Dr. Larry's "The Ripple Effect"

Today we have another great post from Dr. Larry Markson that discusses the unexpected effects that small acts of kindness can have.  This is just a great reminder of how important every day can be.  The Ripple Effect Your thoughts and actions are like stones dropped into still waters causing ripples to spread as they move outward. In a world of six billion people, it’s easy to believe that the only way to initiate profound transformation is to take extreme action. Each of us, however, carries within us the capacity to change the world in small ways for better or worse. Everything we do and think affects the people in our lives, and their reactions in turn affect others. As the effect of a seemingly insignificant word passes from person to person, its impact grows and can become a source of great joy, inspiration, anxiety, or pain. Your thoughts and actions are like stones dropped into still waters, causing ripples to spread and expand as they move outward. The impact you have on the world is greater than you could ever imagine, and the choices you make can have far-reaching consequences. You can use the ripple effect to make a positive difference and spread waves of kindness that will wash over the world. Should the opportunity arise, the recipient of a good deed will likely feel compelled to do a good deed for someone else. Someone feeling the effects of negative energy will be more likely to pass on that negative energy. One act of charity, one thoughtful deed, or even one positive thought can pass from individual to individual, snowballing until it becomes a group movement or the ray of hope that saves someone’s life. Every transformation, just like every ripple, has a point of origin. You must believe in your ability to be that point of origin if you want to use the ripples you create to spread goodness. Consider the effect of your thoughts and actions, and try to act graciously as much as possible. A smile directed at a stranger, a compliment given to a friend, an attitude of laughter, or a thoughtful gesture can send ripples that spread among your loved ones and associates, out into your community, and finally throughout the world. You have the power to touch the lives of everyone you come into contact with and everyone those people come into contact with. The momentum of your influence will grow as your ripples moves onward and outward. One of those ripples could become a tidal wave of positivity.

Please visit Dr. Larry's website www.thecabinexperience.com for more information.

Dr. Larry's "A Good Turn Daily"

This week's article is from Dr. Larry Markson.  He discusses the power within each of us to make a true difference.  He stresses the importance of positive thoughts, which is really where it all begins.

A Good Turn Daily

We can all vow to make the world a better place one day at a time by being our true authentic selves.

Each of us is more than capable of helping the world, despite our fears and limitations and the uncertainty that holds us back. It is commonly accepted that it is impossible to make a difference without unlimited funding or free time, yet most healing, cleansing, and spreading of joy is accomplished in a matter of minutes.

If we vow to make the world a better place one day at a time, the true significance of small good deeds reveals itself to us. We come to see that we can be of service without dedicating our lives to recognized charities or giving up the pleasures we enjoy. The warmth we feel when we help the world is only a tiny part of the affirmative transformations that take place when we make altruism a part of everyday existence.

We make our homes, workplaces, communities, and countries better and brighter when we think positive thoughts that echo outward, give donations of time or money, smile at everyone we meet, and lend those in need of aid our assistance. As we learn, we inadvertently improve the universe because we can only be truly involved when we are informed.

Even enthusiastically sharing ideas with others generates positive energy that then serves as the motivation for more tangible change. Selfless and helpful deeds remind us that we exercise some degree of control over a world that can seem chaotic at times. Even the smallest of such deeds is a demonstration of the fact that we are capable of changing the world in a positive way.

So much negative energy is generated by the suffering, pain, and close-mindedness we are regularly exposed to, but we can counteract it in a constructive way by thinking and acting altruistically when opportunities to do so arise.

Helping the world often takes no more than a moment, just a wish for the world is a beautiful gesture and can be done by even the busiest of people effortlessly. The gift you give each day need not be grand or attention-worthy because the broader benefits are the same no matter the literal repercussions.

Once a day, you can affect reality, and you can reap the rewards of knowing that you are making the world a better place, day by day.

For more information, please see Dr. Larry's website: http://www.thecabinexperience.com/viewarticle.asp?id=274

Dr. Sandra's "Are You Living the 100 Year Lifestyle?"

This week, we have a great post from Dr. Sandra Tremblay, from Alamo Heights Chiropractic in San Antonio, Texas.  She discusses the 100 year lifestyle, which includes exercise, nutrition, and spirituality.  (You're in for a treat!)

"Are You Living the 100 Year Lifestyle?"

by Sandra Carrell Tremblay, D.C.

Studies say that the fastest growing segment of our population are centenarians. The number of 100 year old people worldwide is expected to grow by 746% between now and 2040. - US Census Bureau. 50% of babies born since 2000 are expected to live to 100. - British Medical Journal. Is it possible to live to 100 and be healthy?

