HAPPY GO LIGHTLY EVERYDAY (c) By Polly Guerin

My friend Tony is a delight and every time I meet her it’s an uplifting experience. She possesses something that eludes many people, It’s the “The Happiness Factor,” Doesn’t it make you wonder, “How does she do it?” Well, with Tony it just seems to come naturally to her because she just doesn’t let negativity enter her brain and that is why she looks years younger and really, really enjoys life.
MOOD BUSTER As summer becomes a distant memory, hormone output plunges, triggering an uptick in pessimism. Don’t let it get you down relax at home and cozy up in something soft like pj’s or fuzzy socks. For the office, take along a sweater or soft jacket with the soothing comfort of lofty polyester warmth. Yale University researchers say snugly fabrics activate nerves in the skin and fire off feel-good messages.
HAPPINESS TIPS Even if you wake up and feel out of sorts, or work gets you down you can literally talk yourself into a happier mood. Put positive affirmation messages on heart-shaped Post-its around the house or on your computer screen, like “I Feel Pretty,” “Life is Marvelous,” and even “I love my Work.” Okay that last one is a bit extreme, but you get the point. Better yet change your password to happier messages, like “Hello Awesome.” Experts say that to feel better you need to focus on the positive and by taking an optimistic attitude each day it promotes the promise of happy vibes.
SELF ANALYSIS Never allow yourself to wallow in self-pity or to dwell unnecessarily on disappointments, delays, broken promises. When you’re caught in traffic jam or your computer crashes why fume and stress yourself out of your comfort zone. Take a deep breath and engage yourself in some self-compassion to soften the blow and know that in time it will all be resolved and that momentarily there is nothing you can do about it anyway. However, you can change how you address the problem by training your brain to focus on the posit
 FAN MAIL REMINDERS If you ever doubt about just how wonderful you are pull out those birthday cards and reread all the sentimental prose that praised you and made you feel special. Save your fan mail in a separate folder and when the slightest hint of negativity looms re-read how much you have touched the lives of other people by your compassion or help. Better yet, make a list of all the positive things that happened in just one day. Read the list out loud and repeat each item over again and be amazed about how much good has come into your life.

IT’S TIME TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF AND SPEND LESS TIME DWELLING ON THINGS THAT CANNOT BE CHANGED AND ADAPT TO THE SITUATION WITH POSITIVE VIBES THAT WILL GET YOU THROUGH ANOTHER SPLENDID DAY.

MIND OVER MUSIC, A HEALTHY BRAIN (c) By Polly Guerin

Remember how uplifting you felt when you listened to a symphony program in a concert hall? Do you remember how you were transported away into the land of your imagination, free of the cares of the day and spirited on with sound stimulation into unknown realms of peaceful contemplation and happiness? That is what music does; it’s a transformational process, a modern sound healing technique that has been given the modern name of Solfeggio, which in musical terms represents the tones of a melody.
VIBRATIONAL ENERGY Although science does not recognize Solfeggio as a healing tool, traditional healers and modern String Theory recognize that every living body carries vibrational energy. That is why we feel so rejuvenated after listening to a music performance. Its restorative energy vibrations influence the physical body to heal itself,  induce relaxation, soothe frayed nerves and restore equilibrium.
ANCIENT SOFEGGIO Even in the Temple Beautiful in Egypt ancient Soffeggio used music and chanting to balance, curtail illness and balance the physical body. Vibrational energy, the tones of the musical scale each have their own specific relationship to the Chakras and the meridians and sound healers today frequently use ‘new age’ music to enhance health and wellness.
SOUND HEALING TODAY While informed individuals continue to seek alternative methods to heal, the growth of energy healers has expanded with solutions to de-stress, detoxify and bring the individual into total well being. For best results, seek out a qualified sound healer. There are CDs on the market now that address different issues like consciousness expansion, awakening intuition, relationship harmonization and meditation. Even in rehabilitation centers music has been the tool that awakens seniors who have been silent for years.
RESEARCH HITS A HIGH NOTE Now an MIT team has created music software to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Users compose songs and then play a Concentration-like game that involves recalling excerpts of melody pairs and other memory tasks. You can track your own results and watch for signs of more serious cognitive decline. “If Alzheimer’s can be detected early, medication and mental exercises have a better chance of stabilizing memory loss or at least slowing down the progressions,” says one of the software’s creators, Adam Boulanger, Ph.D. Although the software is in clinical trials, researchers hope to release a commercial version to the public within a year.

