Wise Healing for the Holidays

The holiday season can be one of the most joyous times of the year. How you treat yourself will play an instrumental role in how you feel and who you will be. Last week I gave myself a special holiday treat I would like to share with you.

Several months ago I made a decision that I would have my wisdom teeth removed. Well last week I actually went in to have the procedure done.The truth is that I had no idea what I was getting myself into. With all do respect to my dentist, I believe she did a phenomenal job and did her best. However, I had no idea how invasive and violent the extraction would actually be.

I have been living a balanced wellness lifestyle and been getting adjusted for almost 20 years. I have a nerve system that is very responsive and reactive to everything in my environment. I have not taken any drugs, pushed or prescribed, in over 15 years.

I would like to explain an almost perfect neural response to a situation like this. Firstly, I have had about 2 headaches in my life (both from concussions in hockey) and after this procedure I felt as if I’d been hit in the head and jaw by a baseball bat, several times. I literally thought my head was going to explode.

My guess is that my dentist had to use a significant amount of local anesthetic during the process in all the corners of my mouth. As mentioned, my nerve system picked up on this very quickly. For 4 hours after the procedure I was “violently ill”. In fact, getting ill the day after an evening with Tequila was a walk in the park compared to this. I was noxious, in severe pain, light headed, dizzy… I felt TERRIBLE! I cannot remember a time feeling this bad.

So what does one do in this situation? With my understanding of anatomy, physiology, physics and healing I knew that my nerve system just needed to integrate everything. So I did all of the things that would facilitate this. I made sure I drank lots of water, took vitamins, nutrients, rested, introspected and had an attitude of gratitude. Yes, to be grateful for this experience because it will help me learn more about myself, grow and become more whole.

I honestly thought that there was no way I was going to be able to be at the Studio the next day adjusting. I spent the entire day in bed resting and sleeping. That night something profound happened. The temperature of the core of my body was significantly elevated, especially around my spine. However, I did not have a fever or the symptoms that accompany one. My body was doing some serious integration that night. Friday morning I woke up and felt pretty good. I was not 100% but I was a close 85%. Not bad for less than 24 hrs of healing after a significant 2.5 hour surgery.

What was the most interesting was that my spine had a very unique sensation. It was sensitive from the base of my skull to the tip of my tailbone and felt as if somebody had taken a meat tenderizer to it. It had this tender/raw feeling. Hmmmm, very interesting!

As I always remind all of you, the nerve system is the master control system of the body and the structure of the spine is intimately related to its function. When the nerve system integrates experiences it actually develops small gyrating somatic waves. If you tune in during your next adjustment you can actually see and feel these waves. The nerve system is attached at the base of your cranium and at your sacrum by a material called dura. The spinal cord in-between is suspended in a fluid and can actually be plucked like a guitar string. Well, my nerve system that night had so much to integrate, these somatic waves gyrating all night actually made me feel a little sore the next day.

The purpose of this story is to help you better understand how your body heals from the experiences in life. These somatic waves are what the adjustment facilitates and they are directly linked to having a healthy nerve and immune system, higher energy levels, more vitality and elevated levels of consciousness.

So the next time somebody asks you why you get adjusted, you can let them know it’s a big part of living a healthy and balanced actualized life!

Happy Holidays!

What Chiropractors do in 30 seconds or less!

1. A Vitalistic Wellness Chiropractor understands that as human beings the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and that a living body is a self healing, self regulating organism.

2. The nerve system (brain, spinal cord, nerves, neuropeptides) is the master control system of the body and transmits life force to all the atoms and cells of our being.

4. When one is not completely adapting to the experiences in their life their nerve system creates interference patterns (areas of stored/potential energy) distorting communication between the brain and the body altering the flow of life force. This results in altered function of our bodies and altered perceptions of the world and ourselves.

5. A Vitalistic Chiropractor facilitates integration of these interference patterns.

6. This empowers everyone to fully experience life and be fully alive!

Causes of interference patterns:

1. Physical - birth process, falls, surgeries, trauma, repetitive actions, activities

2. Chemical - toxins: drugs, medications, cigarettes, alcohol, environmental toxins, food, air

3. Emotional/Mental - relationships, work, family, grieving, separation/divorce, financial, life transitions, perception of self/others

Who can Benefit from Vitalistic Wellness Chiropractic Care?

ANYONE who wants to experience more LIFE, whether one is a newborn, a child, an athlete or person looking for better performance, someone who is ill and has symptoms and/or wants to become more of a conscious being living in the "now" instead of being colored by the past.

Clear Intentions

In my last piece of education I talked about the 3 necessary elements of life. This week I would like to expand on the 2^nd element - how you may become clearer on setting Deliberate Focus and Intentions on the things you WANT and desire.