That is a great question. To be healthy, you must be well, and to be well, you must know what that means. Merriam-Webster says that well-ness is the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal. Dr. Eric Plasker, the author of 'The Hundred Year Lifestyle' franchise says that you must focus on your ESS. You must have good Endurance to live a long and healthy life. Participate regularly in an activities such as run/walking, racquetball, tennis or biking. These type of cardiovascular exercises take care of your heart and can be monitored using a heart rate monitor where you can focus on functioning in your target heart zone.

Strength training like Pilates, Yoga and lifting weights help you stay physically strong and active and allow you to maintain a youthful set of physical activities. Structure or having a strong core and spine is vital for functioning well throughout your life. Deteriorated posture equals diminished health. Don't let this happen to you. Keep your brain body communication functioning in top performance. Don't wait to get your spine checked when you already feel bad. Be proactive with your wellness care.

The Blue Zones book, written by Dan Buettner                        

and published by National Geographic studied the few areas in the world where the largest healthy over 100 year old populations of people living healthy live. Their 'Power 9®' lessons show you how they do it. It is no special trick. These lessons emphasize making changes to your environment that will influence your habits.

Move Naturally - Gain 4 Years

1. Just Move Rather than joining a gym, they live in environments that constantly nudge them into moving without thinking about it. They live in places where they can walk to the store, friend's homes or places of worship, take the stairs and garden. Right Outlook - Gain 4 Years              

2. Purpose Now Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy. The Okinawans call it "ikigai" and the Nicoyans call it "plan de vida;" for both it translates to "why I wake up in the morning." Be able to articulate your likes, values, passions, gifts and talents. Put your skills into action.            

3. Down Shift Even people in the Blue Zones experience stress, which leads to chronic inflammation and is associated with every major age-related disease. Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians take a nap and Sardinians do happy hour. They practice shedding stress.

Eat Wisely - Gain 8 Years

4. 80% Rule "Hara hachi bu" - the Okianawan, 2500-year old Confucian mantra said before meals reminds them to stop eating when their stomach is 80 percent full. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight or gaining it. Replace your big dishes with 10" plates. No TV during dinner. They eat their smallest meal in the late afternoon or early evening and nothing after. What a concept!

5. Plant Slant Eat small amounts of the leanest, finest meat you can afford. Beans, including fava, black and soy and lentils are the cornerstone of most centenarian diets. Snacking on nuts-about a handful a day has been associated with and extra 2-3 years of life expectancy.

6. Wine @ 5 Moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers. The trick is to drink 1-2 drinks per day (preferably Sardinian Cannonau wine), with friends and/or with food.

Connect - Gain 4 Years

7. Belong All but five of the 263 centenarians interviewed belonged to some faith-based community. It doesn't matter if you're Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish or some other religion that meets as a community. Research shows that attending faith-based services four times per month will add 4-14 years of life expectancy.

8. Loved Ones First Put your family first. This means keeping your aging parents and grandparents nearby or in your home. (It lowers disease and mortality rates of children in the home too.) Work on being in a positive, committed relationship (which can add up to 3 years of life expectancy) and invest in your children with time and love. (They'll be more likely to care for you when the time comes.)

9. Right Tribe The world's longest lived people chose-or were born into-social circles that supported healthy behaviors, Okinawans created "moais"-groups of five friends that committed to each other for life. Research from the Framingham Studies show that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness is contagious. Assessing who you hang out with, and then proactively surrounding yourself with the right friends, will do more to add years to your life than just about anything else.

These are the concepts of a true wellness lifestyle. Notice, these experts didn't say you can take a pill and make your life better. Instead, the concepts mentioned are all purposeful daily steps that focus on what is really important to our bodies, mind and soul. Yes, it will take a little time to re-order our daily routine, but do it. Do it for yourself, your family, your future and for a better society for us all.

Dr. Wayne Dyer's "Bend, Don't Break, with the Wind"

Have you ever had a situation that felt like it was too much for you to handle?  Dr. Wayne gives some great advice for that exact case.  Instead of letting it break you, be flexible instead.

Bend, Don’t Break, with the Wind

by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Having lived by the ocean for many years, I’ve observed the strength and beauty of the tall palm trees that grow at the water’s edge. These stately giants are able to withstand the hurricane-force winds that uproot and destroy many larger, older, and more majestic trees. What is the palm trees’ secret to staying in one piece through huge, devastating storms? They bend almost down to the ground at times, and it’s that ability that allows them to survive. The Tao invites us, too, to be resilient, elastic, and pliant when we face the powerful winds that are part of life. When destructive energy comes along, allow yourself to resist brokenness by bending. Look for times when you can make the choice to weather a storm by allowing it to blow through without resistance. How does this work? Be willing to adapt to whatever may come your way by initially allowing yourself to experience that potentially destructive energy, much like the bending tree in the hurricane. When criticism comes, listen. When powerful forces push you in any direction, bow rather than fight, lean rather than break, and allow yourself to be free from a rigid set of rules—in doing so, you’ll be preserved and unbroken. Keep an inner vision of the wind symbolizing difficult situations as you affirm: I have no rigidity within me. I can bend to any wind and remain unbroken. I will use the strength of the wind to make me even stronger and better preserved.

