Workbook and Manual Version 1.0 SCALE 18
CONTENTS EXPLANATION Edgar Cayce used the expressions "psychological" or "psychopathic" in three hundred eighty seven readings. While some of these readings addressed what might be regarded as mental illness, most often Cayce was referring to "psychosomatic" factors. In other words, attitudes and emotions are intricately interwoven into the fabric of our beings: physically, mentally, and spiritually. Thus, thoughts and feelings affect our physiology. The biology of the body produces psychological effects. Certain attitudes and emotions were cited as particularly noteworthy with regard to psychosomatic effects:
Cayce's view of the soul includes concepts such as reincarnation. Therefore "karma" is regarded as a psychological factor often manifesting through thoughts and feelings:
present a panoramic view of the human condition which parallels the Eastern religions (particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism). From this perspective humans are regarded as immortal beings evolving toward unity with the divine source of being. This view includes reincarnation and the ability of each individual to choose certain key probabilities concerning a particular lifetime. Naturally, genetics play an important role because heredity provides a relatively stable and predictable means of having the necessary life experiences to encounter one's personal karma. Cayce sometimes traced physical illness to genetic tendencies with a past life source: "Karma is cause oft of hereditary conditions so called." (3313-1) In cases involving karma, Cayce typically emphasized the mental and spiritual aspects of healing. "Soul development" was sometimes given as the purpose for illness and healing. However, even in instances involving significant karma, physical modalities were often strongly encouraged in addition to mental and physical therapies.
THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS IDEALS EXERCISE An ideal is a standard by which one lives.
The readings frequently suggest an ideals exercise designed to examine
and modify dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors based upon spiritual considerations.
This exercise consists of writing down one's ideals on paper. The
process involves making three columns headed: SPIRITUAL, MENTAL AND PHYSICAL
and listing words under each which signify the meaning of each category.
The spiritual ideal is a person or concept which conveys the highest sense
of purpose or meaning to which one may ascribe. The mental ideal
is the mental attitude which is consistent with the spiritual ideal.
The physical ideal is the behavior or physical manifestation of the spiritual
ideal. Thus, the holistic perspective is maintained by the coordinating
of physical, mental and spiritual ideals.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION Edgar Cayce often recommended prayer and meditation for sick individuals struggling with dysfunctional attitudes and emotions. Cayce often counseled, "Why worry, when you can pray." Likewise, meditation provides a means of disconnecting
from the experience of illness and psychological turmoil. Attunement
to a higher power by whatever name is likely to decrease depression and
anxiety resulting in increased relaxation and sense of well-being.
HYPNOSIS OR SUGGESTIVE THERAPEUTICS Edgar Cayce sometimes recommended various forms of hypnosis for persons with psychosomatic issues. Formal hypnosis by a trained professional using a standardized technique for inducing a hypnotic trance was suggested for some individuals. An informal technique of entering a light trance state during meditation was also recommended. Using this approach, affirmations of health and healing can be utilized as a form of self-hypnosis. Suggestive therapeutics is a naturalistic form of
hypnosis utilized by caregivers during physical
Because this technique utilizes trance states
which are commonly associated with various physical therapies and sleep,
the person providing the suggestions does not necessarily need to be a
mental
BIBLIOTHERAPY Bibliotherapy involves reading and applying inspiring
literature. Having an extensive background in Biblical studies, Cayce
most often recommended certain important passages from the Bible (especially
the 30th chapter of Deuteronomy and 14th, 15th and 16th chapters of John).
SERVICE TO OTHERS Edgar Cayce often encouraged sick individuals to find someone who is worse off than they are and be of service. The best way to help oneself is to help someone else.
FURTHER ASSESSMENT Options for further assessment include:
DOCUMENTATION SCALE 18: PSYCHOLOGICAL
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