Archive for the ‘Mind-Body Wellness Videos’ Category

As an aspiring mind-body wellness expert, one of the challenges I face, especially being in the public eye is the huge responsibility of leading by example, and being authentic.

These last few months have been the most challenging of my entire life.  I’ve been smack dab in the middle of the most gut-wrenching turmoil I’ve ever had to face, and forced to make some tough decisions that will alter the course of not only my life, but another human being that I have loved for a long time.

How ironic that I’ve decided to dedicate my life to learning and teaching about the effects of various stressors on the body and ways we can adapt and dance with it– and I find myself in this moment being immersed in stress, tension, anxiety, conflict, and chaos.

Since it’s not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens– which will determine the outcome of our lives— this is how I’m responding:  Digging deep and gathering courage and exploring my creativity, passion, and purpose.

One of the benefits of feeling helpless and hopeless at times is that it forces you to take risks and action steps you wouldn’t have had the courage to do– because you have no choice but to step out of your comfort zone.  So I, along with one of my brilliant friends who happens to be an award-winning filmmaker, Tobin, sat down after his adjustment one day and tweaked and polished this concept of creating some educational yet fun videos of me acting a fool and playing various characters and doing voices of their spines in a “couple’s counseling/therapy” session.  I watch these videos and chuckle because during the release of the first 2 videos I myself was going through couple’s counseling sessions of my own.

I’ve learned a lot.  I’ve learned that no matter what happens, people will have their opinions about the choices you make.  I’ve learned that it’s not possible to feel stress or anxiety or depression when you are focussed on creating.  I’ve not only learned, but experienced that no matter what, people will like you and dislike you, so you might as well do what you love to do.  I’ve learned that energy is never created nor destroyed, it just changes forms.  I’ve learned that in the darkest times you have your most amazing moments.  I’ve learned that when you are stressed beyond belief, a Chiropractic adjustment works miracles to help you within a matter of seconds.  I’ve learned that your friends and supportive family will always show their true colors in your most challenging times, just like you show your true colors to them.  And even though their true colors might not look too brightly on you, it’s good that you still get to see them.  It’s humbling because your true colors, to some, don’t seem too bright either—-so get off your frigging high horse.  I’ve learned that everyone (including me), is surrounded by both sides of love– support and challenge, praise and blame, build up, and tear down.  No matter how hard you try, you won’t escape it.  I’ve learned that sometimes… it’s just better for everyone involved to just stop trying so hard and let go.

Ah, the bitter-sweet taste of wisdom.

So this is how I am responding.  I’m following my soul purpose– to be an educator and entertainer, helping people heal and transform, using all the skills and talents that I’ve been blessed with to shine my light even in my own darkness.

Ryan the abusive Snowboarder (photo by http;//www.photobinphotography.com

Over the next 4 months, I will be releasing a new “Spinal Therapist” scene for you to enjoy– for no other purpose except that I have something burning inside to share with the world.  So you better share it or I will hunt you down.  I learned from a bright young financial guru at a seminar to invest in my “soul purpose”.  After carefully thinking about it– I pretty much pulled all my money out of real estate and have decided to pour it into things that only pertain to my dreams and aspirations of helping the world transform from physical and emotional challenge and suffering to natural ways of living and being… and helping create a healthy mind and body free of unnecessary pharmaceutical intervention.

I want to publicly thank Tobin for his creativity and friendship– and his amazing wife Sarah who was the inspiration for the next character you will soon see .  He is the genius behind the scenes who has come up with the whole concept.  And to Yasie for being my support through everything even when I didn’t think I would make it. And most of all– To Maria for not only helping me transform into all these characters with her genius makeup work, but also putting up with me for the last 5 or so years.  I will always love you.

So here you go.  Me. Tears streaming down my face (true story).  In my authenticity.  Leading by example (well trying).  Following my dream. The next chapter begins…. NOW.

Warning.  This may offend some.  Those that have no sense of humor, no charm, wit, sense of playfulness (or good looks)– please do not watch this video.  Those that have problems watching others promote to the world in a fun way what they love to do should avoid my website, facebook, twitter posts with every fiber of their being.

I’ve been criticized by some in the profession for not being professional or too “self-promoting”.  Good.  I’m glad I’ve pissed a few people off.  I’ve watched dozens of my peers do their best to put up videos promoting their practices– first off– Good for you, I applaud you for your courage.  You can’t do or say anything without your critics.  I know– because I too, am a critic of the way we are approaching our health.  I just want to put out videos that make people smile, laugh, and like you will see in this case… cringe.  Please stay tuned for Part 2.

Please enjoy.  Thanks for watching.  And thank you to Tobin for his creative genius and Maria for her great work.

The only way to overcome fear is to face it.  I’ve always had a burning desire to go Bungee jumping, but I chickened out.  Not this time.  hope you enjoy this video as much as I did in experiencing it.  In this week’s Mind/Body Wellness tip, I decide the best way to teach you about facing what you fear is to show you the possible reactions and emotional discomfort you’ll have to work through in order to live the life of your dreams.  Are you willing to learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable?

In working closely with people, I found a common theme in those that think their lives are crappy:  Feeling disconnected with their higher purpose. I know because that’s when I feel crappiest.

The mission of my mind-body wellness blog and vlog is to help my community and the world :

- dissolve stress,

- overcome anxiety and depression,

- transform physical and emotional pain

- reduce or eliminate use of medications

- lose weight and live healthy, fulfilling, and prosperous lives

Since this is my mission both in my Maple Ridge office and recently throughout the Globe—I found it fitting to use my first Mind-body Wellness Tip as an encouragement to you to find one for yourself, if you don’t already have one.  And if and when you do, to pour all your heart and soul into it.

If you don’t already have a mission—now is the time to start asking yourself what kind of meaning you want to give to your life.  The truth is, you DO have a purpose for being here, and often times it’s by using what you’ve struggled with for the benefit of others.  Most people use their “stories” as something they are ashamed of and want to hide from.  I often joke that I make my struggles with stress and worry (my mess) as the core foundation of my message.

There are 3 characteristics of a good soul purpose, calling, mission or cause that you will dedicate to.

1)It benefits both YOU and OTHERS simultaneously

2)It involves the removal of suffering and bringing on of fulfillment to others as well as yourself

3)It requires you to engage in an area that you find interesting, have mastery over, and is meaningful to YOU.

Notice how it doesn’t involve you simply being altruistic, either.  Be keenly aware and clear of what you’re getting in exchange for what you want to put out to the universe.  A fulfilling relationship can only occur if both parties are aware of what they are getting in return for what they are giving.

I love to debate this point with people who believe its all about giving and not receiving.

Atlas Adjustment

Last year I went to the Dominican Republic for Chiromission and blogged about it (with video footage).  We were touched by the cause of a Pastor and his wife who adopted 25 children in a small little shack.  Our group rounded up donations to help him build a bigger orphanage to help house 50 more kids—a total of 75!

Here’s the blog from last year called “A trip that changed my life”.  There’s a video at the end.

Since we’ll be returning in a couple weeks to see the progress of our efforts, I thought this would be a great place to start.

Here’s your mind-body wellness tip #1.  Looking forward to sharing with you tools to live at your best—both in mind and body.  Enter your email at the top right hand corner if you want them sent directly into your inbox as they come up.  As always, feel free to comment and share with those that you think could use it.