Namaste,

Wayne

Dr. Larry's "Starting New"

Here's a great article from Dr. Larry that discusses the power of the feeling of 'new.'  He talks about the importance of starting something new or even making a conscious mental shift to start the day anew. Starting New Starting something new allows us to choose to reset knowing that with each choice we learn, grow, and move forward. There are times in our lives that lend themselves to starting something new. The beginning of a new year, finishing school, leaving a job, or changing homes—these all are times that turn our minds to fresh starts. Their advantage is that they bring with them the energy of that event, creating a tide of change around them that we can ride to our next shoreline. But we can choose to start anew anytime. In any moment we can decide that a bad day or a relationship that’s gotten off on the wrong foot can be started again. It is a mental shift that allows us to clean the slate and approach anything with fresh eyes, and we can make that choice at any time. Starting new is most powerful when we focus our attention to what we are choosing to create. Giving all of our attention to the unwanted aspects of our lives allows what we resist to persist. We need to remember to leave enough room in the process of new beginnings to be kind to ourselves, because it takes time to become accustomed to anything new, no matter how much we like it. There is no need to get down on ourselves if we don’t reach our new goals instantly. Instead, we acknowledge the forward motion and choose to reset and start again, knowing that with each choice we learn, grow, and move forward. Making the choice to start anew has its own energy—it’s a promise made to you. The forward momentum creates a sort of vacuum behind it, pulling toward you all you need to help you continue moving in your chosen direction. Once the journey has begun, it may take unexpected turns, but it never really ends. Like cycles in nature, there are periods of obvious growth and periods of dormancy that signal a time of waiting for the right moment to burst forth. Each time we choose to start anew we dedicate ourselves to becoming the best we are able to be.

Please visit Dr. Larry's website www.thecabinexperience.com for more information

Dr. Wayne Dyer's "No Mountain Too High"

If you're feeling overwhelmed, this post can be a great pick-me-up.  Dr. Wayne explains that we need to keep in mind that we are always strong enough.

No Mountain Too High

by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Are there any life problems that seem beyond our power to overcome? Let’s think about that for a minute. In the face of life-threatening problems like alcoholism and drug addiction, excuses for feeling powerless like “It’s too difficult,” “It’s too big,” and “I’m not strong enough,” might spring to mind. Yet we know people who have beaten even these deadly and crippling problems. Two years ago, I had dinner in New York with Patti Davis, daughter of President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan. Patti had just published an essay on Newsweek’s “My Turn” page about her struggle with cocaine addiction and how grateful she would have been for the rehabilitation programs that celebrities today so often treat with utter disrespect. It’s one of the most honest essays I’ve ever read. At our dinner, Patti was celebrating five years of freedom from drugs. She acknowledged how powerful the comfort and pleasure of cocaine had been in her life, but she knew she would never go back to using it. How did she manage to stop? It wasn’t a reluctance to continue disappointing herself or her parents that finally made the difference. She stopped because she no longer wanted to disappoint God, that highest part of herself that all of us share as our connection to the Divine. We all have a place of well-being, bliss, joy, and perfection within us. We are called to be there and from that empowering place we can reach out as Patti has done to help others find it, too. With God, nothing is impossible, and when we align with Spirit, no excuses are needed.

Namaste,

Wayne

Dr. Larry's "Giving Excuses"

Have you ever been asked to an event that you really didn't want to attend?  And when you go, you and everyone around you is unhappy?  In the article below, Dr. Larry Markson explores the importance of honesty versus giving excuses and how it can lead to better lives and relationships.

Giving Excuses

When we offer nothing but excuses in our lives, we are not being honest with anybody, mostly ourselves.

Excuses may seem like rational reasons for us not to do something, but if we’re not careful we can allow them to keep us from reaching our goals. Too often we accept our excuses as reasons why we cannot accomplish what we set out to do, and instead of finding alternatives we give up.

But if we can be honest with ourselves and take responsibility for our choices, we will begin to notice that we no longer give excuses. When we keep our minds focused on our goals, we will find that excuses fade away in the light of our priorities, and issues become challenges that can help us become wiser and stronger.

