Dear Doctor:

I received this wonderful contribution from Dr. Dan Lyons, outstanding Masters Circle member from Oregon WI. It’s simply entitled, “The Mountain Story.”

A son and his father were walking in the mountains. Suddenly, the son fell and hurt himself, and screamed, “Aaaaaaaagggghhhh!” To his surprise, he heard a voice repeating, somewhere in the mountains, “Aaaaaaaagggghhhh!”

Curious, he yelled, “Who are you?” He received the answer, “Who are you?” Angered by the response, he screamed, “Coward!” He received the answer, “Coward!”

He looked to his father and asked, “What’s going on?” The father smiled and said, “My son, pay attention.” And then he screamed to the mountain, “I admire you!” The voice answered, “I admire you!” Again the man screamed, “You are a champion!” The voice answered, “You are a champion!”

The boy is surprised, but does not understand. The father explained, “People call this an ECHO, but really this is LIFE. It gives you back everything you say or do. Our life is simply a reflection of our actions. If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart. If you want more competence in your team, improve your competence. This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life – life will give you back everything you have given it. Your life is not a coincidence. It’s a reflection of you!

The point of this simple parable has been said many ways – what goes around comes around, garbage in garbage out, and other seminar slogans – but the relevance is unmistakable, because hidden in this concept is the greatest gift ever bestowed on humanity, the gift of choice and the opportunity to manifest those choices in reality.

Deciding to put on a smile and be optimistic can create a chain of “pay it forward” acts of kindness. A small well placed donation can trigger a groundswell of support. A little restraint brings a peaceful resolution instead of escalating tempers. We have a chance almost every minute to show up a little bigger, do a little better, or be a bit more loving.

At your next crossroads, show life what you’re made of by raising your standards and meeting them. You’ll find life only too willing to give you back what you put into it – and while it may not be as immediate as an echo, life settles every debt in due time. Get on the right side of that balance sheet, and the rewards will speak for themselves.

Dennis Perman DC, for The Masters Circle

PS Our third quarter seminar, “Hands On Success”, will evolve your self concept as a chiropractor – just call 800-451-4514, or go to