Dr. Rick Barrett

Could You Do This?

2011-09-11T18:34:00.000-05:00

Or this...

Nicki and Myra are incredibly gifted dancers and generously give me some credit for keeping them performing at optimum levels, and minimizing the pain that a rigorous dance schedule pummels their bodies with. They are the talent, of course. It’s all them! I’m just happy that they entrust me to provide chiropractic care and nutritional counseling to them. Could you do that with chiropractic care? Some of you could.

I know I couldn’t. If I tried dancing like that I’d be crippled for life. These ladies are dedicated, and practice, practice, practice! Years of training allow them to make these moves look effortless! I’m amazed by their talent.

But even if you and I can’t do that…we can do other things. We all desire to live our lives to the fullest with as little pain as possible, and stay healthy! This can be…achieved!

Myra and Nicki value chiropractic care to improve their health, keep them operating at peak performance, minimize damage to their bodies and just plain stay healthier! In other words, improve longevity in a healthy way. Getting older will happen; the trick is to stay young while doing it.

These two women are incredible dancers…athletes and celebrities in their own world. You may not know them, but you would recognize the names of some major celebrities who also use chiropractic care. Perhaps you’ve heard of these people: Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Lance Armstrong (in his book, Lance gives much credit to his chiropractor for his success), Arnold Schwarzeneeger and a virtual endless list of performers in all genres.

In fact, a past spokeswoman for chiropractic and avid user of chiropractic care since she was a child, is former Ms. Fitness, USA, Sarah Harding.

See one of Sarah's fitness competitions here:

You know that athletes and other celebrities put their pants on the same way you and I do. They’re human. But performers will do whatever it takes to succeed. Many use chiropractic to reach the level of success they desire and keep themselves at the top of their game. What makes them different, perhaps, is that when they encounter a health challenge they handle it immediately. It’s the difference between success and failure, winning and losing. Isn’t it interesting that so many choose to utilize the benefits of a specialist in spinal care…a chiropractor?

I’ve had the great privilege to care for thousands of patients, average people like my own family, medical personnel (medical doctors, nurses, acupuncturists, massage and physical therapists, pharmacists, dentists, surgeons and more), lawyers, clergy, priests, ministers, rabbis, aerospace (NASA) engineers and personnel, four mayors, city council members, government and law enforcement personnel (FBI, police, sheriffs), the young (two days old) to the elderly (you’re never too young, too old, fragile or brittle, but the care is different), postal workers, fire personnel and EMT’s. CEO’s and, yes, even a few downright celebrities and pro athletes.

I don’t know if there’s a person in a profession I haven’t treated. All in all…very regular folk.

Why am I sharing this? No, it’s not to boost my ego. It’s to let you know people are people. We all need help; we all have the right to HEALTH, but health is a choice. Intelligent people choose wisely.

If you haven’t utilized chiropractic care lately to stay healthy, then maybe it’s time to get a check up!

If you live locally and would like to avail yourself of chiropractic care, why not give us a call and…come to the chiropractor you wish you had in your family!

Be the celebrity of your life…be a champion…to yourself and your family!

Yours In Health,

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Go to our website for more information and health tips! www.barrettchiroclinic.com

P.P.S. Don’t be stingy, like one of my patients who refused to let his golf buddies know why his game had dramatically improved. Now he was winning! Tell others about chiropractic care and all the benefits!

Would You Walk 5,000 Miles...

2011-07-31T13:48:00.000-05:00

...for people you don't know...

In foreign lands...

To give them hope...

Improve their self worth...

And correct disfiguring physical deformities?

I know someone who is about to do just that!

Please watch this very important video!

Stress Management

2011-04-10T16:59:00.000-05:00

Stress In The Workplace

Let’s face it, if you have a job, you have stress and little time to relax or repair the mind and body. This translates to a host of signs and symptoms like irritability, anxiousness, depression, aggressiveness, digestive problems, headaches, muscle aches, neck and back pain, mood swings and sleep disturbances to name but a few. So how do you cope? Try these tips!

Get wet--Drink more water, at least half your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water a day. Avoid sugars, artificial sweeteners, refined “break” foods and sugary drinks like sodas. These not only cause excess weight but give false energy followed by a crash. They can create agitation and even aggressiveness. Instead, bring a thermos of chamomile or Melaluca tea for healing and relaxation.

Play ball--Standing for long periods puts excessive stress on the feet, knees, hips, back and neck. To handle, put a golf ball on the floor and apply pressure rolling the ball under the foot and concentrating on the sensitive areas. Next, place a tennis ball behind your back and lean against a wall or a door. Roll the ball applying pressure to any sore or tender muscles.

Move it--It is crucial to take breaks. Create a habit of a two minute stretch break every hour. Elongate those cramped overworked muscles, move fresh blood and oxygen into stressed, overworked tissue and reduce fluid build up. Do ten to fifteen jumping jacks--remember those? Don’t like them? Okay, simply stretch your arms, lift them to the sides and up over your head stretching towards the ceiling or sky. Stretch forward, touch your toes. Put your hands on your low back for support and stretch backwards--don’t fall! Stretch left and right, turn your torso left and right, always holding a position for a few seconds never bouncing through these motions.

Now for the neck. Flex your head forward, extend it back, flex right and left towards each shoulder, turn your head left and right. Do each position five or ten times.

Next, shoulder shrugs. Perform slowly and deliberately forcing a strong sustained contraction in the muscles. Bring your shoulders to your ears, roll them backwards (imagine trying to crush a can between your shoulder blades), roll your shoulders and arms down towards the floor. Roll forward towards your sternum and then back up to your ears. Do this all with your head back, looking at the ceiling. Repeat five to ten times.

Suck it up-- Breathe. Stress makes us breathe shallow or even hold our breathe. Break this cycle! Take slow, deep breathes from the diaphragm. Breathe through the nose for four seconds, exhale slowly through the mouth for six seconds. Repeat five or ten times.Lavender can also alleviate stress-related symptoms. Dab it on the wrists or fill a spray bottle with six to eight tablespoons of water. Add two to four drops of essential lavender oil and shake. Spray it periodically throughout the day.

Let it be--Holding on to workplace drama, only serves to cause more stress and becomes toxic to us. Identify the problem, take responsibility, change your external and internal dialogue. Saying to yourself, “I am so angry. I am hurt, etc.” only continues to promote and foster that negativity. It seems trite but you will get more of what you say. “I am” is very powerful. Instead why not say, “I am happy”, “I am having an exceptionally great day.” Or at the moment of anger, say a prayer or mantra that is appropriate for you.

Give--Do something nice for a fellow employee or stranger. This will elevate your mood, kick up your endorphins and create a nice environment externally and internally. For more ideas on giving and to receive a free e-book go to http://www.givetolivebook.com/ .

Pray/Meditate--Pray or meditate throughout the day, it doesn’t have to be long, just focused. Perhaps before you leave the car to start your job, at lunchtime or before you end your work day. This can lower your blood pressure, regulate heart rate, change your mood, balance blood glucose, regulate your nervous system and “center’ you. Read my free special report on how to get closer to God which includes prayers and an affirmation that I created and personally use. Go to http://www.attractmoregod.com/.

Music--If allowed, and assuming it doesn’t interfere with your job or endanger you, music is an obvious stress reducer. Studies show it helps regulate physiological functions that impact our health. It enhances the nervous system, elevates mood, stimulates good memories, creates a calming effect, slows respiration, heart rate and blood pressure. Identify your responses to different types of music and then listen to that before, during and after work. Match the music to the desired effect you want. I’ve created some unique and special prayer music to help me. You may find them beneficial also. Samples can be heard at http://www.attractmoregod.com/.

Dr. Richard F. Barrett is a renowned chiropractor, author, nutritional healer and public speaker. He is the author of many books including Improve Your Health Pro-Actively. He has been voted one of America’s Top Chiropractors in 2004, 2006 and 2007. For more information and additional stress reduction techniques please visit http://www.barrettchiroclinic.com/,send an e-mail to info@barrettchiroclinic.com. Or visit Barrett Chiropractic Clinic 2853 Dulles Avenue, Missouri City, TX.

In Search of the Virgin Mary; The Medjugorje Chronicles

2011-04-03T15:57:00.000-05:00

St. Blaise, Dubrovnick and Father Roy Oggero

Immersing oneself in the pilgrimage experience means abandoning one’s normal life and embracing in totality all that the Blessed Virgin Mary…that God, wishes for that person. Once one says, “Yes” and commits to the journey, they must push themselves…their ego, out of their own way. Hence exposing themselves to the entire richness of the trip from the grand and obvious, to nuances and subtleties that weave together a powerfully fulfilling, rewarding and enduring spiritual experience.

Part of this means continual prayer. Silently…openly…individually…or in groups. Sometimes, casually and other times more formal.

For Catholics, “mass” is the ultimate formal gathering of the body of the church, to praise, worship, confess, speak utter gratitude and receive Christ in their lives. During the journey, we participated in daily masses in various churches and hotels.

Understandably, for many, this can be an overload. But after all, this is what we went for…to find the Blessed Virgin Mary, get closer to God and have a spiritual…a divine encounter.

A significant blessing for our group was having Father Roy Oggero, a Basilian priest, as our spiritual leader. Father Roy, as most people call him, has a beautiful, loving soul coupled with a lively and humorous personality. It’s easy to feel love, warmth and the presence of God when he is in your company.

Masses were celebrated by Father Roy, with the exception of a few, in which he was a con-celebrant with many priests such as in Medjugorje. I’ll share more of that with you later.

The Church of St. Blaise is a magnificent 18th century Baroque church dedicated to the patron Saint and protector of Dubrovnick, the beautiful ancient port city on the Adriatic Sea.

George Bernard Shaw, the famous playwright, described Dubrovnick as, “the pearl of the Adriatic”. Unfortunately, “the pearl” wasn’t glowing the day we visited. It was a rather gloomy day, punctuated with rain storms and yet, it was still magical and beautiful.

St. Blaise holding the city of Dubrovnik

Ancient treasures abound inside St. Blaise Church.

This day we brought our own treasure…Father Roy! (Knowing Father Roy as I do, he’ll probably think I’m calling him ancient when he reads this…)
Having video camera in hand, I was able to capture much of our adventure including many of the masses. Father Roy and our group were gracious enough to indulge me as I attempted to record forever our experiences during the Medjugorje pilgrimage.

I invite you to participate in the mass at St. Blaise celebrated by Father Roy Oggero and listen to his insightful sermon. I believe you’ll be captivated by his powerful message delivered in his usual gentle, loving but “cut to the chase” fashion, as he discusses the reason for our lives.

The video is an edited version which does not cover the mass in its entirety (so don’t panic…it’s not an hour long…only about five minutes).

You don’t have to be Catholic to glean some pearls of wisdom from this. I believe it can serve all. If nothing else, you’ll get a glimpse into the Catholic mass, and enjoy the beauty of the Church of St. Blaise.

My continued purpose with the Medjugorje Chronicles and accompanying videos is to expose and enlighten. To help all of us tap into our spiritual being and connect with God.

Embrace the love!

Continue the journey!

Blessings,

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. More videos and stories to come…

Ricky's Pico Rico

2011-03-20T16:24:00.000-05:00

Remember my blog about Mexico, Mariachis and Mom?

Well, here's another story out of Mexico from Mom's birthday trip.

If you've ever had pico de gallo at a Mexican restaurant, you know how awesome it can be...or not, depending on the restaurant. Regardless of where I've ever had it, I've never had it made fresh at my table. That is until we ate at Los Zarapes in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Our host, Johnny, made us the best pico de gallo I've ever had in my life! (Remember, I live in Texas where there's a lot of Mexican restaurants!) But what's even better, Johnny taught me how to make it and I have it on video. I'm going to share the video with Johnny's special recipe. Believe me, it will be well worth your while to watch this short video.

Once you make your own pico de gallo, you'll be hooked. And no more buying that garbage so called pico de gallo in the grocery store. I guarantee it. Fresh vegetables always win...and they're healthier too. But you knew that.

Once you make the pico, it's up to you to decide what to do with it. Straight up on a corn chip is great, or mixed into a chili con queso...fantastico! Couple that with a smooooth margarita (frozen or unfrozen, salt or no salt) made with good tequila and even kick it up a notch by adding Presidente brandy. Now it's muy sabroso!

Enjoy the video and bon appétit...whoops, that's French...in Español...bueno apetito!

Adios y via con dios!
Dr. Rick Barrett

How's Rudy and the Nahuathl Stove Project?

2011-02-27T16:59:00.000-06:00

Some of you have asked about Rudy. Lately, I've had numerous inquiries about Rudy and the Nahuathl Indigenous stoves he builds. Rudy is in good health, but as many of you have heard, Mexico is a hot bed of controversy because of the drug cartels and the associated killings.

We have many friends that live in Mexico and many more who live in the United States, but still have family throughout Mexico. Some areas are affected more than others certainly. Caution and awareness are two words that spring to mind. There are dangerous places throughout the world. Many of the United State's large cities like Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, (to name a few) have areas that would be best avoided. I think the same is true in Mexico.

The good people, the uneducated, the helpless, the poor, and the average person trying the best they can to carve out a decent life for themselves are always damaged by the effects of the uncaring, the criminals, the evil people (if you allow me to use that term).

So the news from Rudy is that he and the people in the region have been greatly impacted in a negative way.

The following is from Rudy's latest e-mail:

"We've had some very hot and windy weather. The Nahuathl natives feel that we are in for a very dry season. The old natives say that this hot and dry wind is bad and they are right about it. All the creeks and streams are nearly totally dried. Not much water is left in water springs. Even our three rivers are way down in their normal level."

Rudy then went on to say in one of the towns where we do our medical missions; the local police station was under attack. Grenades were even thrown, but didn't explode! It's a very sad and troubling state of affairs in this once peaceful and beautiful region of Mexico.

Rudy goes on to say, "I am still doing what little I can to keep my work with the Nahuathl people. Stay well and healthy. May God bless you always."

Regardless of the hardships, Rudy always ends his correspondence with a blessing to everyone.

I'll be sending Rudy more donations this week to continue his work. I'm always happy to be the conduit to get funds to Rudy and to aid the Nahuathl people.

If you would like to donate please visit our Missions of Hope website at:

http://www.missionsofhope.com/donate.html

Please continue to send good intentions, beautiful, peaceful energy and prayers for the good people in Mexico and throughout all the troubled regions of the world.

Thanks for all your help!

Blessings,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. "There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life -- happiness, freedom and peace of mind. They are always attained by giving them to someone else." Peyton Conway March.

What's A Certified Music Practitioner? Find out by looking at the YouTube video I just posted.

2011-01-30T20:16:00.000-06:00

Just posted a video to YouTube. I speak to Gail Best, a certified therapeutic music practitioner. After life changing events, Gail, a talented musician, reconnected with God and found her purpose in life. She shares her gift of healing through music with the sick and dying. I believe you'll be touched by what Gail says. I think you will also be touched when you hear a sample of her music. If you have an infirmed friend or family member, I highly encourage you to contact Gail. She is a blessing to those in need.

Mexico, Mariachis and Mom

2011-01-20T09:42:00.002-06:00

In November, Mary and I were fortunate to celebrate my mom’s 87^th birthday with her in the coastal city of Mazatlan, Mexico. She has been a huge blessing in my life. Not only is she a great mom, but also a best friend.

No opportunity was spared to tell everyone we could that it was her birthday. At first, she didn’t want anyone to know, but as she was showered with compliments and treated like a VP, she opened up to it nicely; it started in the Continental Airlines President’s Club and upgrading her to first class. She was thrilled…it was her first time and the flight crew treated her like a queen, after they found out…

…that’s right…it was her 87^th birthday.

In Mazatlan, Mary and I became friends with Johnny Brown, the owner, of a wonderful restaurant…Los Zarapes. We enjoyed it so much, we ate there several times. The food, service and atmosphere were outstanding. Once Johnny learned it was mom’s birthday, he and his crew treated her like she was their mother too! They showed her a great time with music, dancing, and a special meal. These guys really know how to have fun and throw an impromptu party, and they truly seemed to enjoy mom as much as she enjoyed them. Though one of them said she reminded him of his grandmother…she didn’t like that comment too much.

Luckily, I captured some of the festivities on video. I even got mom’s permission to share all of this with you. I think you’ll love it.

Check it out at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3gRTTOxd_c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chOC352n_1E

Mom, Johnny Brown, Mary and Rick

Johnny, Mom, Rafaellle and waiter

Rick and Johnny


Johnny and Rick

By now, you may be asking, “What’s mom’s secret to health and vitality?”

It’s not easy to point to just one thing. There are a number of factors. Some are readily identifiable; others will remain a mystery to me. Certainly we can’t count family history; her parents died at 57 and 64 years of age. I am confident that a strong faith, love for God, and a prayerful spiritual life path have been factors.

Good solid relationships; she has friends that span her entire life since she was a young girl. Having meaningful long term relationships create peace, stability, and certainly strong bonds that satisfy the heart at a deep level. What else?

·        A great wit and penchant for humor. She has always been quick with a joke. Her comical side reminds me a lot of the actress, Betty White.

·        A long and loving marriage.

·        Mom loves to make people happy and always gives the best of herself in countless ways, but especially showing her love through food. (She has always been a magnificent cook and baker.)

·        A deep abiding faith in God.

·        A very physically active youth and adolescence. She was a gymnast, and also worked hard since childhood. Mom was always involved in jobs that were physically demanding. She is a hands on person at home as well. Assisting in home repairs, yard work, painting, etc. There was never a physical task that mom wouldn’t participate in. She still cleans her own house, cooks, and bakes and does yard work.

·        As an adult, she became very interested in nutrition, learning as much as she could about good nutrition and vitamin, mineral and herbal nutritional supplementation. She was on the forefront of taking vitamins and minerals…way before it became popular.

·        Chiropractic—though she found this much later in life, she enjoyed the benefits of regular chiropractic care well before I chose that path as my vocation. Naturally, she enjoys regular chiropractic treatments under my care. Not a bad situation to have her son as her chiropractor, right?

Perhaps mom has even been given special grace by God to stay with us this long and in such superior condition. That, of course, is a matter of faith and belief that won’t be answered in this lifetime.

My mom is an inspiration to me on many levels…how to act, how to love, how to persevere, how to…be. Perhaps she will inspire you too!

I say, live life to the fullest, eat, drink and be merry. Do it with honesty, integrity, and allow God to be part of the party. And I say go to Mazatlan. Visit Los Zarapes and tell Johnny…Mary, mom and I sent you. You’ll be treated like family, experience friendly people, wonderful food and maybe Johnny will even buy you a drink!

If you haven’t clicked on the video yet, here’s the link…enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3gRTTOxd_c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chOC352n_1E

Meeting World Renowned Organist, Pavel Kohout

2011-01-02T22:15:00.000-06:00

Did you know there is no musical connection between Bach and Bachman Turner Overdrive? I'm sure you did. If you like organ music you need to go to a performance by Pavel Kohout (www.pavelkohout.org) He was fantastic and is considered one of the most brilliant representatives of the new generation of European organists. Pavel is from Prague in the Czech Republic where much of my family lives. After the performance, we attended a very nice reception at the Czech Center Museum http://czechcenter.org/ in his honor where I had the privilege of speaking with him for quite a while and yes, I spoke some Czech. We had a great time. Czech out his music (pun intended) at http://www.pavelkohout.org/listen-pavel.html. You'll enjoy it, even if you're a hard core Stevie Ray Vaughan or Joe Bonamassa fan like me!