Sometimes we may give others excuses rather than be fully honest. We may think it is kind to tell someone we are willing to do something with them, whether work or play, but then keep putting them off. This diverts our energy into keeping the truth at a distance while continuing a falsehood.

But when we can take responsibility for our feelings and express them honestly, but gently, the other person is free to find someone who is better suited to accompany them while we are free to pursue the things we like. When we can do this, our energy can be invested in building better lives and relationships.

There’s another way in which excuses rob us of energy—and that is in the power of our thoughts and words. If we find ourselves in a situation, for example, where we are being asked for a financial contribution but we use the excuse that we can’t afford it, we create and attract lack and limitation into our lives.

The same goes for seemingly simple things like pretending to not feel well or any other false statement. We may think that excuses make things easier, but they complicate matters with smokescreens. When we can commit to our priorities, take responsibility for our choices, and communicate them honestly to others, there will be no need to make excuses, and we will have much more energy to dedicate to all the things we love.

For more information, please see Dr. Larry's website: http://www.thecabinexperience.com/viewarticle.asp?id=272

Dr. Wayne Dyer's "Share What You Love"

This week, Dr. Wayne explores the importance of sharing and how it can have a huge impact in the lives of others.

Share What You Love

by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

As I was driving my daughter Sommer to the airport for her return to college after a long weekend home, she was admiring my new watch. This was the first new timepiece I’d had in at least a decade. I really enjoyed looking at its shiny steel-and-black face, and as I did, I’d think about how this was my favorite watch of all time. Yet I knew in my heart that Sommer would love to wear it, since men’s watches seemed to be the current craze for young women.

As I dropped her off at the curb and assisted her with her luggage, I was prompted to remove the watch and give it to her, even though it was my most prized possession (particularly since I have almost no possessions any longer that I even care about, let alone prize).

Sommer’s response was, “No, Dad, you love this watch!”

I insisted, telling her that I’d feel greater joy by giving it to her and knowing she’d treasure it. I also felt that it would symbolize our staying together in time, even though we’d be thousands of miles apart. She boarded her plane glowing, and I left feeling that I had grown immeasurably as a person, since such a compassionate act would have been very difficult, if not impossible, for me several years ago.

Sommer called me in Maui a few months later to tell me that she was sending me a present, stressing that it was a very, very special gift. It turned out to be her all-time favorite painting that she’d created and had hung in her apartment for a long time. As she told me later: “I really learned something the day you gave me your beloved watch, and I wanted to give you something that’s my single most precious item. I’m giving it to you, Dad, even though it’s difficult to part with, because I want you to have a piece of me that I love with you.”

The painting hangs proudly on my wall as a symbol of the beauty and perfection of reaching out compassionately in response to a felt moment. By being and living compassion, you invite and encourage others, just by your example, to choose to do the same.

Namaste,

Wayne

Dr. Larry's "I am Thankful"

This week we have another great post from Dr. Larry Markson about the importance of thankfulness and how making a list of things for which we are thankful can have a huge positive impact in our lives.

I Am Thankful

As a practice management and personal development coach for all these many years, it has become the norm for me to listen to the “What’s Wrong” or “What Is Not Working List” of clients and even friends.  It seems that in the real world, the 80% that I always allude to (average people thinking average thoughts and getting average results), love to speak about their problems and issues, about what is broken, about what they “need” to do to fix the situations they find themselves embroiled in and about the pain and confusion that lives within.

The squeaky wheel always seems to get the attention and very few (20%) really spend any time giving thanks for all the things that are going right in their lives, the blessings they have been given, and they pay little attention to the vast majority of what is going great for them.

People complain by habit, they mimic the negative talking heads on TV and articles from the newspapers that generally have nothing good to say – after all “positive” does not sell newspapers.  And, sadly, this habit spills over as they complain about themselves, their marriages, their kids, their businesses or practices, their financial condition, their age – whatever.

The constant barrage of negative self-talk only attracts what they say they do not want, when in reality you get what you set and what you program by repetition does happens to you.

Most importantly, I have discovered that no one really cares.  So, shhhhhhhhhh!  Can it!  Stop complaining!  Quit programming your mind in ways that create pain and defeat in your life.

Better yet, do what I do.  Make a list of the things you are happy and grateful for.  Force yourself to concentrate on all the good you have and relegate everything else to the back burner to be referenced and cured when you get serious about paying the price for being successful, happy, health and fulfilled.

Here is part of my list:  Notice that I always begin with the statement, “I AM THANKFUL FOR.”

