and could focus on their need. To help pull her out of this depression, unbeknownst to the mother, the neighbor took her to a comedy club to listen a comedian, who was a friend and had been alerted about the mother’s sorrow. He adjusted his routine to accommodate her need and the evening’s entertainment lightened her heavy heart. Late night new broadcasts with the gloomy news were eliminated and instead the woman listened to classical music before falling asleep.

DO NOT LOSE SENSE OF HUMOR

Edgar Cayce steps up to the plate with yet another bit of advice. He cautions, “At times the entity sees so well the humor in so many situations as to appear to see the ridiculous rather than that which is the creative force in humor. Do not lose this sense of humor. It will oft be a means for saving an unseemly situation.” (2421-2) Cayce further said, “If you lose the ability to laugh, ye lose that ability to be joyous.” (3003-1) What better way to approach each day than with the intention to lighten up and open to the joy of living with full of optimism. Like a child with a sense of wonder shall we not laugh with abandon? ‘Tis such an infectious thing to do and an easy mantra to incorporate into your daily routine. As Cayce said, “Be optimistic! At least make three people each day laugh heartily by something you say.”

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU, BRIGHT EYES

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, BRIGHT EYES (C)
By Polly Guerin

Nothing makes our appearance more youthful looking than bright, clear, sparkling eyes, the picture of health and happiness. Edgar Cayce alludes to eyes as being the “windows of the soul,” for this is a truth that plays out every day in eye contact with another individual. We can read a lot into the personality of a person just by looking into their eyes. A lackluster eye is a telltale sign of sadness within or poor health, while brighter eyes like the song “sparkle and be gay” indicate an outgoing happy, healthy person. Mother Nature has done her part to protect our eyes by providing eyelashes and eyebrows designed to catch miniscule objects and particles of dirt from falling into our eyes. Of course, many of us lament the fact that our eyelashes are not as long as we would wish, but don’t count on commercial products alone that promise longer lashes or expensive products that address problems of puffiness, crow’s feet or dark circles. Cayce had a number of natural recommendations to bring out the full beauty of your eyes.

EYE FOOD FOR EYE HEALTH

Cayce’s take on good nutrition to maintain healthy eyes is a simple formula that anyone can follow with a well-balanced diet. He especially recommended, “Take plenty of carrots, yams, green peas and green beans, onions, beets.” These were recommended to be taken each day. They “have a direct bearing upon the application of that assimilated for the optic forces. (3552-1) To this he advised that you add to the diet about twice as many oranges, lemons and limes as is part of the diet in the present. These also supplement with a great deal of carrots especially as combined with gelatin, if we would aid and strengthen the optic nerves and the tensions between sympathetic and cerebrospinal systems. (5401-1). It is interesting to note that in Japan, the appearance of a dish is as important as the taste. They believe in the tradition of “go sheik,” meaning five colors. Each meal therefore might include red (carrots), green (peas or beans), white (onion), orange (yams) and dark maroon (beets) to make the presentation more appealing and nutritious.

HOW TO IMPROVE VISION?

With so many of us logged into our computers all day the condition of our eyes can be a concern because as we age so does the condition of the eyes. Maintaining perfect vision is a key factor in a healthy lifestyle. Just as many of us jog each day to maintain our body strength so must the eyes be exercised each day and Edgar Cayce had a very easy-to-do, simple exercise which you can do sitting at your computer and even performed elsewhere at other times during the day. To the question, “how can I improve my vision?” Cayce said, “When we remove the pressures of the toxic forces we will improve the vision. Also the head and neck exercise will be most helpful. Take this regularly, not taking it sometimes and leaving off sometimes, but each morning and each evening take this exercise regularly for six months and we will see a great deal of difference. Sitting erect, bend the head forward three times, to the back three times, to the right side three times, to the left side three times, and then circle the head each way three times.” He further advises, “Don’t hurry through with it, but take the time to do it. We will get results.” (3549-1) To this exercise I also like to perform an eyeball exercise, which can be done anywhere like when you’re on a bus or waiting for a lecture to begin. Just roll your eye inside your closed or open eyelids, whichever you prefer. Simply roll your eyes, very slowly, to the right and circle them until you come back to the front. Do this several times then repeat in the other direction.

DO WE REALY NEED READING GLASSES?

Our eyes are particularly sensitive to aging so we want to preserve our eyesight and avoid the need to wear reading glasses. Of course, it is always wise to consult your eye doctor, but you could try Cayce’s simple remedy. To the question, “How may my eyes be strengthened so as to eliminate the necessity of reading glasses? He replied, “By the head and neck exercise in the open, as ye walk for twenty to thirty minutes each morning.” He cautions, “Now do not undertake it one morning and then say, ‘It rained and I couldn’t get out,’ or ‘I’ve got to go somewhere else,’ and think there aren’t those despot conditions that rebel at not have their morning walk!” (2533-6)

RELIEVING PUFFINESS & EYESTRAIN

There’s nothing attractive about puffiness about the eyes or bloodshot eyes from eyestrain, which clouds your natural beauty. Yes, there are many commercial products that address these concerns but instead of using costly treatments that temporarily reduce the conditions you can achieve the same results the natural way. Reducing puffiness and eyestrain can be achieved by lying back on the bed and placing an ice pack or cool tea bags over each eyelid and remaining thus for at least fifteen to thirty minutes. These homemade alternatives are cost effective in your beauty budget and act like the over-the-counter products. The cooling sensation encourages the blood vessels to shrink and in turn reduces puffiness. A word of caution. Be careful, do not extend facial moisturizes to the under the eye area, because some moisturizers can actually make the eyes even puffier and more swollen. One friend of mine developed a rash of tiny pinheads on the skin around the entire eye area and was told by the doctor to leave off putting any kind of moisturizer near the eye area and to bath the outer it with warm water. In just a few weeks the condition corrected itself. On the relief of eye strain Cayce recommended, “Bathe these with a weak Glyco-Thymoline solution. Use an eye cup, and two parts of distilled water (preferably) to one part of the Glyco-Thymoline. This irritation is a part of the kidney disturbance that has come from upsetting the digestive forces. (3050-2)

PROTECTING THE EYES

It goes without harping on the subject but no part of the body is more vulnerable to sun damage than the eyes. Why? Because the collagen and elastin under the eyes are most vulnerable and affected by the sun’s damaging rays. A strong sunscreen that is designed for eye use will probably offer more protection than a commercial moisturizer. Always read the contents of a product you purchase to ascertain its level of protection. And, of course, the golden rule is to wear sun glasses to protect your eyes, and if you usually wear long distance glasses have the lenses changed to accommodate your prescription. Alas, there is a lot of talk about crow’s feet and wrinkles, but they are not so much a sign of skin aging but of usage. Every time we open and shut our eyes, widen them in surprise or squint or close them tightly they’ve done a lifetime of work and the area is stretched and pulled. While these telltale signs of wear and tear cannot be entirely erased their appearance certainly can be softened by doing the head and neck exercises. In addition, the application of cosmetic concealing products will also diminish their appearance.
The desire for beautiful eyes is everyone’s prerogative. However, a word of caution. Commercial treatments in the eye area must be done very carefully. Always read the instructions before making an application and when in doubt consult your eye doctor. Don’t expect miracles. Not much can be done to really check the advance of wrinkles; it’s just part of life. Most importantly, remember never to do anything that would in any way harm your vision.