WHEN JULIE ANDREWS SINGS ‘THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC’ WE CAN VICARIOUSLY HEAR THE MELODY AND THROUGH SOUND HEALING BEGIN TO FEEL REJUVENATED AND YOUNG AT HEART AGAIN.

EGGS, CODDLED IF YOU PLEASE (c) By Polly Guerin

When is the last time that you ordered ‘coddled eggs’ at your favorite diner? Imagine the surprise on the face of the waiter who, unless he was British, would think you daft. Well, I never heard of coddled eggs before so being the type of person who likes to be coddled, “pampered and handled with care,” so says the dictionary, I looked into this fascinating culinary art, which incidentally goes way, way back to the 1800s and remains popular in Great Britain. Great chefs’ use coddled eggs to make sweet custard, but they are also used in a traditional Caesar salad dressing recipe.
DEMYSTIFYING CODDLED EGGS At this point you may justifiable ask, “Just what is this coddled fancy anyway?” Well, a coddled egg is somewhat similar to a poached egg but there is quite a difference in the preparation. If you’re a good poacher then you know that all you need to do is to crack open the egg and place it into water just below the boiling point. However, a single degree too high in hot water, eggsperts say, is all it takes to upset the delicate balance of texture, appearance and flavor. A coddled egg, on the other hand, should be immersed slowing in its shell in near boiling water. Carefully watch over this little treasure and let it stand for 5 minutes, then take it out, crack the shell and consume.
A HEALTH SEER’S ADVISORY In over 140 readings Edgar Cayce advised individuals to make coddled eggs a part of their diet as the perfect solution for benefiting from the egg’s considerable nutritional potential. Because coddled eggs are not boiled, some people may be concerned of the risk of salmonella and other bacteria. Therefore, it is recommended to use only very, very fresh eggs. The way an egg is cooked, as well as an individual’s physical condition, may determine whether the egg should be eaten whole or only the yoke. In one reading Cayce recommended eating, “Coddled egg and only the yoke of same, not the white---for this carries too much of those properties that are hard for digestion, or too much albumin that is producing an irritation in the adrenal gland secretion and the glands in the pelvis area. (844-1)
EGG CODDLER COLLECTIONS Quite recently I visited a charming lady who had a fascinating collection of little porcelain pots with metal lids, which at first I thought held some cosmetic secret or might be used for a chocolate, pot de crème. So wrong was I to discover that those little pots with painted flowers or other whimsical designs were "Egg Coddlers." Coddlers have been manufactured by Royal Worcester in Worcester, UK, since at least the 1890s, and were probably invented there. Many companies now make egg coddlers, and some are highly sought after collector’s items.
EGG CODDLER HOSPITALITY And so the aforementioned lady promptly made a coddled egg for me. She buttered the sides and bottom of a pretty egg coddler and gently broke an egg into it and seasoned it on top, then gently screwed on the little lid and lowered the egg coddler into a pot of near boiling water. “Make sure that the water level only reaches halfway up the porcelain body of the coddler,” she advised, “and the egg coddler should not be totally submerged in the water. There it should rest for about 5-6 or 7-8 minutes, depending on the size of the egg.” She then lifted the egg coddler from the pot, gently twisted the lid and served it to me at the table. Delicious!!! Especially when she sprinkled on some salmon flakes and a bit of parsley.

DON’T YOU DESERVE TO GET CODDLED? IF ‘FOOD BE ELIXIR OF LOVE’ CODDLED EGGS ARE A RARE AND DELICIOUS WAY TO IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS. ENJOY!!!