I am thankful for my health, my ability to make decisions easily and quickly, my determination to confront anyone about anything, my action orientation, my creativity and positive outlook, the concepts and visions that appear in my mind, my limitless energy and the understanding that, “It IS all in my head,”

I am thankful for my family, my wife, children and grandchildren, my relatives (as strange as they are), the circle of life-long friends who return my love, the vast number of additional friendships that fill my social calendar to overflowing.

I am thankful for the hundreds of employees who were part of my teams and the thousands of patients, clients and members who believed in me and even credited me with helping to change their lives, practices or businesses for the better.

I am thankful for the Chiropractic Profession, as unique and misunderstood that it is.  I loved being a practicing Doctor of Chiropractic and a Chiropractic Practice Management Consultant and now I love being the facilitator of The Cabin Experience and the member of the Board of Trustees of Life University.

I am thankful that my mother didn’t suffer with pain before she passed last week.  I am thankful that my grandchildren call me Pop Pop with eyes that convey unconditional love.

I am thankful for my extremely beautiful back yard, with my favorite chair positioned just right for me to see the magnificent colors of the huge array of flowers that bear every color of the rainbow.  It is a place of tranquility a peace for me.

I am thankful for the abundance in my life and I am thankful for YOU – for to me YOU are what it is really all about!

For more information, check out Dr. Larry's website: http://www.thecabinexperience.com/viewarticle.asp?id=271

Dr. Wayne Dyer's "Success Secrets"

This week we have a great, short post from Dr. Wayne Dyer.  He discusses one of his tricks to success, his mental attitude and outlook.  This might be a short article, but it is a special one!

Success Secrets

by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

One of my secrets for feeling successful and attracting bountiful abundance into my life has been an internal axiom that I use virtually every day of my life. It goes like this: Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change. This has always worked for me.

The truth of this little maxim is actually found in the field of quantum physics, which, according to some, is a subject that’s not only stranger than you think it is, it’s stranger than you can think. It turns out that at the tiniest subatomic level, the actual act of observing a particle changes the particle. The way we observe these infinitely small building blocks of life is a determining factor in what they ultimately become. If we extend this metaphor to larger and larger particles and begin to see ourselves as particles in a larger body called humanity or even larger—life itself—then it’s not such a huge stretch to imagine that the way we observe the world we live in affects that world.

Think of this little journey into quantum physics as a metaphor for your life. Your feelings of success and your experience of prosperity and abundance depend on your positive view of yourself, your life, and the Universe from which success and abundance come. Changing the way you look at things is an extremely powerful tool. Start by examining how you look at things. Is the Universe matching your way of looking?

Namaste,

Wayne

Dr. Larry's "Like No One is Watching"

This week we have another great post by Dr. Larry Markson that explains that as we get older, we begin to suppress parts of our personality that we consider socially unacceptable.  He suggests that we try to re-incorporate these aspects of our personality into our everyday lives and live as if no one is watching.

Like No One Is Watching

Over time, we have learned to suppress some of the most fun aspects of our individuality.

Most of us express our distinctiveness in many ways throughout our lives. Although, as we proudly share our offbeat traits and preferences with the world, we take great pains to downplay those eccentricities we ourselves deem odd. Instead of living lives colored by these quirky impulses, we seek out socially acceptable outlets for our peculiarities.

We may not realize that we are editing ourselves in this way because our individual societal awareness is unintentionally attuned to the attitudes of the people we encounter each day. Over time, we have learned to suppress some of the most fun aspects of individuality. To rediscover and embrace these buried traits, we need only ask ourselves what we would do if we knew for certain that no one would judge our choices.

Visualizing this day without judgment can help you better understand the idiosyncrasies that are an important part of who you are but seldom manifest themselves in your existence. Perhaps you secretly dream of replacing grown-up, conservative clothing in favor of a changing array of costumes.

You may envision yourself painting your car electric-green, hugging the trees in a crowded local park, singing joyous songs as you skip through your community, or taking up an exciting hobby like fire spinning. Try not to be surprised, however, if your imagination takes you in unexpectedly simple directions. In your musings, you may see yourself doing things such as breaking out in dance or dying your hair a fun color.

Regardless of the nature of your suppressed peculiarities, ask yourself what is really stopping you from making them a part of your life, and then resolve to incorporate at least one into your everyday existence.

Life as we know it is so short. Making the most of years we are granted is a matter of being ourselves even though we know that we will inevitably encounter people who disapprove of our choices. When you shake your tail feathers like no one is watching, you will discover that there are many others who appreciate you because you are willing to let go of any inhibition.

By doing this you help others know it is okay. No one else in the world is precisely like you and, each time you revel in this simple fact, you rededicate yourself to the celebration of individuality.