P.S. Wonder if mom has saved any recordings of my organ music! If so, I'll send it to Pavel. Maybe I can play in Prague, too.

I'm Benign!

2010-12-18T17:05:00.000-06:00

I know most people don’t have the guts (pun intended) to speak about their colon. But I do. I just had a colonoscopy. Found: One small polyp. Removed: one small polyp. Results…

It’s benign! So great news…I don’t need another colonoscopy for five more years…YEAH! Considering my sister had a large tumor removed two years ago, I was at risk.

Colon cancer can be cured or prevented.

The majority of polyps are benign…though, some can be cancerous.

According to the experts, the most effective approach to prevent colon cancer from developing is screening. However, I believe we should start preventing cancer well before screenings through a healthy lifestyle. This means good nutrition with a high antioxidant diet. Lots of fruits and veggies!

Since it’s hard to eat the massive quantities we need, I suggest good whole food products like Greens First by Wellness Watchers Global, LLC. http://www.greensfirst.com/3368 and Youth Juice http://barrettchiro.ourworldnetwork.com/. These are two products I use, but there are other good products available also.

Colon cancer rarely causes symptoms. This was true for my sister. A routine colonoscopy identified a problem. We didn’t know the extent of it until the surgeon said, “I just removed a tumor the size of a tangerine.” Can you imagine having that in your colon and not knowing it?

Mayo Clinic says one out of every 17 people will develop colon cancer. That’s scary, too! It’s the third leading cancer killer in the U.S. –about 50,000 people per year.

Ninety percent of people developing this type of cancer are fifty plus years of age. So that leaves ten percent who develop it younger. A good friend of mine lost his sister to this disease at 27 years of age! It’s tragic and does happen!

Risk factors include smoking, a high fat, low-fiber diet, sedentary lifestyle, and inflammatory bowel diseases and, of course, living in a toxic world. Since there’s a connection to inflammation, do everything possible to reduce it in the body especially the gut. In fact, inflammatory processes are behind most health problems. Even good foods can be harmful and create inflammation. A simple food allergy/sensitivity test will suffice and yield wonderful information as to which foods to avoid. Call my office if you want this test done. We’ve been using food allergy testing for about 16 years.

Also, use of high quality enzymes for digestion and repair. I use Transformation Enzymes out of Houston, Texas. http://www.transformationenzymes.com/

I know, most people don’t like to think about their colon and especially talk about it. We just eat, poop (sorry) and keep on going. “Out of sight, out of mind.” But please start taking your colon seriously. This really is an easy one to pay attention to. It really can be a matter of life and death. Get your colon checked…now!

I hope this has been helpful.

Wishing you great colon health!

Dr. Rick Barrett

In Search of the Virgin Mary; The Medjugorje Chronicles

2010-11-13T13:52:00.000-06:00

Medjugorje--Prayers Answered?

In my essay, “In Search of the Virgin Mary” written a few weeks ago, I invited you to partake in my journey to find the Blessed Virgin Mary, find God and simply discover what Medjugorje holds for those that pilgrimage there.

Reporting about my journey won’t be as simple as I first thought. I’m still processing information and emotions that both my logical mind and my spiritual self have received during my Medjugorje experience. I’m confident I’ll be doing this for a long time, as more is revealed to me. So, I’ve decided to chronicle the trip in a few essays accompanied by photos to expose you to some of what we experienced.

An invitation was also extended to send me prayer petitions that I would bring to Medjugorje. Thousands of people around the world received that essay…

…and the response was overwhelming!

This is where the journey begins…

Reading the e-mailed prayer petitions were actually uplifting and draining at the same time. I felt emotionally spent...they were that moving!

Why?—Because of the openness and purity with which they were written. Entrusted to me were people’s inner private thoughts and feelings about the pain and suffering they or their loved ones were enduring. Stories of physical pain, cancer, drug, alcohol and pornography addictions, family issues, depression, loss of jobs and homes, estranged family members and so much more.

In one petition, a woman wrote that her mom was in the hospital, suffering with cancer. She read my letter “In Search of the Virgin Mary” to her mom, and it made her smile. She went on to say that before she was able to send her prayer petition to me, her mom passed away. And although her mom no longer needed prayers, she was sure that mom was in heaven praying for us! This was incredibly touching!

Many people also sent sealed petitions to me. Regardless of how they came; I was honored and humbled by the trust that was placed in me to deliver them. To be the messenger delivering to God—the hopes, dreams, needs, and desires of people is a task and responsibility not taken lightly, and I am thankful for that opportunity.

Still others weren’t requesting anything for themselves, but sent their blessings and prayers for a safe and rewarding journey for our group. This, too, was gratifying and humbling to be in the hearts and minds of so many.

More prayer requests came via e-mail even while we were on our journey. Rest assured, all those petitions were prayed for too!

Prayers, of course, are not bound by time, space or physical location. The moment a prayer petition is thought, God knows the intention, and the heart that requests it.

When we gathered together and collectively prayed for everyone's petitions, I sensed a special power...a heightened energy that surrounded us.

It was quite exhilarating being part of this group of people, who with a common purpose, throughout each day of our journey, joined in unity to pray for all our intentions and for peace and love to reign in our world. This was intensified when we were in Medjugorje where the Blessed Virgin Mary has been said to appear and a veil of holiness seems to encapsulate the village.

Our prayers, once again, seemed to be intensified by commingling with an international legion of people, who were praying and seeking God in the town, at the church and on the mountain...everywhere.

The energy was incredible! I have no doubt that our prayers were and are, being answered.

So what did we do with the petitions?

Well, they were all placed in a special red bag that Paul, our group leader, had brought with him.

Each day, one person in our group volunteered to safeguard the bag carrying it with them for as long as they wished before handing it over to someone else. This ensured the petitions were always in the forefront of our minds, for quiet reflection and prayer.

As others before us, both Mary (my wife), and I were fortunate bearers of this honorable responsibility—charged with dutifully carrying out our assignment with respect for the contents of those petitions. Even when I wasn’t carrying the red bag but could see it with another person, I had a sobering sense of duty and allegiance to those petitions, as well as a feeling of reverence for them. After all, they represented the lives of so many people.

After days of carrying the bag of petitions, a day was picked to deliver them to the top of Mount Krizevac (Cross Mountain) to be buried and prayed over.

Paul had also brought a small but simple wooden cross with him. On it we were asked to write the names of additional people to be prayed for. This cross was also lovingly carried up Cross Mountain.

It was a vigorous climb, therefore, some of our group opted out and rightfully so. As we climbed, our modest cross was passed from one person to another symbolically re-enacting Jesus carrying his cross. It, also, represented the burden of carrying peoples' names and petitions being offered to God.

A few members of our group were inspired to climb the mountain barefoot. Thus intensifying the harship of the climb while showing their willingness to sacrifice and endure suffering for Christ.

We encountered many barefooted people on the trail doing the same. I applaud their sacrifice and dedication. This was not an easy path, but a rock strewn swatch cut through brambles almost as though an earthquake had heaved jagged rocks up through the surface of the earth.

In the Catholic Church there is a tradition of prayer and meditation called the Stations of the Cross. There are fourteen stations depicting the final hours leading to Jesus Christ’s death. Positioned at various points along the rocky trails of Krizevac are beautiful large bronze reliefs of these stations of cross, by an Italian artist. Some of the stations are:

•Jesus condemned to death

•Forced to carry his cross

•Falling the first time

•Simon forced to carry Jesus’ cross

•Jesus stripped of all his clothes

•Nailed to the cross

•Taken down from the cross

•Jesus is placed in the tomb

Trekking up the mountain, carrying our red bag of petitions and small cross, we stopped at the Stations of the Cross. There we read from a booklet about Jesus, reflected on his suffering, prayed, and meditated about how each station relates to experiences we may have had in our lives.

Atop Mount Krizevac towers a formidable thirty foot tall concrete cross, erected in 1933 to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of the Passion of Jesus. It is a beautiful spot with a spectacular view of Medjugorje and the surrounding area.

This was the destination for the burial of our petitions; a befitting place, though not the site where the Virgin had first appeared to the six children.

A palpable sense of peace and tranquility could be felt there, and yet at the same time, one could sense the pain of people who overcame hardships to journey to Krizevac to place their troubles, fears, burdens and pain before God. Again---a sobering experience.

There people prayed, while others placed petitions, and even photos at the base of the cross. Many picked up small rocks to take home and some simply dug up some dirt with their hands from the holy site.

It has been reported by many people...pilgrims...towns’ people...priests and nuns that the Virgin Mary has been seen at Krizevac...at the cross! Mary has told the visionaries that she has allowed people to see her there praying before God. These glimpses of her are rewards to strengthen the faith of people.

You may be wondering if I saw Mary there. The answer is no… but something unique...definitely supernatural did occur... somewhere else. I will share that story with you later.

There was no absence of time spent collectively or individually in prayer and worship. Everyday there was mass at St. James church in the heart of Medjugorje and other churches throughout various communities and more opportunities to pray for our petitions.

Next to the church was a very beautiful outdoor area designed for quiet reflection and prayer. Stone walls and shrubbery surrounded it. Central to this, a large crucifix stood atop a cascading fountain of water. Here, hundreds of votive candles were lit for the intentions of the prayerful.

I found myself drawn to this area on several occasions—mostly at night when it was the most quiet and peaceful. The glow from the red votive candles was beautiful. There, I lit candles and once again, placed everyone's petitions in God’s hands.

One night I even endured the rain. But somehow the candles didn’t seem to mind as they continued to glow brightly.

Carrying the petitions for days…hiking the rugged terrain to the top of Krizevac…the willingness to endure some discomfort perhaps even a little hardship for others, even those you don’t know is strangely satisfying.

Yet, at the same time I was always keenly aware that any troubles I’ve encountered in my life are minuscule by comparison to so many who suffer real and long lasting hardships. It was heartening to witness the strength, character, courage and faith of so many of our pilgrimage group.

I knew of at least three of our companions who were suffering from a variety of cancers…brain, breast and metastatic. One young woman with cancer has been living two years longer than the doctor’s prognosis! There was a myriad of other health problems in our group and even one with a pacemaker, yet no one ever complained. They all displayed great strength and fortitude.

I was inspired by my mom, who was the oldest person on the journey just a few weeks from her 87^th birthday. She is challenged by glaucoma, but was willing to endure some hardships for her faith...out of love.

The solidarity of many, praying for the needs of others, is profoundly powerful. Who’s to say what touched God’s heart? And why, and for whom petitions will be granted?

Since our return, I’ve learned that God was working on our petitions while we were away. The day after, I was told of three people (not on our trip) whose petitions were granted while we were still in Medjugorje! At least one of these with verifiable health complaints was supernaturally healed.

So the petitions were delivered! They were, and continue to be... prayed for. Some have been answered, and I’m confident many more will be answered still. I hope and pray yours are granted...soon. If they are, please let me know. I hope you'll share your story with me.

Soon, I will be writing more that may challenge your beliefs, test your boundaries, push some buttons, or…at the very least...have you question my sanity. For others, it may just reinforce your faith.

What I’ll reveal is something I’m still attempting to understand myself… but perhaps never will. It is intriguing and, I believe, worth waiting for. Hopefully, you will feel the same.

I know you're still wondering if I found the Virgin Mary...but you'll have to wait a little while longer for that answer.

By the end of The Medjugorje Chronicles, I certainly hope you deem the journey worthwhile. Perhaps even taking away something of value for yourself. Maybe you'll make the trip to Medjugorje or simply be encouraged to continue your path to God.

I’ll write more In Search of the Virgin Mary; The Medjugorje Chronicles soon.

Stay tuned!

Blessings,

Dr. Rick Barrett

Guatemala Mission www.givetolivebook.com

2010-09-26T17:42:00.000-05:00

In Search of the Virgin Mary

2010-09-25T13:06:00.002-05:00

In just a few weeks, my family and I will embark on a journey that millions before us have made. We will be on a quest to see the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. To some, this may sound strange and to others not so much. Let me explain…

The journey will take us to a small village called Medjugorje in what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslavia. Since 1981 people of all faiths from countries around the world have been trekking there to worship, pray, give thanks, seek enlightenment and discernment or just to experience something holy, mystical, and divine. Perhaps, even be touched in some way by the Blessed Mary or God.

The story goes that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to six children revealing ten secrets to them regarding events to take place in our world. The children have not shared these secrets with anyone. Three of the six continue to receive daily apparitions of Mary and the others only at certain times during the year. Of course, the six are now all adults. Some travel and share their experiences of Mary and her communications to them. Media from around the world have interviewed them and been to the apparition site. Books have been written with accounts of the children and the parish priest, Father Yozo who was even imprisoned by the communists for this.

I realize that for many people these events and Mary’s continued visitations to these six faithful are farfetched and unbelievable. Perhaps others think it a shear hoax, the biggest scam imaginable. Still others don’t acknowledge Mary as the mother of Jesus Christ and this journey to them probably is seen as ridiculous and pure folly.

Though there are many people that don’t understand this, or are repelled by it, there are the countless others who either believe in Mary or at least have an open heart and mind to the possibility of something spiritual taking place in Medjugorje.

Are we all being duped?

I guess we will see.

But I don’t believe so.

We are travelling with a dear friend and one of my patients, Father Roy Oggero. Father Roy has been to Medjugorje several times and his experiences, I trust, are real.

But I’m not attempting to convince or convert anyone—simply to advise you of my journey
.
I am going to see for myself.

Not to prove or disprove anything.

Just to be open and experience whatever may be there for me.

Of course, my mind races with questions like:
Will I and others be cured-partially-fully, of our health complaints?
Will I or anyone in our group see the Virgin Mary individually or collectively?
Will we have an internal feeling, a knowing, that she is present?
Will the prayer petitions that we carry to the site be granted?
Will miracles happen at home for those we carry in petition while we are still there?
Will there be some tangible sign that the Virgin Mary or God visits Medjugorje?
Will I feel different, act differently or be different in some way?
There are about a hundred more questions rolling around in my mind. Perhaps some will be answered.

I’ve joked with patients that when I return, I may look like Charlton Heston playing Moses in the movie, The Ten Commandments. After God spoke with him his hair turned completely white and his face glowed. Of course, I’m joking about this, but I do harbor the hope that I will find Mary and experience something divine, powerful and eternal.

I just don’t want my hair to turn white! But hey, it would be a small price to pay.

Those I’ve spoken with who have made this journey before have been enriched and blessed in some way.

We will stay in Medjugorje for several days. Miracles have been said to occur there.

Apparition Hill is the original site where Mary appeared to the children and where all the spiritual sojourners hike in the hope to see Mary and have a divine experience. I am sure I will hike this hill many times. Of course, there will be lots of time for prayer and reflection.

While in Medjugorje, we may even have an opportunity to visit and talk with one of the six and maybe Father Yozo, the parish priest who was imprisoned.

We will be taking prayer requests and petitions to leave at the site to be prayed over.

I already have a long list of friends, family and patients, of course, to carry with me.

If you would like to add a name to my list with a specific or non-specific petition, I encourage you to do so. I will be honored to carry your wishes.
For me, this trip is especially exciting because I will be on a spiritual journey travelling with family and a great friend, Father Roy Oggero and even a few of my fellow medical missionary compadres.

I sincerely ask for your prayers and positive energy for all of us travelling to Medjugorje. Rest assured, every person on my mailing list will be included in prayer even if you don’t ask—prayers for your health, happiness and wonderful blessings to be showered upon you. I look forward to reporting my experiences to you and letting you know if I actually found the Virgin Mary.

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. I must receive all petitions by October 8th. Send all prayer requests to me at drrickbarrett@yahoo.com or mail all sealed requests to my office at:
Dr. Richard F. Barrett
2853 Dulles Avenue
Missouri City, TX 77459
Attention: Prayer Request

Want more information to see where we will be? Go to http://www.medjugorje.org/

The Heart of a Giver

2010-09-23T14:34:00.000-05:00

This morning, I watched an extremely touching story of parents who donated the heart of their thirteen year old daughter, Taylor. Taylor was tragically killed in a skiing accident. Not only did they want to use their daughter's heart to save a life...but they wanted to meet the recipient of the heart...and they did.

My words can't do this story justice. I think you need to watch the video. Be sure to have Kleenex close by!

The parents truly exemplify the love and sacrifice of a true giver. They are great role models and truly bring life to the title of my book, "Give to Live".

Donating an organ may not be the thing a person wants to do or can do, but there is something that each of us can give, a way for each of us to serve humanity today.

Thank you for all you do recognized and unrecognized. It is giving people like you and the people you surround yourself with that will create a world of love and kindness.

Blessings,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Check out the website Taylor's Gift Foundation her parents created to encourage organ donations:
www.taylorsgift.org

Don't forget to share these messages and this affirmation with every one you know. We can never stop giving! www.givetolivebook.com

Back In The Saddle...UH...Cockpit Again!

2010-09-13T15:54:00.003-05:00

I flew a plane!! Dare I say it? It's really hard to believe, but here we go...

It's been 30 years since I piloted a small plane! Flying the small craft is not what is so amazing; it's that 30 years have gone by since I sat behind the controls.

Let me bring you up to speed. Like most guys, I've always loved anything that goes fast, sounds powerful, is powerful, is bright and shiny (especially red) and smells like gasoline and oil.

In the water,

on the ground

or in the air.

It's all good!

Sound familiar? Probably you know someone like this. Maybe it's you!

Mechanical things are wonderful. I've tinkered with just about everything, even rebuilding engines. I've driven just about anything with an engine from lawn mowers to bulldozers and road graders, to Ferraris and Lamborghinis and a whole lot in between.

I like speed. Especially if there is an engine involved. Planes fascinate me. As a kid, I always loved going to air shows(I still do). So when I was about 19 years old, I pursued flying.

I thought and dreamed that I might like to be an airline pilot one day. But eventually the idea of being stuck in a small room(cockpit) with a couple of other guys hour after hour, day after day, month after month...for years slowly began to play in my head like a bad Rod Serling episode of The Twilight Zone.

So, I joined the Navy (besides I couldn't fly in the Air force with bad vision). Okay, so maybe that wasn't so smart. (There were some good times in there.) I was a SEABEE and got to tinker on some really cool heavy equipment...diesel engines (though they didn't go really fast).

Where was I...oh yeah...

So, I interrupted my flying lessons, I was thisss close (You can't see it, but I'm holding my fingers really close together, like the size of a hair.) to getting my private pilot's license! Actually just a mere night flight and one cross country trip from completion.

I've always regretted not finishing and for all these years, I've longed to go back to it. Every time I see a plane in the sky. Perhaps now I will.

Well, why did I stop? You know how it is. Priorities--girls, cars,money, time, girls, cars, money, time...uh, oh, starting to sound like a Twilight Zone episode again.

Anyway, fast forward a few years. How I got back in the air was at the invitation of a patient, fellow Rotarian, and friend, Dana, who owns a flight school in Sugar Land, Texas. http://www.ansonair.com/He graciously asked Mary and me to "go up" in one of his planes. I think he said, "Would you be interested in taking a plane up on Saturday?"

