Knowledge is Power!
Chiropractors take a holistic approach to health and wellness so I am often asked what are the most important factors of a proactive, wellness oriented lifestyle.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
My Chiropractic office is a microcosm of the outside world. We have all ages of practice members, all income levels, and people at all stages of their health and wellness journeys. While I love educating people about holistic health and help them make positive changes in their lives, I also enjoy learning from them. We share experiences, information, and beliefs without judgement- something that seems to be lacking in many parts of our society!
One of the major principles I’ve learned from my office is the importance of gratitude. It’s amazing to me that some patients who have the most hardship- either health challenges, financial hardships, or family issues- are the most grateful for what they have. On the other hand some people who have the most are never satisfied.
Last week two patients reinforced the importance of saying thank you as much as possible. We offered a financial payment plan for one patient that would allow her to get the care she needed. Her response of gratitude was so heartfelt that it made me realize how important helping others, in any way possible, helps us as well. The other patient sent me this:
This really struck home with me. For all I have, and all the privilege I have been blessed with, who am I to be ungrateful? Please join me in an attempt to be more aware of all the blessings I have!
Yoga for me, maybe for you? 2/10/2020
It’s important for health and wellness to have passions in our lives in addition to caring about what we put in our mouths, how we move, and what we think.
#SuperbowlMeToo
Last night I watched my only NFL game of the year and at that only made it until just after half time. So I am not an expert but a few things struck me. I grew up a sports fan during the time that the team transcended the individual player and that seems to not be the case today.
The NFL is superstar driven. Much more attention is given to individual players, and plays than the game as a whole. The huge contracts that special players receive, and endorsement money, creates a me too environment- in other words I want my money too!
The other part of the superbowl that made me cringe was the half time show. Now I admit I am older, and not so up on popular culture, but a beautiful woman pole dancing? The suggestive moves and outfits made me feel for victims of the me too movement and for women in general. Here was the biggest media spectacle of all and it was perpetrating the ideal of women as objects! How many young boys and girls were getting this message!
I will say that I am not a big media consumer but I was surprised at how the game seemed to be minimized by the surrounding sizzle. I’m afraid it’s only going to get worse.
In Health, Dr Matt
TGIM 1/27/2020
Do you notice how the Universe sends you messages? And how sometimes we recognize these prompts as opportunities to stop and contemplate life but often we ignore them out of busyness? Today I am thinking about death- not my own but how we as a society process ones passing.
Last night at dinner my family had a discussion about Kobe Bryant star basketball player who died tragically at 41. The outpouring of grief around the world is common when an “important” person dies. Aren’t we all important people, as Unitarians say we must celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of all people.
Death, and how we process it, came up again for me this morning when I heard on the radio about the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz- 1 million people killed by other human beings? While it seems incomprehensible to us we need to realize that we as a species are killing each other daily. With opiods, economic disparity, and in dozens of wars and conflicts across the globe. One that particularly struck me was the plight of the Hopi and Navajo Indians in Arizona who are struggling after a major coal plant shut down, depriving them of the main source of heat. This winter many may have to choose between buying wood or food to try and survive! Why is this not as big a story as Kobe?
When I think of my own death it is interesting how different it is at 60ish than when I was younger. While I hope I have many more healthy, productive years I am also OK with the fact that no one get out of here alive! What to focus on during what ever time I have left? My younger self would have focused on experiences- going to places I haven’t seen, accomplishing more, attaining more, etc. Today I think of enjoying what I already have- my health, enough to eat and a place to live, work I love, and most importantly the relationships. Primary ones like my wife Mary and my kids, all my great friends and patients, and even casual ones that seem insignificant. There is no telling how a kind word or a smile to a stranger can impact another.
We can mourn the loss of others but we must focus on what is under our control- how we live out our remaining days!
In Health, Dr Matt
The Universe is helping you!
It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged regularly and much has happened. Some life challenges, physical, emotional, and societal have changed my perspective from externally driven to a more contemplative, inward one. One major lesson that has been reinforced during this period is the belief that things happen for a reason and that if you stay awake the right message will find you.
During the last year or so I’ve become very wary of the detrimental effect technology and constant stimulation has on ones’ inner well being. For that reason I try to limit my iPhone use and have given up going on Facebook. I made a vow that every time I looked at Facebook I would do 5 push ups. Even though I don’t mind doing push ups it made me hesitate, think twice, and almost overnight stopped going on the site- and I didn’t miss it at all.
Then this morning I decided to do the 5, and go on Facebook to message an old friend in Atlanta so I could visit on my upcoming trip. The first and olny post I read was from another old friend and great Chiropractor Dan Gambino. His quote from Paul Coelho captures a lot of thoughts that I have had recently. Remember we are all warriors in our own rights and are all doing our best to be the strongest versions of ourselves!
Every Warrior of the Light
has felt afraid of going into battle.
Every Warrior of the Light
has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.
Every Warrior of the Light
has trodden a path that was not his.
Every Warrior of the Light
has suffered for the most trivial of reasons.
Every Warrior of the Light
has, at least once, believed he was not a Warrior of the Light.
Every Warrior of the Light
has failed in his spiritual duties.
Every Warrior of the Light
has said ‘yes’ when he wanted to say ‘no.’
Every Warrior of the Light
has hurt someone he loved.
That is why he is a Warrior of the Light,
Because he has been through all this
and yet has never lost hope of being better than he is.”
–Paul Coelho
Every day is a new opportunity to be better- have faith! Dr Matt
TGIM 04/18/2016
Even though I consider myself a homebody, travel holds a special place for me. It gets you out of your routine, provides a different perspective on world views, and allows time for reflection and introspection.
Sitting in an air b&b apartment in Madrid on my fifth day in Espana a few things stand out;
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