For the Believers, Dreamers, & Action-Takers

For the Believers, Dreamers, & Action-Takers Barefoot Rehabilitation Clinic

02 Aug For the Believers, Dreamers, & Action-Takers

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Author’s Note: When you make it to the bottom of the post, leave a comment. I’m going to do the best I can to move one of your dreams a little bit closer to coming true.

Sometimes the “obvious” reason isn’t the “real” reason.

Let’s say your friend goes to see their chiropractor for the 74th time (I can make jokes about chiropractors because I am one ;)):

  • “Obvious” reason: She wants to be out of pain.
  • “Real” reason: She wants to do something that seems healthy for her body, but deep-down, feels hopeless about her options given the relief doesn’t last.

When I started Barefoot Rehab in the summer of 2010, I told people that I wanted to be the best pain doctor in NJ.

If you’ve spent anytime recently with me in the office, you’ve probably heard how much of an impact ayahuasca has had on my self-development and growth since 2015 (the time Mother Earth saved me from falling or the time I pissed in the street in spite of the Matrix).

Well, I’ve drunk way more ayahuasca in 2017 than I had in the previous two years.

This psychedelic plant has taken what looks like the nicely rolled up cylinder of toilet paper that I call “my life” and thrown it up in the air, adorning my days with turbulent ups and downs that have taught me what beauty really is.

kids-making-a-mess

Courtesy of http://cf.ltkcdn.net/kids/images/slide/191580-850×566-twin-trouble.jpg

As I wait for the toilet paper to settle onto the ground, I’ve been processing previously unimaginable amounts of:

  • anger
  • depression
  • suicidal ideation
  • sadness
  • jealousy
  • shame

I’ve been remembering how depressed I was as a child and an adolescent.

How I used to:

  • cry myself to sleep in middle school, punching the floor out of the misery of not knowing what to do with my enormous sadness.
  • throw my body around at kids who weighed 100-200 pounds more than me on the football field without a 2nd thought.
  • pray to whatever God existed to take my life.

As I give myself permission to feel the pain of living in this fast-paced, seemingly sick world, I remember what that loneliness felt like as a kid.

And …

I remember the “real” reason I became a pain doctor.

So you realize you don’t have to suffer alone.

Sure, I care about your physical suffering. That’s how we make money at Barefoot Rehab.

But I don’t really care about your physical pain.

I care about what’s down your rabbit hole.

What lies in the deepest, darkest depths of being.

I want to know:

When the bad days have been adding up and you’re not sure how you can make it through another day, it’s late at night, and you’re crying, alone …

Why are you crying?

What’s the greatest hurt among your hurts?

To recap:

  • “Obvious” reason why I became a pain doctor: To stop physical suffering/pain.
  • “Real” reason why I became a pain doctor: To stop emotional and spiritual suffering/pain. Or at least, to let you know, that you don’t have to suffer alone.

The cool thing about all of the patients who have come to see Barefoot Rehab to get out of physical pain is that:

You are all Believers, Dreamers, and Action-Takers.

Why?

When people in pain call our office and haven’t been to other chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, or other doctors, we push them away until they’re ready to get diagnosed and fixed.

When the pain has only been present for a few days or weeks, we push them to other doctors until they want the best.

We make it hard for them (as we made it hard for you).

We don’t want to waste our time with people who don’t want the best treatment. If you’re not sure if we’re the best, we’ll keep doing the best we can to accumulate these:

YOU did want the best treatment.

Barefoot Rehab is not an in-network participating practice.

We don’t want an insurance company, whose job it is to deny payments and make a lot of money, to dictate how we fix people. We didn’t sign a contract telling us how to treat you.

In reality, it doesn’t work.

Our higher prices for treatment warrant that you really need to know that you want the best care to be out of pain in a permanent way.

YOU were willing to pay the most to get the best quality of service.

When you met me (Dr. Chris), you kept coming back for the care and our love even though:

  • I no longer wear dress shirts at work.
  • Illegal plant substances are the topic of most of my conversations of late.
  • The smell of garlic, feet, and wet dog often accompany my body. Those are just my pheromones trying to seduce you to love me. LOL.

YOU still gave me hugs.

A day never goes by that I’m not ridiculously grateful for the people I get to spend my time with.

Zig Ziglar was right when he said:

You can have anything you want in life as long as you help as many other people get what they want in life.