Of course, I intelligently replied, "No, I don't think so...duh!" He got my drift.

So, some how we picked one of the hottest Saturdays in a record heat month(August) in Texas to fly a small plane with no air conditioning!! (That's worth two exclamation points.) I believe it was 100+ with a heat index of 110. Did I say it was hot? Now I know what a crawfish feels like in the boil.

We finally got some cold air at 3500 feet...87 degrees!

As we were cruising over some beautiful countryside, Dana asked me if I wanted to take over the controls...another, "Oh, duh!" moment. I took the yoke and proceeded to do some hard banking, loop dloops, and barrel rolls...it was all coming back. (Well, that was running through my head anyway.)

No, I kept her steady and on course. He let me have her for a while, not too short, not too long...just enough to give me the bug again. I suspect Dana wants me to take lessons again.

All in all it was a great time. We all survived. My wife had it the worst though, she was in the back seat with less room than a Volkswagen full of circus clowns. And did I mention it was hot? I think Dana picked the smallest plane in his fleet. Back on the ground, Mary kissed the ground, hugged Dana and told me, "Next time you sit in the back!" We had a blast though. Well worthwhile and Dana runs a top notch operation. I think everyone should learn to fly. http://www.ansonair.com/

Then there will be more room for me on the ground. Did I tell you I love driving cars? There are a few lessons in this story (not just flying lessons).

Make your own scrapbook

Live life to the fullest!

Pursue your dreams and passions...even just once!

Don't put off 'til tomorrow what you can do today! (I think
someone said that before me.)

Don't spend all your time watching movies about other people living.

Live your bucket list now! (While you can ambulate reasonably
well.)

Live more, love more, and give more... for tomorrow may never come.

Live in the present, live in the now, live in the moment!

Don't wait 30 years!

Dr. Rick Barrett
Author of Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's
Rewards http://www.givetolivebook.com/

P.S. The only thing missing (besides air conditioning) was a killer sound system playing Pink Floyd's song, Learning to Fly!

It's Not All About You...

2010-07-23T14:04:00.001-05:00

But it is up to you!

This is the title of the teleclass I'll be giving next Tuesday,July 27th at 8:00 p.m. CST.

You and everyone you know are invited!

So, record your favorite show, give away your baseball game tickets,postpone your romantic dinner, get someone else to chauffer the kids so that you can be on the call.

It's kind of fun to be on a teleclass call, so I hope you check it out. All you have to do is register at globalteleclass.com

Look under "free teleclass", click on "personal development" and you'll find me there (5th on the list). Follow the instructions and I'll look forward to talking with you on Tuesday night!

Thanks!

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Please tell others about the class!

It's Now Illegal!

2010-06-06T19:33:00.003-05:00

As of Tuesday, June 1, a new law banning texting on cell phones while driving in Missouri City, Texas went into effect. Even while stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. I, for one, think this is a great law and will prevent injuries and save lives.

Far too many of us have become so relaxed while driving that it's like sitting comfortably in our homes with food, drinks, DVD's, phones and cruise control.

I was appalled the other day when I observed a woman driving on the freeway with an iPhone in her right hand using her thumb to operate it and a flip phone in her left while holding the steering wheel! This was definitely over the top!

I blew the horn at her and she looked up at me with the most indignant look on her face. Like I was rude and interrupted her!

I'm sure some people think I shouldn't blow the horn, but I don't want anyone looking down at their phone drifting over and hitting me! And I'm going to continue to honk the horn.

The risks of texting or even talking while driving are huge. The number one distraction while driving is cell phone use. The National Safety Council says that texting is six times more likely to cause an accident than driving while intoxicated!

Imagine if a person is drunk, or high, texting, listening to the radio with dogs, kids or other people in the vehicle trying to juggle the hot Starbucks or soft drink and eat the burger and fries!! Oh, yes and play a clarinet at the same time. Okay, I'm exaggerating just a little...maybe. But I have seen a guy driving a truck with two hands on a clarinet resting it on the center of the steering wheel!

Bottom line, driving is a serious business and I think we've all become a little too relaxed about it. Especially as it relates with food and phones. It's becoming a significant life altering problem.

I've been noticing a very alarming trend in my chiropractic wellness practice. I am treating an ever increasing amount of patients from trauma due to motor vehicle collisions. Most are my existing patients, some past patients and others referred by
patients or medical doctors. Some have had devastating collisions.

I am and always have been, willing to help my patients or those they care about in any way I can. Returning someone back to optimum health after a trauma is important work and requires clinical competence. Healing takes time and musculoskeletal and neurologic degeneration needs to be thwarted.

Just the other day, I accepted a patient for care who was referred by another current patient. He was amazed by all the ways with which we treat including adjusting the spine and nutritional intervention. I was amazed because he had told me about a previous terrible experience he had being treated at an "accident clinic" that an attorney had sent him to. The chiropractor never even adjusted his spine.

This man wasn't treated properly, had a bad experience with the attorney and the doctor. He only agreed to see me at the urging of a family member. He overcame his previous negative experience, now he's doing great and very happy.

The point is there are lots of "accident clinics" with dubious attorney connections. I can't tell you how many times we refuse to accept an accident patient that doesn't know us; referred by an attorney we don't know where the circumstances are questionable. It happens a lot. Believe me, there is a lot of corruption out there.

Accident cases aren't our primary source of business, as you well know, we are a wellness clinic. But we will treat people who have sustained a legitimate injury. They need help and have the right to receive exceptional care.

I know it seems trite and easy to say, but prevention is the best medicine always, in all ways! So think safety first. The best accident is the one you don't have. Be alert...stay off the phone.

I don't want you or someone you love to be injured or, worse,killed.

God forbid you become injured, but if you do, I'll be happy to help anyway I can.

I don't give legal or insurance advice, but there are two things I've learned over the years. First, there are better ways to pick an attorney than from a commercial or the yellow pages. I'm not saying you need or don't need an attorney, but if you're thinking about retaining one, ask me about it.

Secondly, please speak with your insurance agent and get personal injury protection
(PIP) added to your policy if you don'thave it. It's very inexpensive and pays for medical expenses and lost wages. There are a lot of uninsured drivers out there. You need to protect yourself because medical bills can add up quickly after a trauma. I've seen too many patients suffer a financial loss by not having personal injury protection on their policy. Check it out with your agent.

One last statistic to think about--teenage drivers are four times more likely to get in an accident while texting and driving than adults. We all know they think they are invincible, just as we once did.

Let's all stay safe and healthy!

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. I have a free motor vehicle collision report with information
most insurance companies don't want you to know. If you're
interested, let me know

Thanks For Your Support!

2010-05-04T15:02:00.001-05:00

Considering the global opportunities of late to GIVE to those who are suffering hardships, I am grateful for help being given to Rudy to continue his work of building stoves for the Nahuatl natives. Just about every week, I receive donations to support his very important work. I especially want to pass on Rudy's thanks and some of his words from a recent correspondence...

The mango and avocado trees are in full bloom. And so are many lovely orchids. The Rosewood trees should be blooming soon, too. And that is a beautiful sight. Wish you were here to enjoy all these pretty things that mother Nature has for us to see and enjoy.

Like my dad used to say, life is great. We just need to take our time to see all the beauty that surrounds us and learn to enjoy it and share it with others.

I am doing some stoves and going strong with picking up garbage and used batteries in the rural area, and holding ecological conferences with the natives and students. I need to convince them more about taking better care of our environment. We have too many people sick with cancer, and other illnesses that could come from so much contamination.

I hope to hear soon from you. Do not forget us. Greetings and best wishes to all of you out there in the USA. And may God bless you always.

Bye now,
Rudy

In addition to the generous contributions from all over the world for Rudy, I am happy to report the following...Rudy's Nahuatl Stove Project is also benefiting from an additional stream of funding from the sale of Give to Live; Clearing Blocks to Receiving DVD! www.givetolivedvd.com You'll likely also be happy to hear another worthwhile project to benefit from the popularity of the Give to Live DVD is Operation Y.E.S. (Joe's project to end homelessness). http://operationyes.com

I speak blessings for you and your families. May you always be rewarded! Again, thank you, gracias, takke, tante grazie, mahalo, shukran, arigato...

Dr. Rick Barrett

www.missionsofhope.com

P.S. You can always listen to Rudy's message (in Spanish) on his Sunday morning radio broadcast. Go to http://www.radioreyna.com.mx/programacion.php for the 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. program, "Area Verde".

Please continue to spread the Give to Live message. Tell others they can receive an absolutely free digital version of our Give to Live book by going to www.givetolivebook.com If preferred, a hard copy can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=give+to+live+the+real+secret+to+manifesting+life%27s+rewards and 20% of the proceeds go to the Nahuatl Stove Project. They might also enjoy the Give to Live Subliminal Manifestation DVD. Remember, partial proceeds will help build more stoves for the Nahuatl Indigenous. Go to www.givetolivedvd.com

The Patient That Made Me Cry!

2010-04-24T19:17:00.002-05:00

Yes, I admit it. Tears welled up in my eyes and I had to clear my throat after Chad handed me a framed photo of himself. It was just another routine visit to the chiropractor for Chad, his wife and family. But this day, he surprised me with a note encased in a frame with a photo of him finishing the Houston Marathon. His first! I was thrilled to see his picture. Arms victoriously held high with a huge smile of accomplishment on his face. Then I read the heartfelt note below it. I was very touched. Chad, of course, did all the hard work. He was dedicated to his goal and achieved it. This is what Chad wrote…

I completed my first marathon, 26.2 miles, in five hours and sixteen minutes. It was one of the most painful, yet rewarding experiences in my life. I was considered a hero because I ran for the charity, Bo’s Place.
Dr. Barrett, you were a key part in this process. Along the way, you provided continual encouragement. Your energy around giving and helping others has flowed through me and to Bo’s Place, as well as all those around me. My family is truly blessed.

I consider you a friend and a God given gift to my family. Before I began training, the strength test you performed and supplements you provided pointed me in the right direction. During training, your chiropractic care kept me in alignment and I am positive—kept me stronger. After I completed the marathon, your loving words, “I am proud of you” continue to resonate in my soul.

From my ankles to my knees and from my hips to my lower back, every joint, muscle and tissue thanks you, Dr. Barrett, for your love and friendship. I also thank God for your talents that you continue to share and give so freely. You, Dr. Barrett, are the hero!

~Chad Collins and Family

I don’t consider myself a hero. I am humbled that Chad does. I’m just satisfied to have been a positive influence on his health and to be a part of his marathon success. It was fantastic to witness Chad’s growth through this process. I must say, I have one of the most gratifying careers in the world…participating in helping people with a myriad of health complaints overcome sickness, regain health, and improve the quality of their lives. Whether they run a marathon like Chad or are simply able to lift and hold their child without pain. I get to witness some amazing outcomes as the innate processes of the body restore function and health to the human body. I am truly blessed to be a part of so many lives!

It’s hard to put a price on Chad’s words or others like him who share their successes with me. I asked Chad if I could share this story and he happily gave me permission. Some may think I wrote this simply to feed my own ego, but not so. In my career as a wellness practitioner, I all too often encounter patients who seek my help after they’ve failed to overcome disease, pain or achieve the results they long for, are capable of and deserve. Other chiropractors experience the same. Such was the case of a young boy who suffered needlessly with a misdiagnosed childhood disease which created constant pain and episodic periods of immobilization for years. That is until a chiropractor, Dr. Terry Smedstad, gave this patient, (now a man), the answer to his lingering questions and a solution to his pain. In addition, wonderful side effects of increased vitality, improved health and a new vocation in life…to become a chiropractor and help others as he was helped. That boy was me! I continually give Dr. Smedstad full credit for changing my life. I’ve written the full story in my book, “Dare to Break Through the Pain; A Guide to Healing Naturally Without Drugs and Surgery” and “Healed by Morning”. http://astore.amazon.com/barrettchiroc-20

I can never thank him enough. He changed me forever and has given me the opportunity to change others. If I am a hero to Chad and his family, I understand and am grateful because Dr. Smedstad is a hero to me. Chad's story stands as a testament to what each of us is capable of. I am hopeful that it will inspire and encourage others.

I am confident that the people who need to hear this message…will, and lives will be changed forever.

To Chad…all I can say is, Thanks for being dedicated…not to me, but to yourself. And not just in this magnificent achievement, but daily. Also, for giving your family the gift of chiropractic care. You are all blessings to everyone you encounter and great examples for others to follow!

To all who suffer with pain or other health complaints, I say continue to seek help. There are solutions to your problems. It may take some effort but the rewards are great! The list of natural solutions are many…acupuncture, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, chiropractic, meditation and prayer to name a few.

Think more natural; be involved in the daily task of staying healthy and being well!

Beyond Borders, Politics and Religion

2010-04-10T20:41:00.000-05:00

Beyond borders, politics and religion...
stands an organization that tirelessly serves. They are Rotary International. I am happy to report that I am affiliated with this wonderful organization and proud to be distinguished as a charter member of the newly formed Southwest 59 Sunrise Rotary Club. For those who aren't familiar with Rotary International, they are "the World's first service club organization with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs Worldwide. Rotary Club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace and eradicate polio under the motto, 'Service Above Self'."

Their ideals have long aligned with my thinking. Every Rotarian I've ever known has been ethical, honest and an outstanding World class citizen.

They exemplify the attitudes, ideals and actions I speak of in my book, Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards.

It is a privilege to be associated with all Rotarians throughout the World and especially the charter members of our newest club in the greater Houston area.

I invite you to investigate Rotary International to see for yourself. Check out www.rotary5890.org or YouTube at www.youtube.com/rotaryinternational.

The Ultimate Giver

2010-04-04T16:17:00.001-05:00

Today is Easter Sunday. A day when all Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ...the Son of God. Those of you who are non-Christians please stay with me for a moment. My intent here is not to proselytize, but simply to use Jesus, the man, as an example of the ultimate servant...the ultimate giver.

The life of Jesus, short as it was revolved around honoring and loving God the Creator. He preached peace, love, caring for the poor, leading a life of goodness, honoring life and loving others as one would love themselves.

Jesus was a model giver and servant. He stood for something greater than himself and willingly died for the salvation of all humanity.

Is their a greater gift than giving one's life for another?

Naturally, I can't feel what a Buddhist, a Muslim, a Jew, non-Christian or anyone else, for that mattter, feel on this day. But I am hopeful that we can all use Jesus as an example of how to BE.

This Easter weekend gives me yet another opportunity to reflect on my life. To evaluate the direction I'm headed and make any course corrections needed.

I get to ask, who am I and what do I stand for? How much am I willing to sacrifice for others...daily...or in a grand way? Could I have the compassion, the strength and courage of Jesus...even one tenth the courage?

Life, as you know, is made up of a series of opportunities, decisions, and choices. At the end of the day, at the end of a life, perhaps all we can hope for is that the good decisions out weigh the bad ones. That we've done more good than harm, and showed more love than hate.

My wife has decided that in her death, she wishes to go on helping others. While she and I have spoken about this before, it has just become official. It just became more real to me. She showed me her newly arrived donor card. When Mary's spirit leaves this world, her body will continue to give life to others. It will be her last gift of love.

On this day and every day, I pray each of us has the courage to be a better person, to break through the shackles that bind us to any belief that is harmful to another.

Give more! Love more! Be more!

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Mary signed up with www.DonateLifeTexas.org

The Secret Project

2010-03-16T12:35:00.004-05:00

Machu Picchu Peru, where an ancient Incan city once existed is a breathtaking, magical place. If you can't feel God there, you may have a serious problem. Nature connects us with God and this place turbo charges that connection, almost instantaneously. Perhaps the ruins of an ancient civilization and the spirit of the people accentuate the feelings, the connection, and the experience.

But whatever it is, it's hard to describe. Fate has brought me there twice and yet I yearn to return. Awe, peace, tranquility, creativity, and inspiration all collide there. It is an essential travel destination everyone should experience. One for the bucket list for sure!

This past trip I was blessed to stay at what felt like the top of the world...The Sanctuary Lodge. It's positioned beautifully in the mountains at the foot of the ancient Incan city. Just the name should give you a sense of what my two traveling companions, Joe Vitale, Mark Ryan, and I felt and experienced.

Even Joe being a master wordsmith still can't fully express the emotions, the almost out of body experience that Machu Picchu evokes from a person. It is a mystical place.

While there, conversations and emotions took us in many directions. We were inspired to discuss blessings and gratitude, how beliefs create our realities and the topic of giving and receiving. We discussed how and why people have self imposed limitations about giving and serving and that others don't recognize giving and the ability to receive as an essential component to their ability to grow and prosper. We also discussed how people can clear their blocks to receiving...very simply.

It was then and there we decided to work on a secret life changing project...to create a solution for people who are "stuck" in their lives.
www.givetolivedvd.com

Thankfully, Mark had his professional video camera with him and filmed Joe and I discussing giving. But he also captured the magnificence of Machu Picchu in such a way that you believe you are actually walking the paths of the ruins. You feel you are there. What was created from that experience is absolutely life changing. It's a must have video.

Even for those that believe they don't need it. Well...especially for those that believe they don't need it.

Mark masterfully created a truly spectacular subliminal DVD. Anyone interested in personal growth and societal change will immediately love and benefit from this DVD. Marks expertise in hypnosis, NLP (neurolinguistic programming) and subliminal video skills are used in this DVD to encourage our brains reticular activating system, to begin opening and seeing the abundance and wealth in our possession, in so many areas of our lives. As you watch and use this video you begin to see your world through new eyes...eyes that begin to believe and see that you are always getting all that you desire and deserve...by learning how to properly receive.
http://www.givetolivedvd.com

The reticular activating system locks in and only lets you see what your belief system accepts as reality. If you don't believe it, you can't see it!

This means that you can already have what you've tried to manifest in your life...right in front of you. But because this part of your brain doesn't believe in it, this system will lock you out of experiencing what you don't believe you deserve!

This special subliminal manifestation DVD teaches your unconscious mind to shift making the RA's open up, to train it to work with the natural flow of giving and receiving. Being a person who is in a continual serving/giving mode and being part of this project doesn't exclude me from needing help too. Just like you, I am on a journey, a road of growth and discovery. You and I can't judge ourselves by the measurements or criteria of others, only by our own. This subliminal DVD is just one more tool that can be used to foster growth, change...¦improvement. It's not a tool that I think only you need. I believe everyone needs it, including Joe, Mark and me.
http://www.givetolivedvd.com

My goal is to continually strive towards becoming a better person...the best version of me. I am open to using any tool that doesn't create harm and moves me in the right direction. I have watched this special subliminal DVD multiple times and plan to use it on a regular basis. Each time I watch it, I feel better, lighter, happier, more attractive...more connected. I notice something is different, but I can't quite express what it is. But it's similar to the sensation of finally drinking water after being extremely thirsty for a long time. All systems start to work better, energy is restored, life comes back, and the power is on!

Machu Picchu was a life changing, inspiring experience for us that birthed a subliminal manifestation DVD that we are confident will change lives forever- including the people who we have pledged to serve on a humanitarian level. Part of the proceeds will fund Rudy and the Nahuatl Indigenous Stove Project, the medical missions, Operation YES (helping the homeless) and any other humanitarian need that crosses our paths entering our hearts, such as Haiti or Chili and others that are bound to follow.