HEALTH: THE BIG BRUSH OFF(c) By Polly Guerin

It’s amazing how much dry skin you’re carrying around on your body. Some dry skin makes us feel itchy; some of it stifles the skin’s excretion process of toxins and may even contribute to premature wrinkles on the body. Dry skin brushing is probably something you have never heard off, and neither did I until I read about this ancient health routine that has more benefits than a shower or bath each day. Dry skin brushing of the entire body sets in motion natural healing by stimulating nerve beds, which increases the normal healing processes throughout the entire body. Most significantly dry skin brushing helps to detoxify the body.  STAGNANT LIFESTYLES This technique should be especially of interest to individuals who spend most of their workday stagnant in a chair and glued to the computer screen, and toxins set in as well as a pain in the neck, shoulder or back. As for the fashionistas reading this health report there may be some additional benefit because dry skin brushing may help in the breakdown of cellulite. The overall benefit of dry skin brushing is that circulation improves, your skin becomes softer and glowing and you will feel refreshed and invigorated. 
DRY SKIN BRUSHING PROCESS Okay, I think I’ve got you interested. All you need is a natural bristle brush, with a long handle. The process is painless and there is no cost involved except a fraction of your time. Now you are ready to get started. Stand in the tub prior to taking a shower or sit on a tub chair prior to bathing. Take the natural bristle brush and begin brushing your skin. Begin the process at the bottom of your feet sweeping upwards onto the legs, move to the torso and hips again in an upward direction with a focus towards the heart so that toxins can be released. Turn the brush onto the hands and sweep upwards towards the shoulders. The long handled dry brush will help you reach your backside so start at the feet again and begin the process, and when you have finished bath or shower. No, do not use a long handled natural brush on your face. Purchase a softer natural brush for your delicate complexion.
THE BENEFITS OF DRY SKIN BRUSHING Don’t expect results immediately. Dry skin brushing should become a daily routine for lymphatic cleansing that will return your skin to a healthy glow and you’ll look and feel younger and healthier. Yes, there are products at retail that tout some of the same benefits, but why purchase one when all you need is a natural dry bristle long handled brush and your time to feel and look great! When the body rids itself of toxins, you are able to perform efficiently. Dry skin brushing helps to shed dead skin cells. It can help to improve skin texture and cell renewal. It helps to tighten the skin because it increases the flow of blood and it eliminates clogged pores.
THE ANCIENT CURE Remember how wonderful your skin felt after a day rolling in the sand at the beach or dipping into the sandy salt water? That is natural skin brushing without much effort but pleasure. Some native American Indians were ahead of the concept and scrubbed their skin with sand from river bottoms. Skin brushing is an ancient remedy. The Scandinavians had been using loofah sponges as do the Japanese as a prelude to a hot sauna or hot bath. Greek athletes used skin scrapers to clean the skin and encourage circulation. So take a cue from the ancients and start brushing your body today.
DRY SKIN BRUSHING IS A SIMPLE DETOXIFICATION TECHNIQUE THAT ANYONE CAN USE DAILY TO IMPROVE AND ENCOURAGE HEALTHEIR WHOLE BODY WELLNESS.

SOAP SOLUTIONS, CAYCE'S BEAUTY ADVISORY(c) By Polly Guerin

To soap or not to soap? That is the question many women ask and have often sought an answer to from the great man himself, Edgar Cayce. With all the readings Cayce was giving you would not think that he would have time to even consider this question, but ‘surprise,’ he did. It’s amazing to realize that an ordinary bar of soap like Black and White, Cuticura, Palma Christi, Olivae and a whole host of organic bars could have so many benefits for maintaining one’s complexion and treat common skin problems. While extensive expense has been doled out by women to remove the grime/makeup from their faces and to cleanse their bodies, sometimes it’s just a simple bar of soap that can achieve a healthy, youthful glow and help to counteract even facial flaws. Referring to pure products Cayce’s reading noted, “These preparations are preferable to most of the compounds that carry leads or poisonous conditions for the skin.” (2154-1) BEAUTY IS ONLY SKIN DEEP Even Edgar Cayce acknowledged that “Beauty is only skin deep,” saying “Don’t depend upon cosmetics to clear or purify the skin. The cosmetics should be rather as an aid to keeping the superficial circulation in portions of face and hands in bettered conditions.” (5271-1) Cayce further stated that a healthy, radiant epidermis depends not on external applications alone and cannot be achieved without proper diet and nutrition, exercise, and a positive attitude over mind, body and spiritual outlook because genuine beauty comes from within, rather than an external condition. ONE SOAP TO LIVE BY While many women rely on some expensive commercial products to maintain their complexion’s flawless look or to camouflage skin flaws several soap brands have been mentioned in the Cayce Readings that perform far more reasonably. How about $6 a bar? Now that’s a bargain for beauty yet no fancy name is associated with genuine Black and White soap so you will not find it in a fancy cosmetic department. However, according to Cayce genuine Black & Whit e soap is an excellent cleansing soap for skin care and bathing. It has been recommended for skin problems such as acne, pimples, blackheads, eczema, itching burning and stinging skin. In a reading Cayce said, “These will keep the irritations from making the openings, or large pores.” (3081-1) INTRODUCED IN THE 1930s Genuine Black & White products have been around since the 1930s with staying power over 80 years. That’s endorsement enough for me to seek further information. Cayce also recommended Black and White cosmetics, which include cold cream, cleansing cream, skin whitener, vanishing cream, and ointment. Another reading stated, these are “the better products for the protection or care of skin, complexion.” (275-31) For anyone over 50 the good news is that Black and White preparations help to firm the muscles in the face and neck and prevent the looseness throughout the body. TRIED AND TRUE STANDBYS I remember Cuticura soap, it was in regular use in my mother’s cabinet for its deep cleansing and anti-bacterial ingredients that condition skin with practical treatment for skin abrasions, eczema, large pores. It was among the first soaps commercially introduced in 1865 and is still sold today as an antibacterial medicated soap that cleans and controls oil and germs that can cause blemishes. Then there is the Palma Christi soap, a natural cleansing bar custom formulated with softening, moisturizing properties of Castor oil, Almond oil, Lanolin, aloe Vera and Cocoa butter for allover cleansing. French Milled, Castile soap is another household favorite. It is an olive-oil based soap was first manufactured in Castile, Spain, hence it’s name. Olive oil has a long history. It has been a part of beautification rituals since ancient Egypt and Italian women have known of its benefits for centuries. A French milled version called, Olivae, has been specifically formulated with cocoa butter, olive oil, sweet almond oil, Aloe Vera and Lanolin to moisturize as it cleans. The use of any particular soap, however, remains an individual choice. One woman’s favorite standby may not be another woman’s or man’s solution. What is useful in maintaining a glowing complexion, moisturizing or combating skin flaws for one person may not be as effective for another person’s skin.
Products mentioned here can be purchased at the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) of New York Inc, 241 W. 30th Street, New York, NY 10001, email info@edgarcaycenyc.org or visit www.edgarcaycenyc.org. BAAR, the official supplier of Edgar Cayce Health Care Products can be reached at 1.877.999.2502. Visit their ‘easy-to-shop’ Web Site: www.baar.com.