Dr. Wayne Dyer's "Be the Peace"

Have you ever been around a person that just radiates calmness?  The article below discusses how you can become that person.

Be the Peace

by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Peace isn’t something you ultimately receive when you slow down the pace of your life. Peace is what you’re capable of being and bringing to every encounter and event in the waking moments of your life. Being peaceful is an inner attitude that you can enjoy when you’ve learned to silence your incessant inner dialogue. Being peaceful isn’t dependent on what your surroundings look like. It seldom has anything to do with what the people around you think, say, or do. A noiseless environment isn’t a requirement.

St. Francis’s famous prayer states it better than I can: “Make me an instrument of your peace.” In other words, St. Francis wasn’t asking God to provide him with peace. He was asking for guidance to be more like the peace he trusted was his Source. Being peace is different from looking for peace.

This principle isn’t about merely choosing tranquil thoughts when you’re feeling frayed and anxious. I suggest picturing a container deep within yourself out of which all your thoughts flow. Inside of this container, at its very center, imagine a candle flame. You need to make a commitment that this flame in the center of the container holding all your thoughts will never, ever even flicker, although the very worst may go before you. This is your container of peace, and only peaceful thoughts can fuel the burning candle. You don’t need to change your thoughts as much as you need to learn to be an energy of peace lighting the way and attracting serene, harmonious thoughts and beings. In this way, you’ll become a being of peace.

As a being of peace, you make a huge impact on those around you. It’s almost impossible to be totally stressed out in the presence of someone who has opted to be peace. Peace is a higher and faster energy—when you’re being peace, just your presence alone will often nullify the uneasiness and tension in those around you. The secret of this principle is: Be the peace and harmony you desire. You cannot get it from anything or anyone else.

Namaste,

Wayne

Dr. Larry's "Holding On To Regret"

This week we have a great post from Dr. Larry Markson regarding regret and forgiveness.  He discusses the significance of letting go of negative attachments to the past.  Practicing this can help promote healing and wellness.

Holding On To Regret

by Dr. Larry Markson

Holding on to regret is like dragging the weight of the past with us everywhere we go. It drains our energy, leaving less available for life in the present because we are constantly feeding an old issue.

This attachment can cause illness the same way watering a dead plant creates decay. We know that something new and beautiful can grow in its place if we only prepare the soil and plant the right seeds. We also know that we create our lives from our thoughts, so dwelling on the past may actually recreate a situation in our lives where we are forced to make the choice again and again.

We can choose to move on right now by applying what we have learned to the present and perhaps even sharing with others, transforming the energy into something that is constructive and creative for ourselves and others.

Forgiveness is the soothing balm that can heal regret. In meditation, we can imagine discussing the issue with the self of our past and offering our forgiveness for the choice. In return, we can ask for our selves’ forgiveness for keeping them locked in that space of judgment for so long. We may also want to ask forgiveness from anyone else who may have been affected and perhaps offer our forgiveness.

By replaying the event in our minds, we can choose a new ending using all that we now know. Imagine that you have actually gone back into the past and made this change, and then say goodbye to it. Release your former self with a hug and bring the forgiveness and love back with you to the present. Since we are usually our harshest critics, it is amazing how powerfully healing it can be to offer ourselves love.

Keeping our minds and our energy fully in the present allows us to fuel our physical and emotional healing and well-being today. This action frees our energy to create the reams we dream for the future. By taking responsibility and action in the present, we can release our hold on the past.

http://drlarrymarkson.authorsxpress.com/2012/12/04/holding-on-to-regret/

Dr. Pruthi's "The Dark Side of Your Favorite Summer Shoes"

Just in time for summer, we have a great post by Podiatrist, Dr. Rebecca Pruthi, that discusses the most common summer shoe choices and how they can effect your feet.

The Dark Side of Your Favorite Summer Shoes

by Rebecca Pruthi, DPM

Summer is just around the corner. For most of us, that means tossing our heavy boots aside for our fun summer sandals and bright slip-ons. However, many people are unaware of the perils associated with our favorite summer footwear. As a woman, I know it’s hard to resist a “cute” shoe. But, as a podiatrist, I frequently see that these shoes can be extremely unsupportive, eventually leading to problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or other painful conditions.

Plantar fasciitis may result from overuse of the connective tissue band known as the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot. When this band is unsupported or overused, it can become inflamed and painful. Therefore understanding and choosing the right shoe can be important in preventative care.

Flip Flop: Of course, this is our favorite and most common shoe worn around the pool and on the beach. Unfortunately, the average flip flop offers very little to no support. They are usually extremely flat, with nothing securing the front or the back of the foot. This puts a lot of stress on the musculature of the foot and heel. Some of the newer versions of the classic flip flop offer some support which may provide some benefit for short-term wear on the beach and poolside.

