August 2003

see also: A glimpse from the Summit by Dr. T.D. Wilson, Lubbock, Texas

A glimpse from the Summit

by Dr. T.D. Wilson, Lubbock, Texas

NOTE: Doctors who attended the World Chiropractic Alliance International Summit are often profoundly affected by the experience. They go away enriched by the practical information they receive, inspired by the spirit of dedication surrounding the event, and strengthened by the knowledge that, as subluxation-based chiropractors, they are part of a growing world-wide community of doctors that holds the future of chiropractic in their hands. This month, Dr. T.D. Wilson shares his feelings about the Summit.)

Have you ever climbed to a summit before?

You see this beautiful peak from a distance that looks so inviting. You begin to climb the foothills avoiding any early danger and grief, keeping pace with yourself as you trek along step after step. Keeping your eyes on the summit and seeking every opportunity to see the sights along the way.

You mount out of the foothills and begin a steeper climb, sometimes having to go down in a valley to continue the climb, and at times not even being able to see the summit at all. But, still in your mind you never forget what it looks like and where it is. You keep up the hard climb, legs burning, lungs and heart pounding, and feet aching. Step by step to the summit you go.

You at last arrive with a slight grade at the end and there you are standing on the summit seeing all there is to see. Seeing miles and miles that ground level never would have offered. As you look back toward from where you came, you cannot even see you path. The valleys and cliffs seemed to disappear within the beauty of the view, while every emotion senses something new and pure. This is the Summit!

Attending the WCA Summit was no different. Getting there was tough. Having to change the schedule, fly across the country to our nation's capital, losing income in the practice, and spending money on hotel rooms and meals. Just getting to the Summit brings challenge after challenge. Family time being compromised, financial stress, and patients becoming critical the week you are to go. All are challenges just to get to the Summit.

Yet, at last at the Summit you sense something new and pure. The view was incredible. All of the valleys and challenges disappeared as I stood at the Summit. Let me briefly described the view from the Summit.

I saw outstretched land of opportunity. It was called a wellness revolution. It is subluxation‑based. All‑inclusive opportunities for D.C.'s to serve thousands waiting to step into our offices and pay for services. I saw strategies to reach these people and principles that would keep them in our offices for a lifetime. I saw distant mountains to climb called politics. Deep valleys of financial and research voids calling for principled chiropractors to stand in the gap and make our way to new peaks that sit un‑chartered and un‑explored.

I saw medicine and physical therapist waiting at the bottom, plotting their own strategies to fill the gaps and make their ascent. I saw potential that could power the world sitting in a small room in the nation's Capital ready to lead a powerful and valiant battle of rights and liberties of chiropractic.

I saw B.J. and D.D. Palmer looking down with proud tears of joy seeing their concept of worldwide wellness take form and action. I saw trees of glory whose roots run deep and are here to stay and show the way for future generations. I saw rivers of philosophy that could cleanse the world of dis‑ease and illness. I saw rock formations that could not be shaken by the strongest of earthquakes and they stand weathered and ready to stand another 100 years. I saw springtime harvest of joy and tribulation that is only felt at the core of service to the masses.

As I descended from the summit, I looked inside my mind and I see the potential of thousands of chiropractors stepping up and taking what is ours. Then, on the other spectrum, I see a horrible picture of chiropractic becoming a subset of medicine and a therapy that can be done by anyone who wishes to do so.

I shook my head in disbelief in the sight of such a strong crossroad. I love what I do so much, I can no longer stay in my town, doing my fair share of adjusting and enjoy the fruits of what others have died and gone to jail for, while it is about to slip out of our hands.

We must take action, join a national organization and speak out for what is ours before we no longer have a voice in a profession we all so dearly love and what to protect.

I challenge you to step up and climb to the Summit. You will never climb another climb like it. Just as no one could really give a description of exactly what they saw, and because of perception, two people could be standing on the same summit and see different things. And no two summits are the same; each brings its own view and beauty.

The WCA Summit is no different. I was at the first and have not missed one since, and I can tell you that the view from each was different. Each one seems higher and more accomplished. Come and see for yourself. Join the WCA and stand in the gap, make a difference today!