We have been very pleased to receive some wonderful e-mails like this from Lisa D.: "My husband and I just got done watching your Give to Live, Clearing Blocks to Receiving DVD. We love the informal setting, and the beautiful views of Macchu Picchu. Very peaceful and calming. We felt this was a perfect match to your book, Give to Live. This DVD gives a reader of the book, Give to Live, a more personal connection and understanding of the two of you. It also helps the reader to better understand what is really important in ones life. The gift of giving can be so rewarding and beneficial. Thank you for a GREAT book and a WONDERFUL DVD, we will watch it often."

Cynthia said, "Your DVD is thoughtful, innovative and just plain cool! I must thank you for bringing Give to Live into my life and the lives of so many who have benefited from its content. From my first look at the DVD, I was immediately taken with the concept of conscious choices and the impact of purposeful choices in achieving the results we desire in our lives. That and the model for successful receiving and opening up to allow our blessings to flow."

One woman told me that she was buying the DVD for her friend who was in great need of hearing the message of "Clearing Blocks to Receiving" through giving. Sometimes
we may sense there are friends or family who may need the message just a little more than we do. If you think of someone, give them a gift too. I promise, the act of giving to them will return great dividends to you both. But you already knew that!

Listen to your intuition, your heart...God. If this feels right to you, check it out, watch the video excerpt at
http://www.givetolivedvd.com

Then get one for yourself!

Wishing you great success, health and happiness,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. The DVD includes:

A 4 minute introduction
A 25 minute interview between Joe Vitale and me and...
A 20 minute Master Subliminal "Clearing Blocks to Receiving"
video

Mark, Joe and I know you will enjoy the DVD! Please let us know what you experience!

Making Beautiful Music Together

2010-02-27T10:31:00.006-06:00

You may recall, I was inspired to write a couple of prayers. One is in my book, Healed by Morning, the other hasn't been published in a body of work yet.

Recently, I was also inspired to turn these prayers into songs and to record my Affirmation of Service from the book, Give to Live.

With the help of my good friend and talented musician/producer, Todd Silva and two awesome singers...my friend, Gail Best and my sister, Kathleen Woods,we are making some beautiful music together. I know you will love it!

I'm very excited about this project and can't wait to share the final product with you. You will be blown away!

More to come soon...

We Received An Inspiring Phone Call--You'll Love To Hear About!

2010-02-22T11:23:00.002-06:00

During a very busy day with patients, Mary took a phone call from a woman in Florida. That in itself is not particularly unusual, of course. We routinely receive calls from people in other states to purchase books or nutritional products. But what she wanted was to ship us something. The something?...A wheelchair!

She started by telling Mary this story. She had taken a friend to a doctor’s appointment at the hospital and naturally had to wait for her. Unfortunately, she had forgotten to bring a book to occupy her time. Looking for a magazine to read, she felt drawn to The Daily Word magazine that lay amongst a large variety of other magazines. She picked it up and read an article by Laura Harvey called, “A Passion for Giving”. It tells about how I became a medical missionary, why I continue to do it and why everyone needs to find an outlet to give. There’s a great photo of me pushing a young man in a wheelchair with his cousin and father in the background. Actually, I had him leaning back in the chair as I “popped a wheelie” with him. It was great fun, especially because it gave him new freedom. He rarely got out of the house unless someone carried him out. The article mentions him and the wheelchair we donated. We didn’t know who would benefit from the chair but we were guided to him. It was a perfect match. It even had a seatbelt…which he needed.

Well, the woman from Florida was so moved by the article, that she told her husband about it when she returned home. He became inspired and reminded his wife that they possessed a new wheelchair that had been her mother’s. At that moment they decided to contact our office and ship the wheelchair to me. Their intention is for me to bring it on my next medical mission and donate it to just the right person.

Isn’t it wonderful how a short article like that can move people to such great action? That wheelchair will soon find a new home and be of use and comfort to other people far from its original home. Countless lives may benefit from it over a lifetime. And what of that couple in Florida? What else will they do? I doubt it’s over for them.

I’m confident if they aren’t already in service to others, they will be now. I wonder who else may have read the article and been inspired to take action in their own way? The ripple effect may be endless.

To some, the donation of a wheelchair may seem somewhat insignificant in the scope of world problems. But to the people whose lives are enhanced by it…it’s priceless.

What kind of change could we see in our lifetime if everyone was “tuned in” the way those folks were. They listened to inspiration, their inner voice, intuition, the nudge from God. Whatever it was, they not only listened, but took the next critical step that so many ignore—they took action. It’s a lesson we can all learn from. Listen and act. I invite you to read the Daily Word article, the magazine is wonderful and I know you’ll love it! To view the article visit the Daily Word website at http://www.dailyword.com/articles/2009/november/passion-giving

Yours In Service,
Dr. Rick Barrett

We Just Became Godparents!

2010-02-19T15:12:00.008-06:00

Mary and I were privileged to become Godparents to our nephew, Matthew! We had a beautiful ceremony in which he was welcomed by the entire church.

It’s wonderful to see the joy and feel the energy that a baby can bring to people. In today’s world we need more of that joy and energy.

Matthew is nine months old and a hefty little guy. At one point during the ceremony, the priest asked for the Godparents to hold him for a blessing. Some how I was elected. As I stood holding Matthew, in the blink of an eye he thrust his right hand out towards a large lit candle that stood next to us. There with his little fingers, he scooped up some of the soft warm wax and proceeded to put it in his mouth! I was looking the other way and didn’t even see it happen. He apparently has no fear of fire and it didn’t trouble him at all. In fact, he liked it!

As we scooped little bits of wax out of his mouth, I thought, “Oh, well, this is it. I’ve only been a Godparent for five minutes and their going to revoke my privileges, cancel my contract and solicit a new Godfather.” But they gave me a pass on this one…whew!

What each parent wants, what each parishioner hopes for is that this child will survive, thrive and have opportunities in life that perhaps they didn’t have. That he will become a valuable member of our world community. That he will live his life with honor and integrity and treat others with love, kindness and generosity. That this child will live without hate and prejudice, and compassion fills his heart. That this child will do the good and honorable things that perhaps we were not able to do. That this child and every new child becomes a second chance…an opportunity for us to redeem ourselves…to be the hope for a peaceful world.

Blessings,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. I ask that you place a blessing on Matthew in your own way and on all the newborns of the world…thank you.

Would You Walk A Mile In My Shoes?

2010-02-06T17:15:00.002-06:00

I can hear that question reverberating in the minds of the poor.

Well…can we?

Will we?

Each person must answer those questions for themselves. One man though says yes to show his commitment! To changing the lives of the poor, Bob Hentzen will walk 8,000 miles from San Lucas Toleman Guatemala to Valparaiso, Chile! This is an arduous journey for anyone let alone Bob. He is 73 years old!

This is also his second walk to show solidarity with the impoverished. His first walk, three years ago, was a mere 4,000 miles.

Why walk?

Bob feels that “those living in poverty can feel forgotten by the rest of the world.”
He simply wants to say to the poor, “You are not alone...” and “I love you”.
Bob started walking December 29th, 2009 and anticipates a sixteen month journey taking him some 8,000 plus miles through twelve countries.

Hentzen is the president and co-founder of the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging.

They serve more than 182,000 children, youth and the aging in the twelve countries Bob will walk through, and more than 310,000 worldwide!

Their commitment to changing lives over many years is to be applauded and marveled at. Hentzen displays extraordinary courage and dedication as he embarks on this 8,000 mile journey to walk in the shoes of the poor.

He has given me pause to reflect on my own journey and willingness to serve and to review my commitment towards the betterment of humanity.

Bob is an inspiration to me. A new year affords us another opportunity to reevaluate the direction of our lives.

As we set goals for 2010 and beyond in all areas of our lives, we should remember to set goals for giving. Perhaps it’s time to ask ourselves harder, deeper questions. What more can I do? What can I be a part of that creates change in the world-- in one town, in one family, in one life.

What can I create?—maybe an organization, a fund, or something else. Who can I partner with? Who else shares my beliefs or has the same concerns? What gifts, talents, and resources do I have to offer?

As you look into the mirror of your soul evaluate what you see. Are you happy with it? Is there more to be done? Where do you see yourself?

Listen to inspiration that may be whispering softly or even shouting loudly to you. The nudge in your soul may be divine inspiration from the creator that will also guide you create a plan. Take action, enjoy the journey, experience the emotion, and reap the rewards.

Your journey may take you on a walk like Bob Hentzen or on countless other paths. The possibilities are limitless. We can create all that we wish to create for ourselves and others in an abundant world.

You can follow Bob Hentzen on his amazing, inspirational journey, by going to www.walk2gether.org

If you’d like to learn more about the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging go to www.cfcausa.org

A useful tool for your own journey is the Acts of Service Journal in Give to Live. Both are free! Simply go to www.givetolivebook.com

Whose feet are those before you?
They have walked a thousand miles
Through hardship, pain, and suffering
They have weathered worldly trials

Searching for their destination
These way-weary feet
Travel ever onward
Ignoring sand, sun, and heat

The way is rarely easy
The path not always clear
Still they keep on searching
Hoping home is somewhere near

A place of final resting
Of beauty, love, and peace
Where the bonds of earthly torment
Will finally gain release

Someone waits to wash those feet
To soothe the pain away
Cleansing the sins of human life
Along with dirt and clay

Whose feet are those before you?
They seek a heavenly goal
Perhaps the feet of Jesus
Perhaps those of your soul. ~M.F.K.

The Secret to Receiving More

2010-02-03T20:35:00.004-06:00

Like me, you've probably been studying
manifestation and the Law of Attraction
for a long time, or maybe it's something
new to you.

Perhaps you've seen the movie, The
Secret and were energized by it, but you
felt something was missing.

Likely you've had some success with the law
of attraction, manifesting certain experiences,
material possessions, a little money, or
relationships into your life

Even if you weren't quite sure how it works.

But even if you fully understand the Law of
Attraction...you may still have abundance
that eludes you somehow.

There's still something more that you want.

You may know all the secrets to wealth and
getting what you want, but if you don't know
how to give and receive... all the secrets in
the world won't help you.

Let me explain...

Our brains have something called a reticular
activating system (RAS). This system tends to
lock in and only let you see what your belief
system accepts as reality. If you don't believe
it, you cannot see it.

This means that you may already have what you've
tried to manifest into your life -- right in front
of you. But because this part of your brain
doesn't believe it, this system will lock you
out of experiencing what you don't believe
you deserve.

Your manifestation system may be working just
fine. But your belief system may be blocking you
from accepting, experiencing, and receiving all
that the universe has in store for you.

What can you do about this?

Dr. Joe Vitale, Mark Ryan, and I traveled to
Macchu Picchu, Peru last year. There, we were
inspired to create a special edition Subliminal
Manifestation DVD on just this issue. You can
read about it -- and see a video excerpt -- here:

http://www.givetolivedvd.com

This special subliminal DVD teaches your
unconscious mind to shift that around, to
make your reticular activating system open
up and train it to work with the natural flow
of giving and receiving.

This DVD works with both your conscious and
unconscious mind to open you up to giving and
receiving all that the abundance the universe has
in store for you.

The DVD starts with a 25-minute interview with
Dr. Joe Vitale and myself about how to open
these processes inside yourself. Both Dr. Vitale
and myself were in a heightened state of bliss
during this interview, as it was conducted on top
of sacred Macchu Picchu in Peru.

Watch as our positive energy flows out, inspiring
you consciously to understand this critical flow
of giving and receiving.

The next segment is a spectacular, moving
20-minute piece filmed in Macchu Picchu.

Watching this video of nature's beautiful,
sacred abundance, coupled with a
special musical piece composed specifically
for this video, opens you up to levels of ancient
understanding deep within you. You can actually
*feel* this when you watch the video.

You might see little flickers on the subliminal
portion of the video, as you relax and watch.

They are just a little faster than your conscious
mind can grasp, but not too fast for your
unconscious. In this way, we bypass the
conscious mind's objections and blocks,
and you will gently stir the deeper understanding
of the cycle of giving and receiving within you.

Hypnotist Mark J. Ryan's smooth hypnotic voice
guides you through this special 20-minute video.
Mark's expertise in hypnosis, NLP (neurolinguistic
programming), and subliminal video skills
encourage your RAS to begin opening
and seeing the abundance and wealth you
already have in so many areas of your life.

As you watch and use this video, you will begin to
see your world through new eyes... eyes that begin
to believe and see that you are always getting all
that you deserve and desire... by learning how to
properly receive -- and how to properly give to
yourself.

And how to allow more -- to begin to finally
attract what has been eluding you.

Imagine *that*.

Here's the bonus to this learning: as you start to
receive more, it amplifies your manifesting. As
you open and receive more, it adds to your own
experience, thus changing your experience,
which also solidifies your new belief systems.

I am sure you have heard the saying, "The rich get
richer and the poor get poorer." Well that is the
result of a receiving feedback loop. In one loop,
you are open and receive more... in the latter,
you don't believe you should receive more and
so you receive less.

Are you beginning to see how powerful this is?

When you receive plenty and more than sufficient
supply, you then are more open to giving because
you have more to give, and the desire to give
increases as well.

So now you have a system that both pushes and
pulls in the same direction. How much faster do
you expect things to improve in your life when you
have one engine pushing and another pulling in the
same direction? When you've been living with
two engines pulling in opposite directions,
the improvement will feel dramatic.

If you have that much energy working for you,
why not have it work in the same direction?

Why not finally get in alignment to attract
all that you long for?

http://www.givetolivedvd.com

The Subliminal Manifestation Special Edition
Give to Live: Clearing Blocks to Receiving will
be selling for $69.99 but for a limited time we
are offering it for an introductory rate of only
$59.99.

The DVD includes:

* a 4 minute introduction
* 25 minute interview between Dr. Vitale and me
* 20 minute Master Subliminal "Clearing Blocks
to Receiving" video

As a bonus, I am giving away the
digital version of my highly acclaimed and
"Give to Live" book, on which this special DVD is
based. It also includes Dr. Joe Vitale's wonderful
and powerful "Greatest Money Making Secret in
History" book.

Get yours now and start seeing all that is yours
that is right in front of you -- and more.

Just go to --

http://www.givetolivedvd.com

"It is one of the most beautiful
compensations of this life that no man can
sincerely try to help another without
helping himself." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wishing you great success, health, happiness...
and more!
Dr. Rick Barrett

PS -- Honoring the Divine flow of giving and
receiving, partial proceeds will be donated to
our charities.

Just go here now --
http://www.givetolivedvd.com

Haiti; Hope For Humanity

2010-01-28T09:45:00.002-06:00

In the chaos, devastation and suffering that has arisen from a massively destructive earthquake...Haiti offers every community,every nation and each individual an opportunity to stand for something greater than themselves.

People and countries will either tap into the goodness within and rise to their greatness or succumb to their limited, petty beliefs falling to their weakness!

The decision to offer assistance or not, the reasons why you would do either are irrelevant. What is relevant is that human life has been destroyed, suffering, hardship and pain still remains,and is everyone 's responsibility!

This is one of those defining moments when we get to ask ourselves individually and collectively...who are we? What are we made of?

Can the poor country of Haiti be a catalyst for unity, peace and oneness?

Can Haiti teach us finally what is important?

Can we transcend politics, cultures, boundaries, religions, languages,prejudices and fears to care for one another?

Can we look beyond all the possible reasons not to act, not to donate money, not to volunteer, and focus on the one reason to do those things?

Simply for the love of another human being!

The jury is still out. Haiti will be a long process, but I am hopeful.

A few days after the earthquake destroyed Port Au Prince an estimated 150,000 were dead. I asked a patient how her morning had been. She responded it's just an ordinary day, thankfully. I agreed. I said sometimes an uneventful day IS a great day.

She said, "Yes, I have nothing to complain about. Look at those poor people in Haiti. I can't sleep. They're on my mind constantly." She said, "Just can't send enough money to them. I wish I could do more."

This event touched her soul--the connection between her and other spiritual/human beings.

I would say you would have to have a very hard heart, be a sick or a destructive person not to be touched by this tragedy.

Most of us feel compelled to lend assistance in whatever way we can. You could almost hear the collective gasps as we all learned the news. Something ripped at our hearts, our guts and we felt a tear in our connection to human life on this
planet.

We can imagine, all too easily, ourselves, friends or loved ones in that same situation. Devastated, hungry, homeless, filthy and perhaps buried under rubble gasping for air, desperately struggling for life.

For those that survive, the struggle for ordinary will be a long process.

I would not want to be in their shoes, but if I were, I would hope and pray that my brothers and sisters throughout the world would come to my aid.

This earthquake in Haiti is just another reminder that we are all susceptible to disaster and potentially in need of assistance from others.

Hardship Plays No Favorites is the title of chapter two in our book, Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards. (Available at www.givetolivebook.com)
In it, I wrote the following...

"Homelessness, economic disaster, war torn countries, terrorism,class systems, slavery,genocide, prejudice, hate, water and food supply shortages, poverty, droughts, famine,disease, a world in turmoil; symptoms of a world, in many ways precariously close to extreme devastation."

"Many of us, including you and me, are teetering on the brink of personal disaster and yet walk through our days unaware. A life, a career, a business can be dramatically changed in the time it takes for a tsunami to roll onto shore, a government to topple, a war to erupt, a tornado to come through your town, a fire to ravage your home or a senseless act of terrorism to invade your life."

Haiti is giving us all an opportunity to show not only others, but ourselves, what we are made of. To remind us...it could just as easily be you or I.

An opportunity to reach within ourselves and share all the love,goodness and light we are endowed with. An opportunity to grow in our humanity and our spirituality.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."

My personal Affirmation of Service is as follows:

I choose to carry out my day as if it is my last.
I will give freely and unconditionally that
which I can. I will provide service to one or
more persons with or without their knowledge.
Thought coupled with action equals change,
therefore, as I think and act I can and will
create the positive changes in my
community and world. I am grateful for the
opportunity to serve humanity today.

Perhaps this resonates with you. If so...use it.

When opportunity presents itself to help another, it is also an opportunity for us to grow and be the recipient of great reward.

Do what you can, when you can, however your conscious dictates.

Serving You,
Dr. Rick Barrett

I Think I'm Becoming A Psychic

2009-12-31T14:46:00.003-06:00

My mom said something that struck me as hilarious, and I couldn't stop
laughing! But before I tell you what it was, I want you to know that she
gave me permission to share our conversation. We were driving through
the Texas Hill Country's winding roads and having a nice conversation.
It was one of those moments when suddenly and unrelated to anything
we were discussing, a zinger one liner came out. Ok, so here it is. She
said, "I think I'm becoming a psychic...I know things that aren't going
to happen!" Well I almost broke a rib and wrecked the vehicle I laughed
so hard. But mom couldn't understand why I was laughing. I said psychics
usually predict things that are going to happen, so what do you mean that
you can predict things that aren't going to happen? (I could tell she was
serious about this.) "Well, for example," she said, "When Kathy (my sister)
was planning to take me to New Jersey this year...I knew it was never
going to happen. And it didn't." Of course, I had to agree with that one.
Quite a few other things got in the way of that trip. And it really didn't
happen. And then she said, "You know Patricia was supposed to move
this weekend and she didn't...well, I knew it wasn't going to happen!"

