The ultimate celebration
Along with millions on the planet, I spent New Year's Eve watching CNN, awed by its new
millennium coverage. Time zone by time zone we were able to view the world as each city,
in its own style, brought in the year 2000:
*** Australia, the country that will be hosting the summer Olympics, showed us
spectacular events and crowds of people in Sydney Harbor as the clock struck 12:00 there.
*** In Tokyo, the masses gathered as an enormous drum was being beaten by people in
ceremonial robes at midnight their time.
*** Hong Kong demonstrated a spirit of freedom as it looked toward tomorrow free of
foreign presence and rule.
*** In Korea, people were in the streets celebrating with optimism for economic
recovery. Having experienced hard times, the new millennium represented the possibilities
of a new and prosperous future.
*** In Paris, an amazing light display exploded at the Eiffel Tower when midnight came.
Millions lined the streets awestruck by the sight as they celebrated.
*** I will never lose the image in my mind of the great pyramids of Egypt. Thousands
gathered to witness a spectacular display among these mind-boggling structures that
countless generations of humans have marveled at.
*** London was the scene of the world's largest fireworks display. Barges lining the
Thames sent rockets skyward that burst into light of all colors while a powerful laser
shot across space to reflect off of a magnificent Ferris wheel. As millions witnessed
this, a super-sonic transport jet flew overhead displaying the technological proficiency
of one century, ready to advance humanity into the next.
*** Perhaps the most famous sight of all was New York City's Times Square, where a new
crystal ball weighing thousands of pounds dropped while millions of people cheered and
celebrated.
As the box I sat in front of took me on a world tour with live images and sounds, I
found myself totally engrossed in the experience.
I was watching people of all cultures, colors, religions, ages, join in a unified
celebration such as the world had never seen. On other days, they might hate -- and in
some cases even kill -- each other. Yet, on this occasion, no terrorism destroyed the
worldwide festivities.
It was obvious that many of the faces in the crowd were not used to smiling, laughing
or celebrating. They were people who don't leave their homes to join strangers in the
streets to express unity or good will.
What was it about this event that caused humans to rise, overcome mediocrity, hatred,
depression, and apathy? What was it that wildly different races, religions, and cultures
shared? What was so important that the world somehow came together in celebration? It was
that which the passing of a new year, century, or millennium always signifies: LIFE.
Life is the one common denominator, the one ultimate value. We celebrated the fact that
we were alive to witness a new millennium. We celebrated the concept of life
itself.
Isn't that what you should be celebrating every day in your office? Chiropractic gives
more life. Chiropractic allows each individual to express life to his or her
maximum capacity.
Although many people watched or participated in the celebration described above, they
never consciously defined the nature or purpose of it outside the context of
"tradition." This provides a great opportunity for you to get your practice
members and your community to understand the chiropractic message.
You can let them know that...
-- what the world celebrated on that momentous day, you celebrate every day in
your office as a chiropractor...
-- chiropractic is a tribute to life and its expression, each adjustment allowing more
life to be expressed through the body...
-- chiropractic is as big as life itself, crossing all cultures, races, and religions!
Yes, watching the world celebrate was an inspiring experience. Now let it be known how you
can deliver this experience on a daily basis and watch how the masses gather in your
office to celebrate, just as they did across the globe.
The Chiropractic Leadership Alliance stands for world leadership of health care in a
chiropractic model. This way, we won't have to wait for another millennium for the world
to join hands and celebrate once again.
(Patrick Gentempo, Jr., D.C., co-founder and CEO of the Chiropractic Leadership
Alliance, is a 1983 graduate of Life College. An internationally renowned chiropractor,
lecturer and consultant, he has helped thousands of chiropractors achieve success and
balance in their lives. For information about seminars, products and services, call
800-462-7226.)
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