I get to share this with you, as much as you want. (Seriously, if you want to hang out, our house is your house.  As long as I have enough introvert solitude, that is.)

meandkatie

I could die tomorrow and I’ll tell God at the pearly white gates:

Man, what’s up with that traffic in New Jersey?

Why didn’t you give us more roads?

Thank God (I mean), thank you for connecting me with the raw, real, magical people you found in New Jersey. I know they’re the minority, but I would’ve left New Jersey if it weren’t for them.

Next time you rain blessings down on them, can I help you shower them with awe-inspiring, beauty-filled moments like you’ve done for me?

God smiled:

Sure, you can help me rain down on them.

God knows (I mean), I know Jesus isn’t helping me anymore now that he’s rolling joints.

So … thank you.

And if you don’t mind, tell me below in the comments, what do you believe so deeply that it makes your heart feel like it’s going to explode? What do you dream so often that the child inside of you pounds at your temple walls? And … what are you doing (or going to do) about it?

Don’t forget the action-taking part. : )

I’m going to pick one of you to help you come a little bit closer to making your dreams come true.

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Dr. Chris Stepien, DC, Full-Body ID Certified, ART Certified, CSCS, and CrossFit Level 1 Certified, fixes your annoying and frustrating pains, even when it's been over 6 months and you've seen 3-5 other doctors or therapists without lasting relief Barefoot Rehab in Denville, NJ. And when you're sad, depressed, or not enjoying life, Dr. Chris wants to hug you. He invites you to reach out, no matter what your concern is. Barefoot Rehab is here to serve you.
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8 Comments
  • Salony
    Posted at 02:27h, 08 August Reply

    Oh my god! Chris! I love your vulnerability! It’s so inspiring! My dream is to create a therapy/life coaching group with the best modalities possible! Including the possibility of plant medicine. I have had one experience with psychedelics in India after my yoga teacher training (best time as I was clean of any alcohol/meat/preservatives etc.) I’ve recently felt the calling to look into going to an ayuvaska retreat as well. Would love to hear more about it! Anyway I’ve found that the insights are so moving and the combination of metaphysical research and neuroscience – Working out your brain takes something! And I want to build groups that support each other in creating lasting shifts in their lives! I have an office in Montclair that I use part time and want to expand. I would love love love your support in creating this! And like wise would love to support you back in what you are creating 🙂 Spread the love 🙂

    • Dr. Chris
      Posted at 12:18h, 11 August Reply

      Salony! Thanks so much for sharing your dreams. Since I’ve known you, I’ve seen you in this role – helping people grow and heal. I’m definitely on your list of people to make this happen. I’ll reach out to you soon about support and ayahuasca.

  • Craig Chapman
    Posted at 12:38h, 08 August Reply

    Reading your piece is exactly what this man making big changes at 58 needed. Thanks for putting it out there. Saw that view of your back yard on Sunday afternoon btw.

    • Dr. Chris
      Posted at 12:19h, 11 August Reply

      Chappy! 58 years young my brother, still playing rugby! I’m reaching out to you today.

  • Shakedown Smile
    Posted at 17:32h, 08 August Reply

    To love another woman, truly, solely and sweetly till the day I die. That’s what pounds my inner soul

    • Dr. Chris
      Posted at 12:20h, 11 August Reply

      Mmmmmmmmmmmmm, right on my friend. I just meditated on your prayer and feel it coming to you. Much love.

  • Lou Samara
    Posted at 17:21h, 10 August Reply

    Chris,
    great idea to inspire people to write out their dreams…In this technology age we forget how powerful it is to write down any goal or dream.! I have many dreams and goals. In my journal (kept on my desk) I’ve written over 110 dreams for my life. Some of these are material, like owning that really awesome Bentley GT Speed 2 door car and some are much more significant like funding an orphanage in India and starting a school to teach life skills to pre-college level students.
    I’ve found my level of accomplishment correlates directly with my personal growth and my physical & mental health! When my energy is low I tend to lean towards depression and lack of activity…
    As I continue to grow, experience and then release my emotions I continue to expand my mind and spirit and live the life of abundance we were all meant to live! Thanks for letting me share!

    • Dr. Chris
      Posted at 12:21h, 11 August Reply

      We are so alike my friend, Lou. Fully understand the depression and lack of activity thing. That plagues (or causes me to pause) too. Together, can we not achieve anything we imagine. Love you Lou!

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