Oddly enough, the more we talked, I started to move closer to
understanding what she meant. What's interesting is that I can't seem to
get that line out of my head..."I think I'm becoming psychic, I know things
that aren't going to happen". It's such a rich and compelling statement.

What if we all had the ability to know with absolute certainty that
"something wasn't going to happen"? Well, it would save us a lot of hardship,
suffering, and wasted time. We could redirect our energies appropriately.
Instead of saying affirmations, setting intentions, and taking action towards
something that will never come to fruition, we could focus on other areas.
For example, you may be interested in pursuing a particular job, a trip, a
new business venture, or a new love. You start dreaming, wishing, planning,
and then acting on this thing you want so badly but...bam! A psychic prediction
suddenly flashes into your brain! NO this is not for you! This will definitely
not happen. Now, it may be disappointing and even painful for a little while,
but then the possibilities of what you can have become clearer, more real,
more defined, and more in focus. In other words, knowing what we can't
have makes what we can have clearer!

Remember being a child? There were all kinds of things you couldn't have
or allowed to do. It's like being in a toy store. You're hooked on wanting
one toy, maybe a new train, but your parents say "Nope, no way! It's not
going to happen; you are not getting a new train!" At first you're upset, but
guess what, we just eliminated one toy you can't have, yet there are still
endless satisfactory alternatives. There are electric guitars, drum sets, video
games, and on and on. Some may be even better than what you originally
wanted. Knowing what you're not going to get is very powerful. It allows
you to choose other things that you can have!

By process of elimination, you become very clear in what you want and
can have because you've removed the things you can't have from your
visual field.

I'm a huge believer in possibilities. Mind over matter, believing in yourself,
overcoming the odds, having high expectations, miracles, eradicating limiting
beliefs...well, you get the point. But I also know that there are some things
that won't ever happen and I don't have to have psychic abilities. A 90 year
old will never have the body of an Olympic athlete. This doesn't mean he/she
shouldn't exercise, lift weights and strive to improve their muscles and health.

An apple tree will never produce bananas no matter how intensely we
believe, pray or try and will it to happen.

One should strive to accomplish their dreams but clean up the things that
are cluttering up their lives, and impeding success. Stop focusing on what
we can't have...it wastes time, energy and limits growth and possibilities in
other areas.

Why generate a lot of strife and bemoan a lost job, opportunity or love?
Forge on. Create something else that you can be assured of having success
with.

Much like gardening--clean up the weeds to unveil the beautiful flower
that lay hidden. Care for it, nurture it and allow it to blossom. Get rid of the
weeds in your garden that are stifling the beauty and magnificence in you
that is waiting to be set free.

Clearly define what you don't want, but put your attention on what it is you
really do desire. Maintain enthusiasm, stay grateful for what you do have
and take specific action towards what you desire. As we have all heard
many times before--you create your reality. What are you creating today?

I'm not sure I'll ever become psychic and know things that aren't going
to happen, but with an endlessly abundant Universe, the things that are
possible are astronomical!
Have a blessed, prosperous and healthy New Year!!

Dr. Rick Barrett

Buy my new book, Give to Live, The Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards
with the star of The Secret, Joe Vitale at http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310

Visit our websites:

www.givetolivebook.com

www.barrettchiroclinic.com

www.missionsofhope.com

Visit our blogs:www.barrettchiroclinic.blogspot.com

Remembering to Give...Thanks and More!

2009-11-24T20:16:00.001-06:00

This Thursday as Americans, we celebrate and hold dear a special day that provides us an opportunity to give thanks; a day to unite with friends and family… a day of peace.

Thanksgiving is uniquely American but the ideals that it embodies are something that all countries and all peoples can embrace.

Our Thanksgiving started humbly in the early 1600’s by English settlers who endured many hardships, having fled from religious persecution.

Not the least of which was an extremely harsh New England winter that killed nearly half the colonists.

The survivors gave thanks to God for their new home, freedom, bountiful harvests and their new Indian friends that embraced them and aided their survival.

Though many Thanksgiving days were celebrated over the years, it wasn’t nationalized until President Abraham Lincoln made it so.

This glorious tradition continues to be held the last Thursday of November.

For many the history has been forgotten. For others it is simply a day to rest from hard work. For others it is an opportunity to see family that they otherwise may not see due to distance or time constraints. For others it is a day of true spiritual connectedness and gratitude to a loving God. And to others it is a day of peace and tranquility as all pause for a moment in time. Still others use it as a day to serve and give to those less fortunate and in need of help.

Those of us who “have” … can share… can give… can serve and… can pray for those who have not.

My sincerest wish is for all of the inhabitants of this planet to experience an abundance of love, health and wealth.

While this day is uniquely American, I hope that its message can be adopted and embraced by the world. A planetary day of Thanksgiving!

And yes, I know there are countless people who would find it extremely hard to be thankful or grateful even for one day.

I pray that even the poorest of people can locate one thing to be thankful for. To be able to say…thank God, I have this shelter, or my family, or my body, my eyesight, my hand or whatever it may be. To acknowledge this to their friends, family, God or just to their inner self is powerful.

Without even one thing to be thankful for, there is no hope. But if there is just one thing to be thankful for, a person’s spirit can be elevated!

A new attitude is adopted energy creates more energy and then self worth and inspiration dispel despair. Suddenly, magically, the doors are flung open for goodness of all kinds to enter into their life.

As their attraction increases, life becomes more fulfilling.
While I firmly believe thanksgiving and gratitude should be practiced daily, especially remember it this Thursday.

This Thanksgiving holiday see who you can give to. Challenge yourself to do a little extra even if you think you’ve done enough.

You will find that you open yourself to receive more by being and doing more for others. The giver is always blessed with reward.

For the last fifteen years at my office we have collected food for the needy families in East Fort Bend County. It’s been a huge success thanks to the generosity of my patients and it’s been a blessing to my patients, community and myself. We love every minute of it. This is just one example.

Do your own thing. Be inspired! Inspire others!

Count your blessings. I’m definitely counting mine!

Every one of you helps me to grow and challenges me to be better.

I am thankful for each and every person in my life.

With sincerest gratitude—thank you!
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Joe Vitale and I are still giving away Give to Live e-books for free at www.givetolivebook.com. For those who purchase books, we are also giving away partial proceeds to our charities like Rudy and the stoves www.missionsofhope.com and Joe’s homeless project—Operation YES www.operationyes.com

I love when people call, e-mail or write to me that Give to Live has changed their life and that they are buying books for family and friends.

One of my patients humbled me the other day by buying books for his seven children. But not only that, he has committed himself to do more for our community and the world. Soon, he will be going on a medical mission with me as part of his commitment. This is from a man who is already very giving. I am grateful to him and others who do their little piece to benefit mankind. It helps us all.
Thanks again to all of you!

P.P.S. For a fun and simple way of opening your life up for more abundance and prosperity to flow Give Away A Dollar A Day! It's just like it sounds - you give away one dollar, every day. The best way to do this is anonymously, and in a public place. But what really makes this practice so genuine and empowering is that you decide where and how to give away your dollar to whomever and however you want. Check out Todd Silva’s website at http://giveawayadollaraday.com

T.V. Interview

2009-11-11T14:15:00.009-06:00

Joy In Our Town is a segment hosted by Genet Chenier of KETH-TV 14 in Houston, Texas. I spent a few very enjoyable hours at the station being interviewed by Genet. The topic was "back pain". Genet is very gracious and the interview went great.

In fact, they've invited me back in January with the intention of doing a longer segment on our book, Give to Live and the mission work I participate in. I'll let you know when that takes place. In the meantime, watch the Back Pain program. The air dates and time for Joy In Our Time are:

December 7, 2009 10:30 a.m.CST
December 8, 2009 2:30 a.m.CST
December 10, 2009 2:30 a.m.CST
December 11, 2009 12:00 p.m.CST
December 12, 2009 2:30 a.m.CST

http://www.communityedtv.org/KETH_houston.htm

Serving You,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. I've also attached a couple of photos from the River Oaks Bookstore book signing!

Pleasing Pacaya

2009-11-05T13:58:00.004-06:00

Who or what is Pacaya? Pacaya is one of three active volcanoes in the Antigua area of Guatemala and gives a beautiful display of lava for all who get close enough to see.

I was privileged to have hiked Pacaya one night last week and I'm sure I could see Pacaya smiling at us.

Indeed if there is a Pacaya god, she must be very pleased with the group of people who visited her and provided medical care to her people.

At least I hope so.

I and a group of fellow medical missionaries just returned from spending one week amongst the beautiful people of Guatemala.

We provided chiropractic, acupuncture, dental and medical care to over 600 people a day in the towns of San Andres Ozuna, Guanagazapa, and Escuintla.

The region has over twenty different Indian groups all with their own language.

Two that I can remember are Cakchiquel and Mam. Many of the people only spoke their native tongue so English to Spanish to Indio translation was often needed. But it all worked well.

In San Andres Ozuna, I treated a very colorfully dressed Mam Indio husband and wife. Pedro Jeronimo Lorezo was his name. They both wore the traditional garments of their people.

Pedro translated for me as his wife only spoke Mam.

May you ch (spelled phonetically) is the Mam word for relax. Pedro taught me this to help his wife be at ease as I treated her.

Chinkotano and Oosh te neek are a few other words in different Indio languages that I was able to put to good use that week.

It was a beautiful experience and they had fun listening to me attempt to speak their language. Just a slight change in emphasis or inflection apparently is important.

After a dozen or so times repeating the words, they figured I was as good as I was going to be.

While we laughed and had fun with it, I could also tell that their was a genuine appreciation for attempting to connect to them in their own language.

This appreciation can be felt in words, gestures and actions amongst all the people.

We and they know we have limited resources and ability to provide all the medical care they need.

But I believe that we do change lives forever. Theirs and ours.

It's questionable who receives the greatest rewards. I would suggest, likely, it's us--the caregivers.

As our lives intertwine for a mere moment in time a genuine and lasting connection is formed. I suppose only God can judge the extent of benefit to those involved.

In any case, as always, I wouldn't trade the experience.

Though each mission trip has an overall sameness to it, there still is a newness, and uniqueness to each trip.

It's hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it. But there is a richness that comes from the ingredients of a different area, the spirit and personality of the individuals, the environment, the weather, new medical team members, these and other elements that all combine to make beautifully rich and rewarding mission experiences.

In Spanish, the term, "Que Rico" comes to mind. They say this when a food or an experience is fully enjoyed. What richness it brings!

To our team, I am always indebted. The friendships and commaradie are priceless.

To the people of Guatemala, the Mams, the Cakchiquels and others, I am thankful, grateful and honored to have been allowed to be a part of their lives.

I invite you to view our photos from Guatemala Mission 2009.

Go to http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d5449794e444d784e44453d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_instructions_directurl_makeyourown

If you have an interest in joining or supporting our mission work please visit www.missionsofhope.com

Thank You!
Dr. Rick Barrett

Do I Smell Like Smoke

2009-10-04T16:15:00.004-05:00

This question was asked of me one day by a patient before we began treatment. So I know her fairly well. She has participated in our medical missions and I consider her a friend, I’ll call her “L”.

When “L” asked the question, “Do I smell like smoke?”

I was confused because I knew she didn’t smoke. I just replied, “What do you mean?” with a puzzled tone to my voice.

She asked again, “Do I smell like smoke?”

All I could say was “No, what are you talking about?”

“Good”, she said, “Because I just came here right from a fire.”

I didn’t see that one coming!

Now I was shocked. “What happened?” I asked.

She was reluctant to speak to me about what she did and was really only interested in knowing whether she reeked of smoke. But because she asked such a strange question, I was compelled to find out why she asked it.

My persistence paid off and she gave up her story.

In fact, she was very humble and almost self-conscious while telling me the story. She said, “The morning news reported on an apartment fire and requested Spanish speaking volunteers to lend assistance. So I went down there to help out.”

She began to tell me that before leaving the house, she gathered up some supplies like water, clothing and other basics to take to the victims of the fire. She was sure that they would need those things since the news reported many families were displaced from their apartments.

Arriving at the scene, “L” put her Spanish speaking skills to use. She told the authorities about all the items she brought to aid the fire victims. Unbelievable as it may seem, she was told they couldn’t accept what she had brought. They had no one in charge to handle donations. Unwillingly to accept that answer, “L” found one of the victims and put her in charge of organizing the people and distributing the needed items to them. This turned out to be very successful.

“L’s” selfless act of giving comprised of two components—the giving of material goods and giving of herself through service.

“L” really didn’t see the enormity of her action; she down played it quite a bit. Not wanting to be recognized for her good deed.

She even said, “Anyone would do the same thing.” I pointed out to her that not just anyone would do that. Most people, the great majority, in fact, would watch the news, hear the request and go about their business. I illustrated my point by asking if any other translators showed up.

Her answer—“No”.

I said, “There are four million people in the city, so a large percentage of the population had to be watching the same news broadcast. Yet out of perhaps hundreds of thousands of people, maybe even a million or so, you were the only one to show up. And you took action beyond what was asked because you brought some very necessary supplies!”

“This is no small thing,” I said. “Don’t minimize its value and your worth! Not everyone would do it. Only one did it. But that one made quite an impact.”
Then she told me she felt that a good deed should be unpublicized.

I didn’t agree with her, citing these reasons. While I agree that shouting from the roof tops, “Look at me, look at what I just did!” is in bad taste, boastful and perhaps self-serving. Humbly talking about a need and filling it is quite different.

The intention is the difference.

“Do you think it takes away from giving if you tell some one about it?” she asked. I said, “I believe it helps to inspire others.”

Every giving action doesn’t have to be revealed. But some should. I also felt that by telling others it sheds light on a particular problem. It also nudges others to take action. Perhaps next time someone else will remember what she did and feel encouraged and strengthened to take action themselves.

Sometimes we need to read a story or hear how someone else participated in giving and serving which could enable us to believe that we, too, can do that! Perhaps it will inspire someone to look around their own family or neighborhood and spot a need that they can act on.

This is how relationships are built, goodwill is fostered, barriers fall and love is spread. The essence of our existence is to love one another.

To love a stranger can sometimes be difficult, to do this unconditionally, all the time takes effort, to do this only when it is convenient and under ideal circumstances takes little courage.

I told “L” that our work with the medical missions and helping Rudy build stoves for the Nahuatl people wouldn’t be possible if we kept it a secret. Throughout my office are photo albums, and pictures on the walls from each medical mission I’ve participated in.

Photos of beautiful children, the elderly, toothless people, people carrying bundles of wood, colonias and churches made of wooden shipping pallets and other discarded materials, photos of all our mission participants—dentists, nurses, medical doctors, translators, clergy, chiropractors, vision care, acupuncturists, massage, occupational and physical therapists and support people.

You can’t walk anywhere in my office without coming in contact with some reminder of a mission trip. I have pottery, blankets, walking sticks, and a host of different gifts given to me by people who I’ve served. I even have an extremely old wooden crutch hanging on the wall that a woman in Mexico gave to me after I treated her.

Why do I have all this? To be boastful? No! To draw attention to me? No! It serves several purposes.

For one, I enjoy the mission work totally. It is a passion for me. Some people like golf vacations or lying on the beach and then displaying photos of their trips.

The mission trips are my vacation. I love them. I enjoy looking at the photos. I enjoy the feelings they bring and the memories. Even the feelings of pain and discomfort about the hardships these people endure are important and welcomed.

It is also an “in my face” reminder of how fortunate, blessed, lucky—you pick the word, I and most people are. It is a reminder that at any moment, a tragedy could occur in my life and I could be one of those people. There really aren’t that many steps from having to not having.

These photos of wonderful people captured in their environment keep me humble, and keep me grounded in reality.

I also told “L” that because of the pictures, and the writing and speaking I do about the missions, people continually donate money. And many have been inspired to participate in the mission trips. In fact, our mission team in Sugar Land started because one of my patients inquired about the photos, and we created The Medical Missionaries of Divine Mercy.

(You can see more photos at http://www.missionsofhope.com)

My patients routinely deliver clothing, shoes, crutches, wheelchairs and toys to my office for me to bring on the mission trips. Soon I’ll have to build a bigger garage just to store it all! The photos, also, encourage people to do more and afford them an opportunity to be blessed by giving.

It allows them to “be” more. I have seen my patients find and fill a variety of needs in our own community because they were inspired by our photos and stories.
If we don’t see or hear—we don’t know. It’s important not to boast. But I believe it’s vital to tell the stories! It calls our attention to a need and screams to the universe—“Now who’s going to step up and help?”

I reminded “L” of the section in scripture which teaches; just as you wouldn’t hide a light under a bushel basket, you must allow your light to shine out for others to see your good deeds which glorifies God!

This is not ego talking, but simply showing by example. Being a good role model for others to follow even at the risk of making ourselves feel uncomfortable with the attention it may garnish.

This is why Joe and I wrote Give to Live, The Real Secret to Manifesting Life’s Rewards. And will continue to promote the timeless message of Give to Live—to stand for something more, to inspire and to motivate others. To fortify those that are “doing” and encourage others to join and revel in the experience!

“L” and I had a great conversation. She then opened up and told me about some other selfless acts she was performing quietly within the poorest areas of our community. Though I won’t tell you what those things are, I will say, she absolutely inspired me!! She truly has a giving heart.

I know “L” is making a huge difference in our world by spreading hope and love. She really lives the giving message and exemplifies the ideals set forth in my Affirmation of Service.

I choose to carry out my day as if it is my last.
I will give freely and unconditionally that which I can.
I will provide service to one or more persons
With or without their knowledge.
Thought coupled with action equals change, therefore,
As I think and act, I can and will create positive changes in my community and world.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve humanity today.

“L” is an inspiration to me and I believe I am to her as well as many others in my life. We inspire one another to reach within ourselves to find ways to improve the human condition and in the process, force our own growth.

A tool to help monitor one’s daily life of giving is the Acts of Service Journal.

It’s described in Give to Live, The Real Secret to Manifesting Life’s Rewards. Use it to keep a personal accounting of the goodwill services you provide. It is a nice way to stay grounded and periodically reflect on your daily life. I encourage you to get one and utilize it.

You can download a free Acts of Service journal at http://www.lulu.com/content/5526047)

Get a free digital Give to Live book at www.givetolivebook.com or purchase books at www.amazon.com or at http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310

With Love and Gratitude For All You Do, Known and Unknown,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Who you are, makes a huge difference…Thank you!

Blood Drive

2009-09-19T13:41:00.002-05:00

Your blood is needed! Someone always wants something...right?

Please join us in saving some lives.

On Wednesday, September 30th, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will have a donor coach in the parking lot in front of my office.

Time: 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

330,000 to 340,0000--that's how many units of blood is needed to meet the demands of community per year.

1,000--that's the units of blood needed per day!

Help if you can.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.giveblood.org and login in to Digital Donor. Enter sponsor code S784 or contact Dafney Alvarez at(281) 499-4810.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, September 30th!

Barrett Chiropractic Clinic
2853 Dulles Avenue
Missouri City, Texas 77459

A Huge Blessing From Rudy

2009-09-13T16:48:00.012-05:00

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Recently I was able to deliver $1000 more to Rudy to build ecological
stoves for the Nahuatl families. These funds are from donations by
people who have read about Rudy's work in our book,
Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards.

Those of you who have donated are making a huge impact on the lives
of the Nahuatl people.