CAYCE'S LIVING YOUNG ADVICE (c) By Polly Guerin

Every woman can become beautiful, every man attractive but the mind plays a pivotal role in maintaining youthfulness. Edgar Cayce the great American prophet ought to know. Although most of his 'Readings' concerned health matters he had also doled out beauty advice to individuals who were seeking information on therapies for Living Young in all aspects of their life. In one of his astute readings Cayce said, “If we would have life, give it. If we would have love, make ourselves lovely. If we would have beauty within our lives, make our lives beautiful. If we would have beauty in body or mind, or soul, create that atmosphere, and that which brings about life itself will bring those (same) forces into the experience. (2096-1).
WHAT WAS CAYCE SAYING? Obviously feeling young and looking good is up to you. As an individual we have the responsibility to ‘make our lives beautiful’ by making a commitment to create an attitude, a lifestyle and an environment that reflects beauty in our daily experience and encounter with others. This commitment will not only contribute to staying youthful in appearance but will make your journey here one of definitive purpose and soul fulfillment.
MAKING THE MOST OF IT Such a daily routine is the foundation of a youthful appearance. While we acknowledge that true beauty comes from within, from the beauty of the soul, there is nothing wrong with beautifying the body in which the soul swells. In other words Cayce advised that one need not be vain or frivolous in caring for the body, but they should make the most of what they have. Even a wallflower with proper grooming can emerge like a rose. Moreover, the Cayce readings are replete with advice and remedies for all aspects of achieving and maintaining a more beautiful you. He addressed some vexing concerns like care of complexion, remedies for skin blemishes, hair, baldness and dandruff, care of nails and feet. Achieving a beautiful mind and keeping the body young demands a rigorous daily regime that includes the Cayce diet, regular exercise, meditation and a positive outlook. Such a daily routine is the foundation of a youthful appearance. Any girl or woman who adheres to this beauty advice can improve her health and beautify her appearance.
MIND OVER MATTER Cayce further answered the question, “How can people avoid aging in appearance?” and answered “The Mind!” (1947-4). I had an aunt who was not exactly a beauty, but she followed the Cayce beauty routine with impeccable grooming and conservative but fashionable apparel and before she left her house she looked in a blue tinted mirror that magically dispelled any imperfections. In her mind she was beautiful. As the old adage goes, “Thinking will make it so.” As a matter of fact my real secret to staying youthful and feeling young is more mind-over-matter. Even a little meditation in the morning or a catch up meditation at intervals during the day might focus on all the things you should be grateful for in life. Indeed, you might go to poetryfromtheheartbypollyguerin.blogspot.com and read “Thanksgiving Reverence” for the many things to be grateful for.
So put yourself in a great state of mind and be passionate about everything you do in life, and remember that there are so many wonderful things to remind us that we are truly blessed every day. Such thoughts will keep you feeling young and looking good with a special glow that comes from inner beauty.