Ballet Flats: There may be more support on the front and back end of the shoe, but as the name implies, they are flat with minimal cushioning or protection between your foot and the ground. There is a force known as a “ground reaction force” that occurs when your foot hits the ground during walking or (gait cycle). Without proper support or cushioning, this force may cause tension on the bottom of the foot, ultimately leading to inflammation and tightness of the fascia – a real pain! Minimize walking in ballet slippers to short distances, and look for those that offer rubber soles and cushioning, if possible.

Summer Sandal: These can vary a great deal. They can range from extremely flat to high heels, which may lead to other foot conditions. Sandal straps can also cause pain especially if they are impinging on certain areas of the foot. The best sandal is made from soft material, has a soft sole, deep heel cup, arch support, and in some cases, a small wedge heel.

Sneakers: Surprise, surprise! Sneakers offer the best support from this list, but not all sneakers are the same. Patients already diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, may also benefit from a custom molded orthotic to be placed into the shoe or sneaker, not visible for anyone to see. This provides support of the arch and allows the patient to walk in a more neutral position rather than rolling on the inside or outside of the foot.

Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and bunions can all be exacerbated with certain summer footwear. With all the trendy and sexy shoes on the market, it is easy to be tempted to purchase those that may cause harm. On the flip side, with a bit of awareness, you can make foot-savvy decisions,   keeping your feet happy and healthy for the long term.

Dr. Wayne Dyer's "Make Love Your Habit"

Hello Everyone! This week we found a great blog post by Dr. Wayne Dyer, a motivational author.  He recounts a wonderful story of one of his trips to Turkey and uses his experience to stress the concept that we should train our minds to think from a place of love instead of judgement.  It's powerful to think that this small shift can make such a difference in our own lives and outlook, but more importantly, in the lives of others. Make Love Your Habit by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer On the recent Hay House Mediterranean cruise, “In the Wake of Our Spiritual Ancestors,” we visited historic sites of the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. One highlight of the trip was a stop at the ruins of Ephesus on the coast of Turkey, where I was scheduled to lecture. I’ll tell you about an experience I had there that illustrates the importance of our power to choose who we are. That day in Ephesus there were many tourists in the area and, thus, a long line for the bathroom. Once inside I saw that there was a man handing out little pieces of paper to the people after they washed their hands. My first thought was an immediate throwback to a younger version of myself. “What is this guy doing in this toilet and is he expecting me to give him a tip? I don’t want to have to give someone a tip for just going to the bathroom. I just had to pee. I don’t think I should have to pay for that. I don’t want to have to deal with this. I don’t want to have to look at him. Here’s someone who’s trying to take advantage of me. He wants a coin. I don’t have any coins.” These thoughts flew into my head spontaneously. I took the piece of paper and walked out. I got about ten feet away and then realized what I had done. “Oh my God, who knows what this man’s story is? He has decided to go into a toilet where tourists come and go all day long. (You can’t imagine what it smelled like in there.) “And he stands there all day just handing out little pieces of paper perhaps to earn money to feed his family. Who knows what’s going on in his life? And here I am judging him.” Thoughts born of anger, judgment and fear are habitual memes that fill our heads if we let them. Where they came from doesn’t matter. What matters is that we recognize them. There was a time when, after thinking those habitual thoughts, I would correct them and say to myself, “the next time that happens….” But now what I did was take immediate action. I went back into the bathroom. I had a 20 euro note. I reached out and put it into the man’s hand. “God bless you,” I said. “It’s really thoughtful of you to just hand me a piece of paper after I washed my hands.” This is the healing power of divine love as we open ourselves to it. We’ve all developed mental habits of fear, judgment, getting angry at people for no reason, and feeling threatened. With the working out of divine love, we start seeing these habits for what they are; then we start correcting our thoughts. Finally, we start acting on the corrections. We begin to see the unfolding of God in everyone. I slipped that day in Ephesus. The rest of that trip, when I saw people like the man I met, I had more and more of an outpouring of love. I started giving away coins to remind myself how blessed I am to even have a toilet let alone to have someone inside handing me paper. That’s the shift. You decide you are a being of divine love and every time you have a thought that is not consistent with that assessment of who you are, you correct the thought and then you go back and correct the action. A habit is a habit until you become aware of it. Ask yourself, “Is this how I choose to react to people who are asking me for help?” Choose love over fear until it becomes your habit. “In the poor, we find Jesus in his most distressing disguises.” –Mother Teresa

Dr. Larry's "Are You Strategy or Identity Based?"