One blessing of the internet is that we can stay in touch with Rudy on a
regular basis and continually update you on his work.

He sent me the following e-mail specifically to give his thanks to you.

I know you'll enjoy it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Friends,

Yes, the money got here. I went to the ATM this morning and withdrew
half of it. I shall do the rest tomorrow. I have already gone to the
hardware store and have paid for tin pipes, elbows and four bags of
cement.

Thank you very much for this help. Like I said yesterday, I will do four
stoves per village to start with, and later do the rest. I hope I can stretch this money and do 40 or 44 stoves. I will take pictures as it makes progress, and send you some so that you can show them to the people there. I know they want to know where their money goes and what is done with it.

The NAHUATL natives and I thank you very much for this great support. Without your aid, we would not be doing so well in stoves or anything else. It all takes pesos, and we do not have any.

Your help is much appreciated.

On behalf of all the NAHUATL families who have been benefitted with an ecological stove, through these years, I want to thank you so much for all your help and support.

You and your people have made a big difference in the lives of many
women and children.

Thanks to the generous contributions, you have made a pleasant change in our lives. I mention women and children because it is they who spend much time in the cooking area of their houses/huts. It is they who have to inhale the black smoke from the firewood.

It is they who get ear, nose, eyes, and throat infections.
They also get asthma and lung cancer.

Thank God there are still nice people in the USA and throughout the world who care and help those who are less fortunate. We hope (and pray) that all of you will continue helping us. We need you.

We pray to God to reward you plenty.

We need your helping hand, always.We have no other source of support.

Only you.

It is my pride to say that, as of this date, I have made over 1,400 stoves in four counties, for the last eight years. This means counties in our State, and also in our neighbor State of Hidalgo.

There are many NAHUATL families awaiting their turn to have stoves made. As you may remember, I have the will, the time and the vehicle to continue doing my work with the natives. But I do not have the money.

Please help me so that I can help them.

Right now, I have requests for about 600 stoves, in many villages. Word got out that I am making a stove that uses very little wood and the smoke is no longer in the cooking area. And now, many more people want one.

The NAHUATL love their women and their children very much, and if there is something that will improve their lives, they are willing to try it.

But they do not have the money to buy the material with. Neither do I. So, we all turn to you and to your good-will and generosity. And to your warm hearts.

Dear amigos, Tamazunchale alone has about 62,000 NAHUATL natives in 158 villages. The severe drought that we had this year made things much worse for all of us.

The natives just barely have enough pesos for black beans and corn. Minimum wages in this area is 80 pesos per day. That is about seven US dollars.

Thank God it has begun to rain now, but it is going to take a long timeto get back to normal.

Thanks again, for spreading the Give to Live message around the world.

Through this book, people who never knew about us and our great needs, have been graciously and generously sending money through my dear amigo, Dr. Richard Barrett to assist us all. Some of the money from the book sales also comes our way, and this is very helpful.

PEOPLE FROM THE WORLD, PLEASE HELP US BY BUYING THE BOOK.

(available at http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310)

We need all the help we can get.

I cannot thank everyone enough. All the faceless people throughout the world, are easing our suffering that we have had to carry on our backs for so many years.

We thought we would never find somebody who would look down upon us, analyze our needs and lend a helping hand. Such as Dr. Barrett.

Thank you, all of you.

Here is a NAHUATL thought for all of you to share:
TLASKAMATI MIAK. TU TOTIOTSI MU MITZ TIOCHIHUA.

Which means "Thank you very much. God bless you".
Greetings and best wishes to all of you, dear amigos.

Bye now,

Rudy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Rudy said, help is continually needed. By telling everyone you know via e-mail or regular mail or even phone calls about Give to Live, not only will the Nahuatl people benefit but the entire world.

We don't say this casually. Give to Live is making significant changes in the world. But we must keep sending out the message. Please get your friends and families on board to create the movement that will change them and others.

Tell them they, too, can have their own Give to Live e-book by signing up at www.givetolivebook.com. Once they sign up, they will receive a confirmation e-mail to confirm their subscription to Give to Live.Once they confirm, they will receive an e-mail with the link to download the Give to Live book.

Serving You,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. If you would like to donate to the Stove Project please visit www.missionsofhope for more information. Thank you!

Honored by Toastmasters!

2009-08-29T10:56:00.002-05:00

Last week, I spent a delightful evening with a group of people from the Sharpstown Toastmasters Club.

I was privileged to receive an invitation to deliver a talk about the book, Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards. Of course, I was happy to accept.

Toastmasters Clubs are international with a diverse membership. I fully support any group of people who are dedicated to self-improvement--and they are!

Sharpstown Toastmasters Club mission statement is very powerful! It states that they "provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth".

I was genuinely impressed by the caliber of people in attendance and the quality of their meeting. Loving to talk about a few of my passions made my speech easy to deliver.

I explained how Give to Live was born into existence and the messages revealed within. Remember, Give to Live reveals that an open heart and a willingness to serve not only changes you, but also the planet.

It teaches perhaps newly for some and reinforces for others, the importance of giving their time, money and resources to a power higher than themselves. Readers also learn that once they start giving unconditionally, they'll manifest and receive personal rewards they couldn't fathom prior to giving.

Another passion and one of the themes in Give to Live is the idea that serving is the highest form of giving one can express. I use my involvement in medical mission work to illustrate this in the book and spoke of it at Toastmasters. As well as speaking about my friend, Rudy, who builds special ecological healthy stoves for the Nahuatl indigenous of Mexico.

Rudy taught me to speak a few Nahuatl words. One phrase I shared with the group was Amu Xi Maj Mahue--don't be afraid!

While we've all likely felt the joy and experienced the rewards of helping another human being, I'm also sure there were plenty of other times when we've all stopped ourselves from giving.

Giving money, sharing a talent, or personally serving someone. Because of finances, prejudices, lack of time or just plain fear.

We create a belief that we feel serves us. A glass ceiling, a threshold of giving that we are unwilling to pass through.

In doing so, our own growth is stifled.

So we must find a way to break through this in order to receive abundance in life.

Amu Xi Mah Mahue. Do not be afraid.

Push through--find ways to give, to serve and create change in this world.

It was great fun for me to deliver those messages to the Toastmasters club.

I was quite surprised when at the end of the evening, they honored me with the "best speaker of the night" award.

It was an exciting night!

See every life fulfilled!

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Please continue to send the Give to Live message. Tell everyone you know to get their free e-book at www.givetolivebook.com or books can be purchased at amazon.com with 20% of the proceeds going to charity.

2009-08-26T14:10:00.006-05:00

Two weeks ago, I sent a message about "The Prayer Card". I am so pleased to have received a plethora of responses. Even from people who disagreed with me. After all, voicing our opinions is how we learn to see life through another's eyes, foster understanding and learn to live in harmony.

The ability to safely share information, support, criticism and opinions is a beautiful thing. I know I have grown from this interaction and am grateful for it.

Thanks again!

My sincerest wishes for health, happiness, freedom, peace and success in everyone's lives!

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Remember this old epitaph:
What I gave, I have;
What I spent, I had;
What I kept, I lost.

My Prayer Was Rejected…And I Was Shocked!

2009-08-09T13:13:00.002-05:00

I was attending a book signing with a few other authors at the One Woman Business Conference held at the Omni Hotel in Houston, Texas when the strangest thing happened.

Many years ago, I created a postcard with a prayer I wrote and a photo I had taken of a beautiful waterfall—the same prayer that appears in my book, Healed by Morning.
I have thousands of these prayer postcards that I have given out since 2000.

They are in my office; we give them to patients, when I give a speech I hand them out. In other words, I am very liberal with them. While at the conference, I had them at my table and when I walked around the hotel, I gave them to everyone I came in contact with—hundreds of people!

I always asked, “May I give you a prayer?”

Everyone was always excited and usually said, “Oh, yes, I love prayers.”

Everyone but one! He was a porter that helped me transport my books to the table.
I said to him, “I’d like to give you a gift.” As I stretched out my hand towards him, I said, “This is a prayer that I wrote.”

Immediately, he literally backed up, shook his hand in a negative way as to stop and oppose the gesture. And what he said absolutely shocked me…

He said, “I don’t want the prayer, I’m Muslim." He then continued with, “I pray five times a day.”

As he was saying this, he was attempting to walk away.

Though I couldn’t believe my ears, I walked towards him stretching out my hand.
I said, “That’s wonderful, this prayer is not about any one religion”. “I think you’ll like it but if it doesn’t resonate with you, pass it on.”

I then also gave him the Affirmation of Service postcard and explained the Give to Live book principle and our intention of helping everyone in all countries, of every faith.

He took the cards and went on his way. What he did with them I don’t know. This was the first time over all the years of handing out thousands of cards, that I encountered this.

I live and work in a very diverse community. My patients are Christians (of all types of denominations), Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus. They are all loving, accepting good people who embrace their faiths, life and community.

I guess I was so shocked (even though he did accept the cards because I persevered), that I told several people about it that day.

Everyone was as amazed as I was and shared their thoughts on it with me. One person even said, “I guess the praying he does five times a day isn’t working!”

I suppose I have to agree.

For me, I’m honored and happy when someone gives me a prayer or says a prayer for me.
I want as much of this as I can get, from every source possible.

I wouldn’t tell someone, “Oh, don’t bother praying for me, you’re a Buddhist.”

How quickly this man reacted and seemed offended was, as I said—shocking. I don’t know what went through his mind or what life experiences he’s had to cause that reaction. My hope was that when he had a moment to think about it, and read the cards that he was enriched in some way.

And I hope that if they didn’t touch him, that he passed them on to another who might benefit.

Here is the Affirmation of Service and Prayer…

Enjoy, use them, and pass them on:

Affirmation of Service
I choose to carry out my day as if it is my last.
I will give freely and unconditionally that which I can.
I will provide service to one or more persons
With or without their knowledge.
Thought coupled with action equals change, therefore,
As I think and act,
I can and will create positive changes in my community and world.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve humanity today.

Prayer
Lord God, you are my Creator. I love you. I am party of you,
Therefore I cannot fail! I cannot fail, because you cannot fail! I am capable of everything,
Ultimate health, happiness and success.
Because I am part of you and you are completely capable, every good wish I have, I can have,
Because you wish it for me.
I will not linger in darkness and doubt because the Spirit of Your Light illuminates my way!
You are in me and I am one with you,
Together we can accomplish miracles.

We must all find ways to serve one another—to love and be loved.
Serving You,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Two movies you might enjoy are Emmanuel’s Gift and Kundun. http://movies.tvguide.com/kundun/132586
Remember that giving begins with you! Go and serve someone today! It's a great way to "Give to Live"!

P.P.S. Please remember we still need your help sending the Give to Live message around the world. Would you help us? Simply tell everyone you know that they can get their freee e-book at www.givetolivebook.com Tell ministers to have their congregation download it. Tell teachers to have their students download it; tell hospitals to get it for their patients; have hotels put it in the nightstand; tell Oprah! Tell Diane Sawyer!
Finally, an easier to read printed copy of our book can be had simply going to http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310 or at Amazon.com

(20% of the proceeds are donated to charities such as Rudy building stoves for the Nahuatl Indigenous. Donations for Rudy can also be sent to Dr. Rick Barrett.)

A Lesson In Receiving

2009-08-06T11:57:00.005-05:00

I just relearned a valuable lesson. One I've known and also teach. I talk about it, lecture on it, and have even written about it in Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards. Yet, I still struggle with it personally. What is it? One word--RECEIVING. Receiving what? All kinds of things. Compliments,gifts, and help to name but a few.

What prompted this confession?

Well, I was given a beautiful gift. The gift I am about to tell you about may seem huge to some and to others rather small.

But let me caution you. As I've learned, there are no small or insignificant gifts! A gift is a reward. It is born of love, an expression of love, and love is
purely of God. So in spiritual terms, no gift is small. I see them all as equal, all a divine blessing. A tiny morsel of bread though physically small,can be a life saving morsel and huge in the life of the person who needs it. And it is huge in the gift of love of the universe.

The gift I received didn't save my life, but it certainly rejuvenated and enriched it. So in a way, since it added to the quality of my life, it may have contributed to the ultimate saving of my life.

To be honest, at first I struggled to accept this gift. What was it?

A completely paid vacation to a fabulous resort on the Mayan Riviera including airfare, food, beverages, and private transportation!

It was given to my wife and I by Jay--a patient of mine who owns a travel agency. Why? Because he values the work we do in the office, our community, charitable work and our years of medical mission service. He simply wanted to say "thank you" and reward us.

What a beautiful, loving and generous gift. One that should very easily be accepted. You would think! But for me it tripped a lot of circuit breakers within. I actually struggled internally with this. My first comments to Jay were "no". "I can't accept this", "you didn't need to do this", "it's not necessary".

Wow!

Did you get all that? Those are terrible things to say out loud or in self mind talk. What kind of message am I sending to myself? Perhaps I am not worthy? What was I saying to Jay in rejecting his gift? How would it affect his self worth? What was I telling God, the universe, the Divine? I think I was shouting loudly--Don't bother ever sending good things my way because I'll just cross my arms, reject it and send it right back to you!!

Oh, no! That's exactly the opposite of what I want. Of course, I want as many blessings, abundance, gifts, rewards, love, etc. that God can send to me.

It's said--ask and you shall receive.

But then when it shows up, don't reject it, like I started to do! This is not good. How many times a day, a month, a year, do each of us do this? We reject the very thing we want because it makes us uncomfortable, or we perceive it comes from a source we didn't expect.

Now if I had won the trip in a contest that would have been easy to accept. But this was different.

So immediately I had to put the brakes on, backup, erase the negative thoughts and accept Jay's gift. Though as you can tell, I didn't exactly swallow it with ease.

As hard as it was, I graciously accepted. I needed to...

I needed to honor rather than minimize or invalidate Jay's generosity, kindness and love.

Also...and this is important; I needed to allow Jay to experience the gift of giving and thereby give him the opportunity to receive his own rewards for doing it. Essentially this was a gift back to him from me, and critical for his personal growth.

Also, I needed to accept his gift to promote my own growth.

And I needed to tell God..."Whatever you send my way, I lovingly accept. I am open to abundance of every kind and as much of it as you're willing to send from whatever the source."

As I said, I've found it's easier to be on the giving end than the receiving end. But I will continue to work through my unreasonable discomfort in this area, and confront this head on. The more gifts I willingly receive, the better able I am to grow and give to others.

So now to make it real...I am writing publicly for all to see.

That I am willingly, graciously, and cheerfully accepting any and all gifts.

(Don't thing it wasn't hard to write this...it was.)

Now I want you to confront your blocks to receiving and allow abundance to flow to you and through you.

Wishing you every abundance in this life and the next.

Yours In Service,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Check out an audio clip from Joe and I at:
http://media.libsyn.com/media/nevada45/rickandjoeinterview.mp3

P.P.S. If you need help with a trip, consider Jay! Check out his website at
www.grandtravelcruise.com

Swine Flu in Peru

2009-07-22T21:45:00.010-05:00

Recently I travelled to Peru where surprisingly I was confronted with the absurdity of swine flu overreaction, useless false protection and propaganda once again. I thought that the media and governmental hype to the swine flu pandemic had subsided. Not so. I guess like a bad urban legend, it continues to course through communities throughout the World. I’m not sure if the fallacies will ever totally die or the truthful realities ever rise to the top.

So why was I upset about swine flu in Peru? Because they are perpetuating misinformation and fear in people.

While in route to Lima, the flight attendants handed out the usual entry documents to be filled out along with an extra one. This was a mini health history regarding the swine flu. Did I have it? Was I being treated? Do I have symptoms? Where do I live? Have I been in contact with anyone who has it? I was shocked! Then after landing, they restricted us from leaving the plane until we listened to a message from the Department of Health regarding swine flu. I can’t understand what is said when they speak over the intercom in English let alone Spanish! So it wasn’t helpful.

I was also given this little guide. What are your thoughts about it? Is it helpful? Does it give enough information to prevent or fight the flu? Was it really worth the manpower, energy and dollars they spent to produce it? Personally, I think it’s worthless.

I was shocked going through the airport to see how many people were wearing masks. Not just travelers, but airport employees. Guess what else? Some wore latex gloves! Were they required to do so? Or was it their own idea? I wondered.

The next day, I went to a supermarket near the hotel to purchase water and explore a Peruvian grocery store. Once again, I was shocked to see store employees wearing masks! By the way, wearing a mask does not provide protection. Perhaps those who wear a mask already are contagious and graciously trying to protect the rest of us from—whatever they might have. But I don’t think so.

What will our future look like…I wonder? Will people be working in full blown HAZ. MAT. suits with portable decontamination equipment and isolation tents? Maybe they’ll have syringes in holsters like cowboys ready to inoculate anyone at the first hint of a cough, sneeze or other symptoms.

A few days later, we flew to Cuzco. There, I saw no one wearing masks. Perhaps Cuzco citizens are immune? Back in Lima, I inquired to some of the Lima airport personnel regarding how long they needed to wear the masks. Answer: everyday, all day for an indefinite period of time. I really wonder when this will die down and logic will prevail.

Since the swine flu problem surfaced, I’ve been trying to quell fears in patients, friends and family. The death and doom mongers really have done a great job creating a worldwide fear that I’m not certain will ever disappear. Is this flu really that devastating? Should we be on a heightened alert? Can our immune systems fight it? Is it a creation of drug companies to sell more medications and vaccines? These and other questions can be answered most satisfactorily. I’ll get to that in a moment.

As with most things, there is always going to be lots of opinions, some facts, and lots of fiction. Deciphering these can often times be difficult. Whether you analyze this swine flu situation, or the next flu, cold or public health risk is…remember some basic truths…You are an amazing, incredible being with power to overcome, heal and be well! Health comes from inside you. While it’s true, we do need outside help from time to time, the quality and kind of intervention is extremely critical. Most of the time, the answer is not in the drug of the day that the pharmaceutical companies are trying to push.

I was never concerned about the swine flu for myself, friends or family. Nor am I concerned with seasonal flues, bird flues or the like… and I don’t get flu shots! I travel to Mexico frequently and so do friends. In fact, I have friends that live there and I’m still not concerned as long as their immune systems are strong. Some of my patients were truly panicked about the swine flu and some are still very concerned, but what people still don’t understand is that it’s the strength of the individual’s immune system to fight off and kill invaders of the body—daily—twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for the rest of our lives! If our nervous and immune systems are compromised, weak, failing, susceptible…you pick the word…then we are in trouble.

Why haven’t I ever received a flu vaccine and never will? Because it is useless! There are too many strains of the influenza virus. I care for my nervous and immune systems naturally, to keep them as healthy as possible. When my body has been exposed, then I again, work at allowing my body to fight it naturally. How? With immune system builders like vitamins, herbs, acupuncture, massage, body detoxification and chiropractic spinal adjustments to name a few.

Why does one person get sick and another not when exposed to the same foreign invader?--simply, the strength or health of that individual. There are many ways to safely fortify our selves daily and mount ineffective counter attack to foreign invaders safely without turning towards risky medications that are unproven and have deadly consequence. Or at the very least, cause the same symptoms that the flu
virus causes begin with.

During the 1918 flu pandemic that ravaged the world and killed upwards of twenty million people, several of our family was counted amongst the dead. Though I wasn’t alive then, my father was. We discussed what happened many times. The swine flu is nothing like that pandemic.