There have been books and ideas that have come out over the past years that talk about the power of positive thinking, affirmations and the notion of mind over matter. It is important to know:

This is NOT what I am discussing here!

At times it is great to sit back and let life take us to see what it brings our way. However, if we want to experience specific things in our life, we need to focus on bringing them about deliberately.

When it comes to our health and well-being we have been domesticated to believe that life hands us a set of cards and if we have challenges we go to the expert doctors that will tell us our fate. Most of us do not do this in any other area of our lives.

In fact the truth is that you set deliberate focus and intentions almost everyday in your life. You have decided on the house you live in, the vehicle or mode of transportation you have, the people you have relationships with, your career/lifestyle, your education, whether you have children, how you cut/style your hair, the clothes you wear everyday, etc., etc…

So when it comes to your health and wellbeing why do most people leave it in the hands of somebody else? I respect the fact that we “doctors” may know a little more than the average person when it comes to health. This information should be utilized and taken into consideration. Also know that you have complete control over your entire life, including how much joy, vitality and vibrancy you express and experience.

Physically are you symptomatic? Mentally or emotionally are you well rested and full of life?

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your life and your intention is to “get rid” of these sensations, you will be rewarded with more

experiences that will continue to give you feelings of “getting rid” of pain or discomfort. Not the outcome you are looking for!

Let’s look at this a different way. If you have an old red coat that you no longer desire to wear you may set intentions to purchase a new coat, let’s say a black coat. Now when you go shopping are you focused on what you want or what you do not want? It would be absurd to spend all your time and energy focused on NOT having the red coat. In fact if you did this, all your attention and energy would force you to see more red coats and less black coats. (If you don’t believe me, go shopping and try this).

Naturally you would be focused on all the black coats because that is what you truly desire. Shopping makes this appear easy and I assure you it is.

I set deliberate focus and intentions in all areas of my life. Personal, professional, cultural, economical, environmental…everything is possible! One of the keys is to: BE PATIENT and PERSISTENT! One of the areas I have struggled with is finding a life partner that was my perfect match. Years ago, working with my life coach, I WROTE very clear intentions of what I desired in a partner. Last week I am proud to say that I “officially” got engaged to a woman that I simply describe as “Amazing!”.

What are some of the areas you are struggling with in your life? If it is your health and wellbeing start to write down what you want to experience. If you have pain or discomfort physically, mentally or emotionally, I ask that you WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU DESIRE. For example: Feel energized, Walk/run for an hour, Have a flexible spine/nerve system, Move my shoulders freely, Be patient with family, Love and accept peoples differences, Profoundly raise happy vibrant children, Feel joy, Smile, Be trusting, Be happy, Love myself, etc!

Have fun with this! Do it with your family or friends (PS: children love doing this and it’s very empowering.)

As always, The Universe rewards action, please take action, Now!

3 ELEMENTS OF LIFE

As many of you know last week I achieved a major milestone in my life, successfully completing the H2H 100 km Ultra-Marathon. For most the thought of even pushing ones mind and body to this extreme is incomprehensible. For me it is simply applying life’s universal laws and principles to see what is possible for my mind, body and spirit. In doing so I continue to grow and experience life from a whole new level.

Life is completely what we make of it. What are the necessary ingredients to experience life at a whole new level? Truly, there are 3 necessary elements that must be fully utilized in order to keep your system moving in the direction towards greater health and wholeness.

To experience life at the highest possible level, we must have:

1. A Healthy Lifestyle that involves a balance between moving your body, nourishing it with the right foods and emotions, staying well hydrated and resting.

2. A Deliberate Focus and Intention on the things you WANT and desire to experience.

3. A Clear Neurological Connection between your brain and body so that the Source of your Life and Power can communicate with your body.

If you are missing any of these three necessary elements you will NOT FULLY experience life and your journey towards living a more balanced and integrated life will be diminished.

On the first level most people are aware that our bodies are vehicles and that motion is a key to life. We need physical, mental and emotional stress so we can continue to adapt and grow. Once stressed our atoms and cells need fuel and rest to integrate and facilitate regeneration to NEW LEVELS.

At times it is great to sit back and let life take us to see what it brings our way. However, if we want to experience specific things in our life, we need to focus on bringing them about deliberately.

Finally, if ones cells and tissues are not receiving the correct messages from their brain ones ability to fully integrate the stresses from a healthy lifestyle or have a direction to move towards will be lost.

