we need to find out what is constructive for our bodies, and we must develop habits of liking that rather than being obedient to habit patterns from the unconscious mind that may disturb the health of our bodies.
That’s the kind of common sense to be found in the Cayce readings. And my own experience working with these concepts says that this is practical and usable. In one reading, Cayce had this to say:
First—the physical body is the temple, the encasement of the mind and soul of the entity. It has its virtues, its faults, its weaknesses, its strengths. Yet, as is understood, he that is wholly—mentally, spiritually—in accord with the oneness of the Christ Consciousness may expect and may live and may know within self the proper course for the activities to bring the best welfare for the body . . .
Thus, not such a diet as to be contrary to natural laws, but that which is in keeping with the manner in which the body exerts self—so that there may be brought the better resuscitating influences and forces.
1662-1
In using the Cayce readings, it is important to realize that Cayce (in his physical readings) communicated directly with the unconscious mind of another individual and collected his information while he was in an altered state—much like the disciple John experienced when he wrote the book of the Revelation. Cayce did this almost nine thousand times, always making contact with the person seeking help.
In making that contact, Cayce apparently found that the food that would be best for an individual was that which would influence the physiology of the body in a manner that was most constructive. And it was always in accord with that person’s physical-mental-spiritual makeup. Cayce’s recommended diet was also determined by the kind of illness or dis-ease or physiological imbalance that was to be found in the individual’s body.
Cayce did not see illness as a true reality. Rather he saw the human being as an entity in time and space, with illnesses coming about because of lessons the individual needed to learn. Or because of failing to obey the laws of function of the human body or perhaps the laws of the universe itself. Or of the mind. Or even of the spirit.
Thus, the suggestions about diet depended most definitively upon the person for whom the reading was given, rather than upon the problem facing the individual at the time. The problem was secondary. Even the diet was not of prime importance. The human being was always accorded first priority. There are numerous instances of how this kind of a concept might be illustrated. This is one:
(Q) Should I have a special kind of diet?
(A) As indicated, a generally well balanced diet, adhering to the warnings indicated in order to keep a balance, stressing certain characters of foods. But do not become so diet-conscious as for the diet to become master, rather than the self being master of the diet.
2454-1
It is important to recognize that a disease process is often associated with or caused by certain dietary habits (where the diet became master) that may be deeply ingrained in a person’s consciousness. Diabetes in the adult male or female is one example of this, where poor diet habits essentially cause the diabetes, and the laws of the body have consciously or inadvertently been broken. Then comes the result: a disease. There are other particular problems associated with eating habits. But no human being is without relationship to the effect of his or her diet on the health and general welfare of the body. Cayce suggested that you can choose—the diet desired rather than letting the appetite habits of your body rule:
. . . though never get the body in that position wherein the body does not control the appetite rather than appetite controlling [the] system.
106-7
In looking at the information in the Cayce readings, then, toward creating a nutritional program, you must take each reading as a unit, as a recommendation for that person for whom the reading was given. Out of such a search can come certain rules, suggestions, and principles to which you can apply yourself and gain out of it the makings of a reasonable and truly helpful diet. Because, if you are honest with yourself it will work for you.
Hints in Creating Your Best Diet
There are hints, however, that might give you some guidance in helping you in creating your own diet.
About What You Are
Realize that each soul is as the temple of the living God, even as thy own body. Thus be mindful more not of the body for body’s sake, but of the body that the temple of the living God may be the better channel for the manifesting of the spiritual truths . . .
2938-1
About Salads
Have at least one meal each day that includes a quantity of raw vegetables; such as cabbage, lettuce, celery, carrots, onions and the like. Tomatoes may be used in their season.
2602-1
About the Evening Meal
Evenings—preferably this would be the heavier or the more varied meal. In meats, if these are taken, we would use only fish, fowl or lamb. No fried foods ever at any time. Have more leafy vegetables, rather than those of pod or the root nature or those that grow under the ground.
1567-1
About Water
Well to drink always plenty of water, before meals and after meals—for, as has oft been given, when any food value enters the stomach immediately the stomach becomes a storehouse, or a medicine chest that may create all the elements necessary for proper digestion within the system. If this first is acted upon by aqua pura, the reactions are more near normal.
311-4
About Attitudes
Keep in that of constructive thought; because, to be sure, the thoughts of the body act upon the emotions as well as the assimilating forces. Poisons are accumulated or produced by anger or by resentment or animosity. Keep sweet!
23-3
About Acid-Alkaline Balance
For in all bodies, the less activities there are in physical exercise or manual activity, the greater should be the amount of alkaline-reacting foods taken. Energies or activities may burn acids, but those who lead the sedentary life or the non-active life can’t go on sweets or too much starches—but these should be well-balanced.
798-1
About Foods Grown Locally
As indicated, use more of the products of the soil that are grown in the immediate vicinity. These are better for the body than any specific set of fruits, vegetables, grasses or what not. 4047-1
About Combinations to Avoid
Starches and sweets at the same meal—too much acidity.
Several starchy foods together—too much acidity.
Meat and potatoes—or meat and bread—or meat and starch upsets digestion.
Citrus fruits and cereals at the same meal—creates drosses.
Coffee or tea taken with milk or cream—hard on digestion.
About