Returning from Peru, I received a call from my cousin. His daughter spent a week at the hospital in ICU due to swine flu. While this hits close to home, I realize we must be vigilant in creating health and strong immunity in our bodies. Swine flu is not what the media and government has purported it to be. I am less concerned about it than the other seasonal flu strains that kill thirty to forty thousand people
every year!

Building health, maintaining wellness, allowing our bodies to experience life with all its dirt, grime, colds, flu, etc. creates immunity, strength and builds our natural defenses.

At my office, regular chiropractic adjustments for proper nervous system function are vital. A good multivitamin especially with B vitamins is crucial for the nervous system and whole body health. Anti-aging, preventative measures impact and targeted nutritionals for those times when we are exposed, and weak.

Some products I use and recommend to patients are: Nutriwest and Douglas Labs
Immuplex
Total VirX
Total Flu-Cld Nasal Spray
Ultra Preventitive X
Youth Juice

These are just a few. Contact me if you need help or go to our website to learn more about what I use to stay healthy.

Don’t think I’m indifferent to realistic concerns and fears or naïve about the swine flu or any other. I’m not—but let’s not panic. Do your research, use common sense, listen and react to legitimate sources of information.

One of the best resources for straight and truthful swine flu information comes from our friend, Dr. Mercola. Please read his article then pass this information on to others so we can stop needless panic and learn the truth. Not just for the swine flu, but for the next ______demic.

Go to mercola.com

Serving You,
Dr. Rick Barrett

Phantom Encounter...

2009-07-11T23:01:00.001-05:00

The other night, I connected with the other side! Encountering and interacting with a spirit-- a Phantom. It was a moving experiencing. Three others experienced it too. But I believe I had the best vantage point. In fact, I was the one commanding the Phantom to do my bidding. Directing her to follow my lead. With a mere gesture of my hands she went where I wanted her to go.

What did she look like you might wonder? She was blacker than the darkest night. Black on black. She was sleek, sweet, with beautiful lines and whispered as she glided from one place to the next. She was a marvel to behold as she enveloped us and allowed us to play with her.

This may not exactly be the mystical experience you're imagining. Though my experience with the Phantom was quite magical even heavenly.

The Phantom wasn't some disembodied etherial entity that couldn't be touched. No, she was solid in form, the Phantom was a Rolls Royce.

This perfectly crafted automobile is the other side of everything you've ever experienced in a vehicle. The other side of mundane, the ordinary or normal.

I had the extreme pleasure and fortune to be her driver and become one with her. For a little while at least. A very special Mastermind took place in this Phantom Rolls Royce with my friend, Joe Vitale. Two other special guests had the privilege of being chauffered in the car and delivered to and from an exquisite, sumptous dinner at a fabulous restaurant.

For five hours, we brainstormed business ideas, product development, book writing, inventions, achieving ones full potential, breaking from lack and limiting beliefs, experiencing gratitude and much, much more.

Joe is an author, entrepreneur, writer and a Phantom rider. He enjoys riding in his beautiful Rolls. Oh, Joe likes to drive too. But I really love to drive. I am a driver. I've been a car guy since childhood.

Loving them ( I know you can't love something inanimate, but I do), rebuilding them, appreciating them, racing them. Cars are beauty, power, passion, art. They are exotic, classy, exhilerating and so much more. The Phantom Rolls Royce is all of these.

Joe created a unique opportunity for a select few. A Mastermind to take place in his Rolls Royce. He has successfully helped people break through to new levels.

Anything from improved personal lives to improved businesses.

When I was invited to be Joe's special guest and drive the Phantom, I was thrilled! Not merely to drive the car, but to contribute to the Mastermind.

I enjoyed interacting with two very special, intelligent, spiritual and lovely people.

The Rolls Royce Mastermind is hard to explain. It's one of those things that until experienced, you don't realize to what magnitude it impacts your life.

I've driven the Phantom before and loved it.

But this was different in some way. The energy was different--better.

I've been in Masterminds before, but this went beyond the usual. Certainly it was unique.

I've also known Joe for over fourteen years. We talk, discuss life and brainstorm frequently. But there was something magical that occured by putting all these different elements together; the handpicked people, the car, the private dining room and an intention to create something extraordinary from this night. It was a focused high energy. Something like mixing chemicals in a lab and watching an extreme reaction occur.

I know every one of us grew from the experience.

One truly has to live it to comprehend the benefit realized from the experience. I highly recommend this Mastermind to everyone.

I know Joe can be persuaded to bring the Phantom experience back to Houston. However, his schedule is unbelievably busy and booking up rapidly. He's booked to go to Russia, Poland, Ecuador, and do a book signing with me in Wimberley, Texas on August 1st, and more...I can't even keep track. But there may be a few spots still open.

The Phantom rider Mastermind is limited to only two people. If you desire to be a future candidate to experience this Phantom Mastermind phenomenon in Houston, Texas, let me know. I'll speak to Joe and see what can be arranged.

P.S. Hope to see you at the book signing for Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards.

It will be held at Rancho Deluxe in Wimberley, Texas on Saturday, August 1st from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Happy Independence Day!!

2009-07-04T21:04:00.001-05:00

My prayers are that you and your families enjoy the 4th of July. As we celebrate in our own ways, please remember and remind those who have long forgotten--we celebrate our freedom. The small ones and the big ones. Freedom from oppression and tyranny. Freedom to worship and practice our religious beliefs. Freedom to voice our opinions, even against our own government. Not many countries experience this blessing, this gift, that doesn't come easy. It is worked for daily. And fought hard for with much sacrifice.

We must continue to stay strong, stay ever vigilant to protect our freedoms and while we are not perfect, I don't believe there is another land where so many, with such diversity of color, ethnicity, ideas, and religious beliefs enjoy so much.

May we stay independent, free and continue to work towards freeing others from the bondage of poverty, oppression and tyranny.

May God continue to bless us as we continue to praise and honor God.

Love and Blessings,
Dr. Rick Barrett

What's a Four Letter Word for Magnificent?

2009-06-30T14:59:00.002-05:00

What’s a four letter word for magnificent? Peru!

How about for genuine? Peru!

And what about gracious? Peru!

Where in the World can you eat a fabulous meal at a world class restaurant under the stars literally at the edge of an Incan archeologically site? Peru! Of course!

You’re probably noticing a theme here. All the answers seem to be…Peru! That’s because I recently returned from an incredible journey to Peru with friends, Joe Vitale and Mark Ryan. Joe was the main reason we were in Peru.

He along with Bob Proctor was in the movie and book, The Secret and invited to speak in Lima.

The event in Spanish was billed as El Secreto.
Mark was along as a friend and videographer to capture Joe on video 24/7--kind of an “all about Joe” reality show.

Mark did a first rate job and was able to get some awesome high definition video. I can’t wait to see the finished product. I know you’ll love it too. I was along as a friend, chiropractor, partial tour guide, (I’ve been to Peru before), and to have fun.

Also, I was able to promote our book…Give to Live, The Real Secret To Manifesting Life’s Rewards.

It was an incredible journey on so many levels. Gastronomically, intellectually, inspirationally, spiritually and emotionally to name but a few “ly” words. But what touched me the most was the love and spirit with which the Peruvians embraced us.

From those that knew who Joe and his companions were to those who didn’t; people at a top notch hotel and restaurant, to those in a small market, to train, and airline personnel, to tour guides and translators…as well as service people of all kinds. Everyone with very few exceptions seemed to genuinely care about how we were treated and displayed personal pride in how they acted and spoke! I was overwhelmingly surprised and pleased by the level of service and love in the service. This is something that we used to have in the United States but has long since vanished, or at least is rare. But Peru was a breath of fresh air. It is what I remember we used to be like, and can be again. Genuine caring is transparent. For example, I experienced it with a woman who sat next to me on a bus and recommended a typical Peruvian restaurant to me. And the guide to German tourists who showed me the best place to sit on the train for an excellent view and great photo opportunities.

So to Peru, its people, go my compliments. It is a land of diversity and wonder. This was my second time to travel to Peru and yet I still haven’t experienced enough of it. There is so much more to see and do. I would surely travel there again—just invite me.

Though the journey seemed long in some respects, it was lightning fast in others. Each day was brimming over with activities.

Joe was met by promoters, groupies, news people, reporters and fans with great anticipation. It started the moment we landed and didn’t stop until we boarded the plane for home.

We were in Lima for several days then flew to the city of Cuzco—the navel of the World. Of course, airport personnel spotted Joe and asked for autographs—it was amazing and fun. Everyone seemed to have a bootleg copy of The Secret for Joe to sign.

They obviously didn’t know who I was. The author of four books, wellness practitioner, public speaker, award winning chiropractor, humanitarian, medical missionary, and co-author of Give to Live with Joe Vitale. And depending on whom you talk to, a double for Joel Osteen or Richard Gere. (In Mexico especially, everyone thinks I’m Richard Gere.) In fact, a whole restaurant thought I was Richard Gere, but that’s another story.

Restaurant where I was mistaken for Richard Gere!

Anyway, getting back to Peru…so here I am schlepping bags and taking pictures with no one asking for my autograph—only Joe’s. Oh, the pain of it all! But, I got over it quickly…or maybe not if I’m still writing about it.
Photos were taken and then on to Sacred Valley.

Cusco’s elevation is 11,000 feet so we suffered from some massive headaches and difficulty breathing for a while. After all we live at sea level so it was quite an adjustment. We combated this by drinking coca tea and chewing coca leaves. Did it help? I’m still not sure. Probably yes.

From there we traveled by train (Peru Rail) for several hours to the town of Aguas Caliente at the base of Machu Picchu.

A short bus ride on switch back roads put us just a few hundred feet from the entrance to the ancient Incan city and the beautiful hotel, The Sanctuary Lodge. It has just two suites and twenty-nine rooms and is the only hotel there. Having been to Machu Picchu before, I was familiar with the lodge and knew that this would be the ideal spot to stay and, of course, afford the best views and continued access to the ancient city.

Here most people go for day hikes around the ruins or on the Incan trail. Maybe even ascend Machu Picchu and Wana Picchu. It was well worth it. They treated us like royalty. Amazed again! Several hotel staff recognized Joe from The Secret. We all posed for photos. Joe signed more autographs and yet again, no one recognized me. The pain deepens. Though I did, however, give out several of my affirmation and prayer cards. Joe and I also told everyone about our Give to Live book.

On this trip, we all seemed to be experiencing strange coincidences reminding us yet again of how small the World is. Besides Joe being recognized at this tiny hotel, over 3,000 miles from home, we also ran into a woman and her husband who has attended one of Joe’s seminars in Austin, Texas!

While hiking through the ruins of Machu Picchu, I met a young man and his wife from New Jersey. They live a few miles from where I was born. He is Peruvian but moved to New Jersey when he was ten.

Mark met two people working at different hotels who were from New York State where he had previously lived.

I also met some wonderful translators and their friends. One of which has a boyfriend who lives in a small New Jersey town close to where I lived and my great grandfather was a miner! This was getting strange.

Machu Picchu was spectacular! It is one of those trips everyone should try to do in their lifetime. I was amazed again by the feelings one experiences there—by the ingenuity of the Incans, the improbability a stone city on this mountain never found by the Spaniards, the feeling, a greatness, of smallness, of oneness, and of unity.

I was amazed that two thousand to three thousand people visit this ancient Incan city per day. It is a confluence of humanity, different races, religions, ideologies, and languages. I met people from all over the United States, France, Poland, Germany, Asia and Argentina.

Machu Picchu invites peace, harmony, and unity. It seems to be a place that connects us all. I say go, visit, enjoy…and go again!

From there, we retraced our steps back to Cuzco, on to Lima and home—the United States. It was a truly exceptional trip!

I hope you enjoy the photos and create your own journey and memories.

Be open…

Live life now!

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. A big “thank you” goes to Jay Islam in coordinating this exceptional trip. Visit his website at http://www.grandtravelcruise.com/.

Hawaiian Healer Astounds Austin!

2009-04-22T18:37:00.011-05:00

A few hundred people jam packed an Austin hotel room this past weekend. They came from Hawaii, France, Switzerland, Canada, Puerto Rico, all over the continental United States and more.

Why?--to heal, to grow and to learn the ancient Hawaiian secret of healing Ho’oponopono, from the Master, Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len. Mary and I were there to witness and get a deeper understanding of the technique from Dr. Hew Len. This event was created by Joe Vitale, one of my dearest friends and co-author of our new book, Give to Live, The Real Secret to Manifesting Life’s Rewards.

Joe is also the co-author of Zero Limits, The Secret Hawaiian System for Wealth, Health, Peace and More.

The event was billed as Zero Limits III, and the last time Joe and Hew Len would put on a teaching/healing event. It was a very powerful weekend, eyes were opened, minds expanded, personal breakthroughs were achieved and there was an incredible energy for two days.

I witnessed a wonderful, loving, enthusiastic group of people from all walks of life. Hungry for self improvement, they were willing to work on themselves, not only taking full responsibility over their own circumstances, but also responsibility for everyone and everything on the planet. This gives me great hope!

“Ho’oponopono, is a self help methodology that removes the mental obstacles that block your path, freeing your mind to find new and unexpected ways to get what you want out of life.”

It works to clear out unconsciously accepted beliefs, thoughts and memories that you don’t even know are holding your back.
Dr. Hew Len is credited (which has been validated) for helping heal an entire ward of mentally ill criminals in Hawaii without ever seeing them professionally. He used an unusual healing method called Ho’oponopono.

This is a mind bending, core shaking idea.

Simply repeating the words, I Love You, I’m Sorry, Please Forgive Me, and Thank You is so easy. It is done silently; no one will hear it or know you are saying it. You are simply talking to God and accepting or owning up to your responsibility. The goal is to achieve a state of zero, a state of total freedom and a return to God.

I’ve read the book, been to two Zero Limits events with Dr. Hew Len and am still working on understanding the process. As he says many times, trying to understand the how and why may only interfere. We just need to do it.

Certainly it couldn’t hurt to practice this. So if no harm is done and the potential is only positive, then I say do it. Learn to clean our world by taking responsibility for the garbage we created.

Dr. Hew Len is a traditionally trained psychologist but broke away from his training after he learned this technique and saw the results. Now he travels the globe teaching Ho’oponopono. So if you missed him in Austin, you can catch him next in Japan.

How each of us shows up in our own life influences everyone else on the planet. Just as there are many paths to take on our life journey, there are many tools to create a wonderfully, rewarding experience. I believe Ho’oponopono is one of these tools. It works with the subconscious to serve one self and all humanity, but I also hold in high regard serving on a conscious plane in a physical way.

The idea of giving of oneself from the bank of all our resources is very powerful. The rewards are great for us individually and for the world as a whole.

That’s why our book, Give to Live was written—to be a useful guide, an inspiration and a tool, to stimulate thought, create conversation and cause action. The people who want to hear its message will hear it and benefit from it. I’m probably no different from you, continually searching for ways to live life better. Maybe you have some tools I need to know about, if so, please share.

I wish you continued success on the journey of your life.

Serving You,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. If you haven't done so, you can download a free e-version of Give to Live at http://www.givetolivebook.com/ Once you sign up, you will receive a link to approve your interest. Once you approve, you will receive another link to download the book.

The Virtue of Gratitude

2009-03-16T21:52:00.006-05:00

It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. And so it is with this one. We wanted to share it with you. It was found in a magazine--photographer unknown. The caption reads..."Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others." The photograph is as beautiful and thought provoking as are Cicero's words. It felt right to share it with you. Enjoy it.

Sometimes it is hard to be grateful when one is mired in pain and suffering. Loss and hardship will affect us all in our life times. It is part of the human experience. For some certainly, unfortunately, more than others.

But even during the worst of circumstance each one of us can truly find at least one thing to be grateful for. And if we can feel a true, real visceral emotion attached to this, a positive, higher energy will be created. Thus begins an attraction of other things to be grateful for and allows goodness, love and light to penetrate the darkness, despair and hopelessness we felt.

More opportunities, better circumstances, the right people start to flow into the void. Opportunities that perhaps didn't exist before! Now mysteriously almost magically appear!

Life energy begins to radiate from you as you blossom again and allow your goodness, love and light to spill out of you into others lives becoming a beacon of hope for them.

Now you are helping, giving, and serving others, perhaps not even realizing how your life has changed. You have been elevated to a higher level of consciousness and now have even more to be grateful for.

So it is with gratitude. Focusing on gratitude works hand in hand with giving. We (Dr. Rick and Dr. Joe) continue to be grateful on so many levels; for the love you have given us on the Give to Live book. For the beautiful e-mails. For sharing and continuing to send messages to others to get the book. For the giving/serving that you are doing in the World. For sending donations to continue Rudy's Stove Project with the Nahuatl Indigenous of Mexico... and much, much more.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We love you and are truly grateful to each and everyone of you.

Sharing our life stories not only keeps us connected on a human level, but more importantly, on a spiritual level.

We received so many touching e-mails and can't possibly share them all. But from time to time, we'd like to open up a window to the World and have you look at the view from another person's vantage point.

This is a beautifully, inspiring e-mail that we are grateful for. You will love it...

"Dear Dr. Barrett,

My name is Esty and I live in Israel. I would like to thank you and Dr. Joe Vitale for your heart warming book. For years, I have been giving Reiki to my family, my friends and my pupils as my service to my community. Since one is not allowed to give Reiki treatments for free, everyone paid me the same fee: two kisses and a hug. It felt great!

Two years ago, I had a car accident and I lost most of my ability to see. The worst part, was that I could not read. For the first time in my life, I needed the help of others. Believe me, this is not easy. I was very fortunate to meet a wonderful man who ordered a special pair of glasses for me and he practically saved my life.

Your book reminded me how much good I have in my life and how much I should be grateful for...and yes, how much I still CAN give!

Thank you both again for showing me the way. I was lost."

Serving You,
Dr. Rick Barrett and Dr. Joe Vitale

P.S. We need more people like you and so does the planet. We are confident that you will continue to send the Give to Live message and live the Give to Live life! Always remember to use the Acts of Service Journal, read the daily affirmation, tell others to get their freee e-book at http://www.givetolivebook.com/ and printed books can be purchased by simply going to http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310

Listen now: Barrett/Vitale Interview

2009-02-19T17:14:00.004-06:00

Todd Silva from Blog Talk Radio interviewed Dr. Rick Barrett and Dr. Joe Vitale. Those who heard it live immediately were lighting up the communication lines letting us know that they loved it and were inspired!

One woman contacted us three days after the show to say her mind was still swimming with ideas and plans that she wants to implement.
In fact, it has kept her up at night!

It seems there is a real collective intuitive urgency for personal and World development, on many levels (spiritual, physical, and emotional).

People want to grow and help others do the same. While there are plenty of World problems, the news has a great perpensity to exaggerate, hype, over tramatize the bad, the negative and the evil.

But many are saying we have had enough and taking action. There is more good than bad in the World and they are out to prove it.

Giving more, serving more and being attractive to allow the good of the World to flow to us and through us should be our mission.

Listen to the call. I am confident you will love it on many levels.
Last Sunday's Give Away A Dollar A Day Show is archived here:http://www.blogtalkradio.com/GiveAwayADollarADay with an easy link to download the MP3 of the show.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Serving you,
Dr. Rick Barrett and Dr. Joe Vitale

P.S. Pass this link on to everyone you know. Get others involved in the Give to Live movement.