I always tell people that ultra races are similar to living life on fast forward. One must have a clear connection between the brain and body so all the necessary physiological and psychological processes can occur efficiently and properly. There is a constant focus of what one wants to do with their mind, body, gait, speed, etc… It is living a healthy lifestyle all in one day. The body is being moved, one is eating and drinking every 20 minutes, every emotion possible is being experienced. During the race there is not much rest, but afterwards rest is necessary in the days and weeks to follow for full integration, learning and adaptations to new levels from the experience.

Where are you in your life? Is there anything in your life that you want or desire to experience? Are you applying all 3 necessary elements to life? Through awareness one may be empowered to implement change.

Spend the next few days thinking about your life, where it has come, where it is going. Right this down, look at it, are you living the life of your dreams? Regular adjustments ensures you are integrating life with a clear connection and you have the power to create a healthy lifestyle and have deliberate focus. The universe rewards action, take action now!

H2H 100 km Ultra-Marathon

As promised to all my dear friends here is a little play by play of my experience during my first 100km race, H2H.

We headed off Friday evening/Saturday morning @ 1am. As luck would have it our hot water tank blew, so we drove to my parents at that time so I could take a hot shower to freshen up before the race. We picked up Suzy (my other crew person with Kate) and got to the race start line @ 3am (1 hr before the start). On the ride down I was completely relaxed, counting my calories and fluid intake so I would be topped up for the start. The weather could be described as simply "miserable". It was cold 3-5 degrees Celsius, raining (quite hard at times) and windy. Not the ideal climate for a guy who prefers to run in a 20 degree Celsius climate.

There were 34 ultra-marathoners @ the start line. The energy could be described as a combination of excitement, nervousness and anxiousness.

I had a strong race plan and knew that my success would be dependent upon sticking to it. Because it was my first 100km race I had no idea what time I would hit the finish line at, I had no attachments to the outcome. What I did know was that I would eventually finish the race and could sustain an 8:30 mile pace for a very, very long time. This pace is almost a full 2 minutes slower than my marathon pace and feels very comfortable.

So that's what I did. At the start, runners "took off". Gosh, I'm sure they were at a 6:40 mile pace. As it turned out I stuck to my plan, sat back and let everyone go. I heard Wendy Montgomery call out when she was next to me “That’s the fastest start I’ve seen yet”. I was virtually dead last for the first 15 minutes. In fact I was so far back I could barely see anybody.

The race has 8 legs ranging from 10-15 kms. The course was very, very hilly. Again my goal, an 8:30 pace on the flats, steady climbs on the uphill’s which were slower and whatever was comfortable for downhill’s, doing my best not to burn out my quads. The first 3 legs were an interesting challenge. My legs wanted to takeoff, I kept telling Kate that my legs want to go, when my mind would drift I would creep up to a sub.7 min/mile pace and then I'd have to remind myself to slow down. I kept hearing everyone’s voice, "it's your first 100, take it slow at first". Well after leg 1 keeping my disciplined pace I moved from last to 16th place, after leg 2 from 16th to 10th, after leg 3 from 10th to 9th. It felt good passing people knowing that I was running my own race unattached to other runners. So many other runners were breathing quite hard and working way too hard this early in the race. As I ran through leg 4 I was starting to work a little, it took more effort to maintain pace, but I still felt great. In Leg 4 I stayed in 9th as I did not see another runner, analyzing the results after showed me that I was still closing the gap to people ahead of me. During the first 4 legs all my training had paid off. My mind and body felt strong, eating was easy, I was well hydrated and still excited. I had run well over a marathon and had only one more marathon and a short 10 miler to the finish line (amazing how we can justify things).

Leg 5 was a whole new story. I don't know what happened here, but all of the sudden I hit this mid-race gloom. My legs felt heavy, cramping in my calves was starting, it was requiring far too much energy to maintain pace. I did slow down a little here and took several walk breaks especially when I was getting crewed. It was getting tough to eat here too, what was taking me a few minutes to munch down was now sitting in my mouth for several minutes after each bite. A critical point for me, I needed calories for energy, but my stomach was noxious and the food tasted horrible. I persevered and managed to continue to eat and hold it all down. In this leg I caught Todd Nott from Nebraska and we ran together for some time. It was good to have somebody to talk to, after 4 hours of running I was getting kind of lonely out there in the cold rain. The beauty of the Ultra scene is that we’re all just pushing ourselves and do what we can to help other runners succeed. Much to my surprise Kate brought a megaphone and was cheering me on from a distance, her love and support could not have come at a better time. Inside I was saying "suck it up man, one foot in front of the other, if it was easy everyone would do this". I know, "There are no limitations in matter, only consciousness" "I am more than my body". After some time with Todd I respectfully asked him if he would like to pick the pace up and run with me, he declined and said he was going to hold back and that we’d see each other later. I finally finished Leg 5 and was in 8^th place.