YOGA, SHAKE 'N ROLL IN THE SKY (c) By Polly Guerin

Planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was wonderful to anticipate, but the thought of the long flight, nearly 9 hours in a sedentary position, really concerned me particularly how sitting so long would affect the circulation in hips and legs. In preparation for the trip I started to think about ways to relieve the tension from confinement on the long flight. I turned to Yoga as a solution and offer here some suggestions that anyone can adapt for air travel, and if you’re locked at the computer for hours on end in a sedentary job these exercises are easy to do at your desk. Edgar Cayce the renowned American psychic in his readings on health often stressed, “We should do everything in our power to maintain good circulation through exercise.”
BEFORE YOU GO It’s important to prep your body before and after a long flight: drink lots of water, bring a bottle of water to spritz your face and a facial moisturizer, travel light and Ladies avoid restrictive bras, wear loose comfortable clothing instead and slip on shoes, bring a neck pillow to brace your head and a very light blanket to put around your shoulders should the air conditioning be too cold. It is important to start your regime early: before and during the flight eat lightly and avoid salt, alcohol and caffeine. In the airplane cabin don’t cross your legs, it impedes circulation and get up as often as possible and walk about the cabin. If you find a free space stretch, bend over and touch your toes. Sedentary Yoga will help you to maintain good circulation and increase your chances of feeling less stressed and looking ‘band box’ fresh when you arrive.
SEDENTARY YOGA Don’t worry about your seat companion's questionable look. Just say, “Excuse me but in case you’re wondering I’m doing some simple yoga exercises to improve circulation.” With that explained proceed to prep your body for in-flight yoga by getting into the silence in your mind. Close your eyes and visualize the calming color of the blue sky. Start off by centering yourself in the upright seat, feet flat on the floor close your eyes and focus on breathing in an out slowly and meditatively for a few minutes. If you feel uncomfortable about doing in-flight yoga in your seat go to the rest room when it is not busy and do these exercises in privacy.
ROLL AWAY TENSION I always like to begin with Cayce’s head and neck roll exercises which relieve tension and improve circulation to the brain, eyes, face and neck. Do this in slow motion by moving the head to the right shoulder, briefly pause there, then continue around the neck to the left shoulder. You may hear some cracking sounds which is a normal reaction of the body releasing the head and neck from uptight anxiety. Now reverse the head roll starting at the left shoulder. Do this exercise six times in each direction (or more if you desire). Cayce said that the head-and-neck rolls are particularly valuable to relieve muscle tension for people engaged in desk work, typing, piano and other activities (such as sedentary in-flight situations) that strain head, neck, eyes, shoulders, and arms.
SHOULDERING THE PROBLEM Okay, your exercise regime has just taken flight but you need to follow up with the shoulder roll. Children love to do this exercise because it looks so funny but it has tension releasing benefits worthwhile for any adult. In your seat inhale and roll your shoulders up to your ears, hold briefly and then exhale and roll your shoulders down. Again you may hear cracking sounds which only means that tension is being released. Repeat this exercise several times then with arms dangling roll your shoulders forward several times and reverse the action backwards. Hear yourself saying, “Oh, what a relief.” Quite frankly I think the airlines should engage every passenger in yoga in-flight exercises.
ANKLES AWAY It may be a tad difficult to do ankle exercises sitting in your seat but it can be done. Like the head-and-neck rolls start with the right leg and circle the ankle to the right several times and then repeat this action in the opposite direction. This simple exercise on each leg will reve up circulation. Then ever so slightly do the leg lift sitting in your seat. Lift your right leg up briefly hold this position, point toes toward the floor, repeat several times and do the same with the left leg. Now are you ready to walk about the cabin?
WALKING IN THE SKY Remember you’re on a long flight so get out of your seat and walk around the cabin or up and down the aisle. If you can find a space at the back of the airplane do some waist twists to the right and to the left, back and forth, to loosen up the spine. Bend over and touch your toes or dangle at whatever point you feel most comfortable. Rise up and now try to squat and do some knee bends. Embarrassed about such a public display? Want some privacy? When there is a lull in the restroom lineup go inside and do your twists, turns and bends there.
SITTING IN ONE SPOT FOR MORE THAN SIX HOURS WITHOUT RELIEF IS ONE OF THE MAIN CAUSES OF FATIGUE, HEART ATTACKS AND CIRCULATION PROBLEMS. DON’T WORRY ABOUT WHAT ANYONE MAY THINK. WHETHER YOU’RE IN THE SKY OR AT THE OFFICE OR HOME WORK STATION GET UP, GET MOVING, SHAKE AND ROLL YOURSELF INTO GOOD HEALTH!!!