Hold on tight, this one's a doozie!  This week we have a slightly longer post by Dr. Larry Markson to help you determine if your personality is "Identity-Based" or "Strategy-Based."  This is a very interesting way to view your personality in the context of how you view success and how you go about achieving your concept of success.  So, sit back and take a little extra time because this one is worth it!

Are You Strategy or Identity Based?

by Dr. Larry Markson

The distinguishing feature that separates my philosophy of success with others is that it is uniquely “Identity-Based,” and not merely “Strategy-Based.”

Strategy-Based means that you are told what action steps need to be taken for you to get better results with various procedures, such as new patient acquisition, patient education, patient retention, fees, payment options and collections, staff training, public speaking and running the business part of the practice, etc.  Simply, it means telling you what to do and telling you that if you do what we say, you will get the desired results.

Oh, if that were only true, life and practice success would be so very easy.  We’d tell you what to do, when to do it, how to do it and why to do it that way…and poof, as if by magic every DC taught a given procedure would reach the same outstanding level of achievement.

Sadly though, just telling doctors what to do, NEVER gets the results the teacher or the chiropractor wants.  For example, if I taught 10 different doctors the same exact method of conducting a highly successful Spinal Screening, and those thoroughly trained individuals did their screening at the same Health Fair, on the same day, they would get 10 different results…some outstanding, and some outstandingly poor.

Why?  Because 10 different individuals with 10 different I.Q.’s, 10 different levels of skill, 10 different belief systems and 10 different levels of confidence, security, ability to confront and face rejection ALWAYS get different results.  Pure logic would say that they all possessed different knowledge, communication skills, attitudes, desires, ability to bounce back from adversity and a whole host of other contributing factors.

Hence, strategy-based advice by itself is limited and works for some better than for others.  But, when it does work it is never because of the strategy…it is because of the person who is applying that strategy and most importantly, the IDENTITY of that individual.

Who You Are…

Identity means, “Who you are determines how well what you do works.” It means who you are way down deep inside, your desires, your likes or dislikes, your confidence or fears, your willingness to  adapt and change, or  even  your  “I’m just fine the way am” attitude.  Basically, I’m talking about your self-image, your self-esteem, your values hierarchy and the behavior patterns that define everything you do or do not do, and even how well you do them.

Achievement then is ALWAYS based upon WHO YOU ARE! So, what seems to be the problem here? 

Why do some doctors enthusiastically join a practice building program program, hoping beyond all reasonable expectations that within a few months or even a year, they will be able to change their complete identity, eliminate their past and many times limited pre-programming and become an entirely different person overnight?

While that does happen for a select few, changing yourself into a successful person who then builds a successful practice, is a process that requires considerable time, perhaps even years.  Sounds like what you tell your patients about healing, doesn’t it?

So, given the time, what then is the ingredient that is required?

The Courage To Change Who You Are!

I know, that sounds too easy, too simple and you want me to conjure up some far more exotic and complex ingredient.  But I assure you there is none.  All that is required is COURAGE and the burning desire to change. It has never been a question of CAN you change…of course you can!  It has always been a question of WILL you change.  Well, will you?

Do you have the courage, the guts, the audacity, the tenacity and the determination to shed old habit patterns regardless of how uncomfortable that might be, and persist until new, healthier and more successful habit patterns replace them.  That calls for making a major decision. And, by the way COURAGE IS A DECISION!

You are not born with courage and no one can give it to you. It cannot be purchased or earned by being nice or by doing good deeds.  Courage is already within you!  Perhaps it is dormant, but it is there.  Courage comes from you, not to you!

Defined, courage is the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear or vicissitudes with self-possession and bravery.  People don’t change because they are afraid to change, although after years of trying and failing, their minds now tell them that they are okay just the way they are.

Just remember that change takes time and hard work.  It is not for the faint of heart, the procrastinators or the lazy.  It requires (1) a decision to change (2) the courage to face the new feelings and take new actions (3) a true desire to do whatever it takes without looking back, and (4) a professional coach or evaluator to keep you on track and give you viewpoints different from your own.

What I am saying here is that success, happiness and achievement are SKILLS, and as such can be identified, taught and learned by anyone willing to pay the price of learning those skills.

In chiropractic, this is surely true.  We have clearly identified what it takes to grow the practice of your dreams and to live the lifestyle you want.  The only roadblock is you, and how serious you are about changing and acquiring the personal ingredients that will propel you to your goals.

SUCCESS IS AN IDENTITY, NOT A STRATEGY!

http://drlarrymarkson.authorsxpress.com/2012/11/27/are-you-strategy-or-identity-based/