Once I hit the exchange after Leg 5 I had this burst of energy. My legs were feeling strong again, my stomach was settling and most importantly I was now ready to race. For me the race began in Leg 5, but I wasn’t ready for the challenge yet. In leg 6 I let my legs open up and began pushing the envelope. I had spent most of the race alone on back country roads up until this point. I was now on Hwy 7 running on the left side of the road. Every time a vehicle would pass I would get a massive gust of wind pushing me back and a solid spray of water from the road and wheels….Yes, very nice. This didn’t bother me, I was now only a short 36km to the finish line (In my mind a half marathon, a run around Stanley park and then a short 5 km). I pressed hard in Leg 6, it was challenging to maintain pace as cars were passing me with speeds over 100km/h missing my body by inches with the continual downpour. I did not see any other runners in Leg 6 and had no idea where I was relative to everyone else.

As I passed another exchange and entered leg 7 a huge smile was upon my face. I was getting closer to the finish line and I was feeling stronger. I kept a strong pace and saw another runner in the distance. Over the next few miles I managed to catch them. I wasn’t sure who it was, but as I crept I said “Hello”. He responded with what sounded more like a grunt. He was working pretty hard and was not in the mood for chatting. I told him to keep it strong and kept moving past him. Leg 7 was a leg that I was very nervous about. There is a massive uphill climb and then an even sharper downhill after that. As I continued to excel ahead I saw another runner. A few miles later when the ascend began I managed to catch him. It was Matt Sessions! I think the word that best describes my feelings were utter shock. Matt is a veteran ultra-marathoner, this was his 10^th time racing H2H, he’s ran Western States100 miler, Badwater 130+miles, etc. etc…. What the heck was I doing in my first 100km race catching him. My response was a casual, “Oh hey Matt, what’s up!”.

Matt and I ran up this massive hill together encouraging each other, we pushed each other hard. Over the rest of this leg Matt and I kept passing each other, depending on when we were getting crewed and refueling.

We arrived at the summit of Leg 7and my heart was racing as if I’d just sprinted up the hill. From this point the rest of Leg 7 was a steep downhill similar to the slope of a roller coaster. For my body and I, a recipe for destruction as far as cramps were concerned. Matt was 10 yards ahead of me and he was taking the downhill at a good pace. For some strange reason I thought I could better this pace, a mistake. I let my legs open right up and motored down the hill, leaving Matt in the dust. After a minute, the cramps began. First in my left calf, then left quad, and finally my left hamstring, in fact my entire left leg felt like one big contracted muscle. I slowed down and Matt passed me again. The cramp was so bad that I had to hobble down on my right leg for the rest of the downhill. I finally got to the bottom of this hill and I knew that the finish line was very close. I asked Kate to give me a handful of electrolyte pills, I swallowed them and the cramps began to subside. The cramps never stopped but I was able to “suck it up” and start running again. My pace was getting faster and faster. The end was near! I could see Matt up ahead again. After a few minutes I caught him. He yelled at me “Almost home man, 10 km to go”. I was working way too hard to respond, I waved my hand and kept going. “Nice”, I thought “Only a short sprint around Stanley Park and I’m Home”. I continued to pick up the pace, I was now running a 6:30/mile pace. Kate and Suzy kept trying to give me more food, I kept saying “NO”. All I would do is sip Coke and take a few electrolyte pills every 5-10 minutes now. The cramps were getting worse, my pace was too fast, but I kept pushing, I was on pure Adrenaline now, I was finishing this race strong. Kate was giving me play by play every few minutes, “Your Dad and cousin are coming”, “Lanny says congrats”. I could use all the encouragement at this point. Pain and pace management was all I was doing, I was in survival. With 1 km to go, Dad and cousin Jimmy pulled up and were cheering on the side of the road with Kate and Suzy. A burst of emotions went through me, tears of joy and pride flowed down my face. I was almost done. As I entered Harrison Hot Spring I heard my name from the finish line MC. Crowds of people were cheering me on. Some looked in awe and others as if I was insane. I crossed the finish line in 9 hours and 4 minutes, 6^th overall, 3^rd in the men’s open division. Most importantly I just achieved a major milestone in my life. I just completed a 100km ultra-marathon race and ended in grand fashion. Kate, Suzy, Dad, Jimmy and Sammy (my training partner) were all there to embrace and shower me with their love and support. I felt great, smiling ear to ear, jumping up and down.

Minutes later Matt crossed the finish line and we embraced each other with a great hug and thanked each other for the experience.

Recovery had officially begun : )

For detailed race results go to:
http://www.raceheadquarters.com/results/2007/run/H2H2007Ultra.html