I’ve always thought that Columbus Day was a significant and often overlooked holiday. To me, it symbolizes the pioneering spirit that was to become the American way — boldly sailing forth into an uncertain future with vision, character, courage, leadership and positive expectancy.
As a chiropractor, I see these ideals displayed throughout our history, and the events of this past weekend only served to reinforce the pride I feel in our heritage.
The first annual Cleveland Chiropractic Conference was held in Los Angeles, with headliners like Mark Victor Hansen, Larry Markson, Reggie Gold and Bob Hoffman. The content of the seminar was excellent, but there were two highlights for me that are worth mentioning. First, I really appreciated that Michael Flynn of the ACA and CJ Mertz of the ICA shared the podium, giving us their impressions of the state of the profession, the progress in the legal arena and the movement toward unity. Both are articulate spokespeople for chiropractic, and based on their intelligence and grasp of the issues, I would trust them to represent us beautifully in any circumstance.
The second highlight for me was the opportunity to get to know and work with Carl Cleveland III, President of the Cleveland Colleges. He is a true gentleman, a scholar and educator of the highest magnitude. Among the most distinguished family names in chiropractic history, Cleveland has always stood for quality and class, and the curriculum and the tone at the colleges demonstrates that vividly. Talking to the students who attended the event, they seem delighted with their experience, and feel confident that they are being prepared effectively to handle the intricacies of modern practice.
Much like Columbus, Carl’s parents, grandparents and great grandparents forged a path that many have followed, for the betterment of all. In the days prior to chiropractic licensing, they lived at the edge, not knowing which day the police would come to shut them down. But their faith and their intent was so strong, that they faced that challenge head on, determined to establish chiropractic as the necessary and beneficial healing art they knew it to be. By plunging forward into the unknown, yet armed with the certainty of pursuing a worthy cause, the Cleveland family has contributed immeasurably to chiropractic education, ethics, politics, science and philosophy.
Think for a moment about the miracles you’ve seen in your office, and reflect on how very important chiropractic care is, in the grand scheme of things. Consider your level of investment of time, energy and capital at the present — could you be more engaged, could you be putting in more to help more people and make a bigger difference? When I think about those who came before, the sacrifices they made and the trails they blazed, I am inspired and motivated to double my efforts. I hope you agree, and back it up with your actions — do more to get the word out to people, support worthy causes in chiropractic like the Trigon lawsuit, and attend conferences and seminars like those sponsored by Cleveland, Palmer, Parker, CLA, Foot Levelers and The Masters Circle — make your statement as part of the energy field of change that will usher in a new era of peace, wellness and quality of life.
Dennis Perman DC, for The Masters Circle
PS You’ve probably already heard about The Masters Circle Third Annual SuperConference — this one is going to be the biggest and best yet, with over 1800 already registered! This will be a tremendous program, with top shelf presenters, like Guy Riekeman, Wayne Dyer, Larry Markson, Bob Hoffman, Patrick Gentempo, Bill Esteb, Jack Canfield — what a line-up! Please call 800-451-4514, or visit our website at themasterscircle.com for more information or to register.
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