We can and will change the World!
Remember your freee e-book is available at http://www.givetolivebook.com/

Printed copies of Give to Live can be purchased at http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310

My Mom...

2009-01-15T22:59:00.024-06:00

I think she just made seminar history...

....as the oldest seminar attendee! But even if she didn't, she certainly was a hit! Everybody loved her. She was unforgettable, delightful, charming, and loving. All these things I already know about her.

We just spent the weekend in Austin, Texas for the Attract Wealth Seminar with Joe Vitale, Mark Ryan and with some other great speakers. I'll get back to that in one moment.

This was the first seminar my mom ever attended in her life!! Mary and I were thrilled she attended as were Joe, Mark and a host of other people. She really livened up the room with her energy and enthusiasm. Partaking in group sessions and really involving herself and interacting with people. Coming off a very hard year (2008) and this means even more than you could know. But beyond that, she made a few breakthroughs and has some goals she wants to accomplish such as picking art back up and publishing a cookbook.

This was also a great test run for a new pair of very "funky" looking glasses she just got that week. You see, mom has glaucoma and really has a tough time seeing clearly. These new glasses are basically like having two telescopic lenses glued to the normal lense which allows her to see distance and then a second attachment that gets added to one lense that's more like a microscope lense that allows her to read. They worked great! She could distinguish features of people and even read the charts and drawings that the presenters were using on stage!

But it's a little shocking when you look at her wearing them because they look like a hybrid of welding glasses and mad scientist glasses. Weird but functional! One woman was so impressed by mom and her glasses, she wants to get a pair for her mother too! So on many levels, the seminar was a great success.

She also got to meet and hang out with some really great people like Reverend Will Bowen who is the author of the great book, A Complaint Free World. Will and I share a few commonalities. He lives just outside Kansas City where I went to chiropractic college. He is an avid supporter of chiropractic seeing his chiropractor regularly. He was afflicted with the same childhood spinal condition as I. Will also loved my new book with Joe Vitale, Give to Live, The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards. http://www.givetolive.com/

In fact, Will wrote a glowing endorsement which is on the back cover. He said, "I've known the power of giving money to, in turn, receive more money for years and have used this principle to manifest abundance in my life. Give to Live not only gives practical and inspiring guidance on how to give and, thereby, receive more money; it provides profound and inspiring truths about giving our selves in service to others. After reading Give to Live, I was so inspired I am leading a trip to Tanzania, Africa this summer to build a birthing center there. If we all give what we have, it not only will be enough, it will reset our collective emotional compass and make us happy in the process. This joy attracts even more prosperity so we can give even more and the magnificent cycle of abundance continues. This is the message of Give to Live."

It was great to see him at the seminar.

Jon Biel was also at the seminar with Kent McBride. They started the Make the Difference Network after Kent heard my presentation in Austin a few years ago about The Power of Giving. This is an awesome website that connects the people with causes and charities. I urge all of you to check out Make the Difference Network at http://www.mtdn.com/

This is a great way for all of us to support those causes one believes in. Jon also loved the Give to Live book and wrote a beautiful endorsement that's in the book. He said, "Give to Live is a MUST READ for everyone! Dr. Rick Barrett's passion and commitment to making change in the world, and his persuasive exhortation for all the book's readers to experience the joys and rewards of giving, exude from the pages of Give to Live. And nobody weaves his own personal experiences and insights (and those of other successful thought leaders) into powerful and universally applicable 'laws,' we all can understand and follow, better than Dr. Joe Vitale. Thank you, both, for this inspiring reminder of the 'power of giving.'"

Another celebrity at the seminar was Miss America (1962)! She was very energetic and lots of fun.

So between all of those people and others, we had a great seminar and mom proved to all of us it's never too late to learn, change and take new action! I am blessed by her in my life.

Love, health and happiness,
Dr. Rick

P.S. The Give to Live book is going strong. We've received some very strong and positive e-mails like this:

Hi Rick,

I want to thank you so much for the give to live ebook. I received it from a friend in Florida as I have always used as my tagline To Give is to Live. How true are those words. I received it on January 1st and was thinking about my goals and how I give too much which sometimes holds me back in my business life. It was like a sign to never change and continue on giving to give and it will come back to you.
Just wanted to let you know that this book and the timing of the book has touched my life and if I can ever do anything to help, please let me know.
To GIVE is to LIVE...
Zoe

And yet another...

Dear Dr. Barrett,

I have just finished reading Give to Live. It is without a doubt the most inspiring book I have ever read. I have read a lot of books during my 67 years on earth. Whilst reading the book I was moved to set up a free help website http://ExecutiveSupportNetwork.com for Executives in the UK who have been made redundant as a result of the current recession.
I know that the executives who receive help from me and my mentors
will bless you.
Thank you for making me so happy.
David

And people are requesting it to be translated to Chinese, French, German and Spanish! I can't wait to see what's next. Please help me with my goal to send the Give to Live message around the globe. E-mail everyone you know and ask them to do the same. Tell them to get their free e-book at http://www.givetolivebook.com/

A New Year's Challenge and Gift For You!

2008-12-30T13:05:00.001-06:00

Do "we" really want to change the world and our own lives...or does it just feel good to say it and wish it, dream it, and hope someone, somewhere will do it for us...and save us all?

Like every beauty pageant contestant that has stood on stage and said, "I just want World peace". Is it all just "stuff" we say or can we decide to put substance behind it and take ACTION?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Families are falling apart, economic crisis looms large and the world is in chaos from man-made problems and the planet rebelling against our grotesquely and devastatingly poor stewardship.

If we want a way out then we have to create it ourselves! All of us. Period.

We have to get out of our own "stuff" especially when it is the hardest, worst possible time to do it and get into someone else's "stuff".

What do I mean?

It's time to focus our attention outward, on others.

It's time to give and give big.

Give of your worldly possessions, give of your time, and give of yourself.

Yourself and your family by serving mankind.

Give--Serve--Give--Serve and Give Some More...

Don't worry, you won't become poorer by doing this, you'll actually become richer! Sit back and enjoy your new abundant life! If you really want CHANGE in your life, on this planet, then learn to give.

Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world".

The bible tells us, "A generous person will be enriched" (Proverbs 11.25) and "Faith by itself if it has no works is dead". (James 2:17)

In other words, Give to Live.

The challenge? Make 2009 not only your best year ever, but the best year for others. How?

It's all explained in a brand new book by Dr. Joe Vitale and me.

You may remember Joe from a few things like the movie, The Secret or The Opus and books like, The Attractor Factor and The Key.

We've teamed up to make change happen!

We are starting by giving this book to you for FREE!

We're challenging you to read it now and take action. Tell everyone you know that they too, can have a FREE book.

That's our gift to you and the World!
Just go to --http://www.givetolivebook.com/ -- to download the free e-book version of it.Joe Sugarman of BluBlocker sunglasses famesaid the book, "...is probably one of the mostinspiring books I've ever read."Jon Biel, founder of Make the Difference Networksaid, "'Give to Live' is a MUST READ for everyone!"Dr. Robert Anthony said, "Joe Vitale's and Rick Barrett's'Give to Live' will bless your life and the life of everyoneyou share it with".Dr. Joe Rubino said, "Giving is the access to manifestingwhat you wish to attract and 'Give to Live' is the book thatcontains the wisdom necessary for you to manifest yourdeepest desires by contributing to others".Again, you can have the e-book for FREE at --http://www.givetolivebook.com/ Please share it with others.Love, Health and Happiness,Dr. RickPS -- If you would prefer to have a printed copyof the book for yourself or to give to people youcare about, you can order it from --http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310

Partial proceeds go to charity!

A Moment of Silence and Prayer Please...

2008-12-18T22:06:00.000-06:00

For my dear friend, Susie, who died Wednesday and for her husband, Dewitt. It was quite a shock. After a short battle with pneumonia, organ failures, and life support she was taken home. She was only 52 years old. I'm writing this partially to help with my grieving, but also for my dear friend, Dewitt and the families. Though faith is strong and our minds are clear about our belief in the afterlife, the heart still grieves.

Knowing Susie and Dewitt, loving and sharing with them for 25 years, makes her passing very difficult. This at the end of the year and during the holidays is tough. This has been one hell of a year. Not just for me, but for many of you, too.

We all struggle to know when to talk about "things", how much to share, whether we are a burden to others while trying to carry on our lives. After all, the living must go on living.

Pain, loneliness, memories, love, all collide whether we are alone or surrounded by others. We lean on our faith, our beliefs, those things that seem constant and safe, and our God.

Reviewing this year is tough. I lost my best friend, my father, in February. Shortly after, my aunt Eleanor, my father's sister, passed on. My sister had a tumor removed from her colon the size of a tangerine, and has her last chemo treatment on December 26th! My good friend Father Pedro's father passed away. I could go on and on. There have been so many stories of tragedy, illness and death from family, friends, and patients. So many of you have been suffering. This has been a year like no other.

While at the medical center on Monday night to say goodbye to Susie, I reflected on the enormity of the medical center. Home to so many hospitals and well over 5,000 employees. It's a city unto itself. There are so many people who are suffering, dying and have severe health problems. And this is just one center! Everyone of us has a story of a friend or family member. This is part of our human experience. It is something in a sad and tragic way that binds us. Knowing that others may have a similar or worse circumstance doesn't make our suffering and pain any less. Nor does it minimize our problem by comparison. You begin to wonder, or at least I do, how is everyone coping?

In the end, though, I believe that all of this makes me stronger as it does you. I am grateful for all that I have and for everyone in my life. I cherish all the good moments and I'm trying to see the hope, light, and love in all.

All our lives are so very busy. It is hard to slow down and enjoy the little things, the moments we have with each other. Life, (I am constantly being reminded of), is too short not to live it to the fullest, too short for tolerances and strife. And too short not to be in harmony with God.

I have great memories to hold onto about Susie. She enjoyed hosting a yearly Christmas party at their home that was always wonderful.

Many years ago, Susie and Dewitt opened up their home for a beautiful wedding party for Mary and I. And the last wonderful memory was just a short few months ago when we were finally able to arrange our schedules and have a great dinner together at a local restaurant. These are the moments that are important and what I know I need to create more of. And I pray you do too.

So as this year ends, I pray for all of you and your families-for health, happiness, peace, prosperity and especially for love. And I ask for your prayers in return.

Love,
Dr. Rick Barrett

Marilyn Monroe Donates to Our 14th Annual Food Drive

2008-11-02T17:07:00.006-06:00

What could be better than our 14th Annual Food Drive supporting the East Fort Bend Food Pantry? Nothing, other than Marilyn Monroe making a surprise visit to my office after having spent some time bringing joy to others by passing out candy on Halloween along with Freddy Krueger and Edward Scissorhands. Many of you may not know, but Marilyn still gets around pretty good after all these years. She is still beautiful, vivacious, and brings joy where ever she goes. She also is very caring and brought us food for our annual food drive. I encourage all of you who live close by our office to bring us a bag of food for the needy families in Fort Bend.

This year more than ever we need your help with food or monetary contributions. With the economic situation to Hurricane Ike, people in our community have been feeling the crunch. I know many of you feel it too. So whatever you can do to help is always appreciated by so many. As always, I will give back to you, even though you don't expect anything in return. So here's how it works:

Patient Appreciation Day
We are throwing a huge community and patient appreciation day party for everyone who brings food or cash. Plus, we will have free massages, treatments and lots of door prizes donated by our community businesses such as:

Starbucks, CiCi's Pizza, The Fort Bend Star, Margie Connolly with My Personal Fitness http://www.mypersonalfitness.biz/index.php, Christina Collins with Passion Parties, Claudia De La Parra-Registered Massage Therapist, Fed-Ex Kinkos, and many more....

Please come if you can. You will love it, but remember you can bring food anytime. Please join us on...

Thursday, November 20th
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Barrett Chiropractic Clinic
2853 Dulles Avenue
Missouri City, Texas

Together we can make a difference in other people's lives!

Now, here's a big, big, big gift!! For someone you love or just want to see get healthy... A TOTALLY FREE first chiropractic visit! A Pro-Aduster analysis, conversation with me, a book on health and more. All this for one bag of food.

Those of you who know me will understand that I am serious about people getting well and avoiding unneccessary drugs and surgery. Now, more than ever, with economic strain, pressures from everywhere diminishing and disappearing health benefits, etc, etc, people are breaking down physically, chemically and emotionally. It doesn't look to be getting better anytime soon.

So if you or someone you know is experiencing more health problems, more anxiety, more stress, ask yourself or them, "Is it going to get better on its own?" Of course not! Waiting until the body breaks down is the most costly thing a person can do. It is time to be pro-active in our health choices. If we are not, physical, family and financial ruin may be just around the corner.

Don't take my word for it. Come talk with some of our patients whose family members this happened to. Call the hospitals, find out how much a stay there costs. Discover what surgeries run. With less and less insurance coverage, many people will be in for a very rude wake up call if they don't actively pursue health.

We can help in many ways. Tell your friends and loved ones to come in for a check up now before stress tears them down! This is the perfect time.

One bag of food equals a Pro-Adjuster evaluation, conversation and help!

We take most insurance and if you or your company has been paying for it...use it now before the end of the year. Otherwise, you have thrown that money in the trash.

For those who don't partake in regular chiropractic treatments, whether from me or another chiropractor, ask my good friend, Marilyn Monroe about the benefits of chiropractic care and nutrition.

Not only is she a patient, but her sister is a chiropractor in Dallas and her grandfather is still practicing. He is over 80 years old! Marilyn and her family reap the benefits of chiropractic care. Living a drug free, neurologically balanced life means a healthy life. Never without problems, but a higher level of health.

Remember, health is to be actively pursued daily and is a process. If you are lucky you may get to visit with Marilyn from time to time at my office. Another fun benefit of getting chiropractic care, maintaining your wellness through periodic adjustments and balanced nutritional intervention.

Contacting Marilyn...
To see Marilyn Monroe outside of my office, she is available for special events. Contact my friend Kristy at http://www.gigmasters.com/magic/MarilynMore/

P.S. Thanks for everyone supporting the food drive, my past medical missions to Tequila, Mexico and my next medical mission to Tamasopo, Mexico. You are loving and generous people. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

P.S.S. As always, you may send mission donations to my office.
Barrett Chiropractic Clinic
2853 Dulles Avenue
Missouri City, TX 77459

Little Lety...My Encounter With An Angel

2008-10-15T13:26:00.022-05:00

I was taken aback, caught unaware and vulnerable, thrown to the ground, crushed, bruised and humbled. Suddenly then resurrected, enlivened, loved, energized and renewed. All within a moment with little Lety. In the flash of a blink of an eye, she became and is my angel and saviour. My love has been rekindled. I am inspired, motivated, renewed and ever so grateful.

My words simply will not do justice to the extraordinary week I have had in Mexico. Lety is just one of many people that I had the privilege to treat in and around Tequila, Mexico. But Lety is a great big part in my very special experience. I will tell you more about her in a moment.

Our mission trip was coordinated by Francisco, a friend of mine, who lives in Austin. He is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico and most of his family lives in and around the Tequila area. Francisco is a hard worker, good, loving family man and servant. He has been part of our medical mission team for many years. We have travelled on previous mission trips to different parts of Mexico as well as Honduras. But this was our team's first time on his home ground. He knows first hand, the needs of the people. He himself grew up in a family with sixteen children. He is number eight. It wasn't unusual to go many days without food. And the small adobe brick home's roof would collapse and need repair after every rainy season. They slept in three rooms--five, five and eight including his parents. Francisco wanted to bring our team to his people and so we went.

Over thirty of us including nurses, translators, a nun (Sister Lillian), two dentists, one acupuncturist, five medical doctors and one chiropractor--me. By the end of the week we treated over 2,000 people in the towns of Tequila, Hostotipaquillo, Amatitan and Magdelena. With so many treated you might imagine there are many heart wrenching stories. And a lifetime of pain and anguish to go around. These people have more than their share. But as in past mission trips, the people are alive! They are joyous, happy, caring, proud gracious and oh so thankful of our presence among them and the little assistance we can give to them.

The bus driver who drove us from town to town duplicated cd's of Mexican music as a gift for all the team members. Some of us were given little handmade carvings of tequila barrels. I was given gifts of tequila, a bag of guava fruit, a beautiful crucifeix and a cane. These gifts represent the love and gratitude from people who knew we weren't going to cure them in one visit. They may feel temporarily better but they are being given hope, love, caring and respect. In turn, though most can't afford to, they come back and give some of us these gifts of love and appreciation.

Sister Leeticia Gonzalez Naeto was one of my patients. She is of the order of the Missionaries De Jesus Crucificado. After treating her she gifted me with a beautiful silver crucifex and chain that she was wearing around her neck.

It represents her order and is given to them when they are accepted into the order. This is the type of genuine heartfelt gesture that words do no justice to. The eighty plus year old man that hand carved a walking stick for me.

After treating him on the first day, he travelled to where we were staying and waited for three hours to give me his gift. He was only sorry he hadn't had time to paint or stain it. The cane is made from a local tree similar to bamboo and the eyes of the animal head are seeds. It's a crude walking stick, but beautiful and the love behind it is very powerful.

Victor Carrillo came to me on crutches in severe pain. He was helped by his mother. He is 32 years old and has been suffering with debilitating arthritis since he was 9 years old. He was apologetic for keeping me late one night after the rest of the team had closed up shop. But he explained he was in such pain in the morning that he couldn't get out of bed. When he finally managed enough strength to push through the pain, he made it to see me. He was sorry to inconvenience me! Can you believe that? One of the hardest mental hurdles to overcome is the knowledge that at some point our team must shut down and pack up. This leaves, regrettably, many people untreated. Fortunately, that day, Victor got his acupuncture and chiropractic treatment. I remain sorrowful as all of us do for those who we were unable to attend to. I struggle with images of the unattended. But I am grateful for the people I have been privileged to see and work with.

As one 80 year old man said to Rosa (my translator) and I, "He would always have us in his heart and it meant so much for us to be here; he wanted to cry!" I understand how he feels. We feel the same.

On the first day of the mission, Dr. Nathalie asked for my assistance with a young girl in a wheelchair. Upon meeting her and her mother I learned of her condition. Stunted growth from a hydrocephalic brain. A large scar from a spinal surgery due to spina bifida, a very compacted body due to severe scoliosis and lower limbs that did not function. Her name, Leticia...Lety!

When I started to work with Lety, she hurt and then she relaxed, eased into it and from then on she was all giggles, smiles and laughter. She loved the spinal adjustments and muscle work I was performing on her. Dr. Nathalie said you could just see her body unfold. Lety had an infectious giggle, engaging smile and a spirit of life that burst from her. A spirit that you don't often see in people who have every comfort and health. Never mind someone like her with obvious disabilities and hardships to struggle with daily. There were many wonderful people but Lety really got to me. As she spoke you could hear the joy in her. I became increasingly humbled and inspired as I learned more about this little girl. Confined to a wheelchair yet still wanting independence she sold gum and candies on the street. While thinking this was remarkable, her mom began to explain that she had actually been working since she was 13 years old. Then she had a job at the tequila disillery as a greeter!

This little girl displays more love, joy, strength, courage, fortitude...well you name it. She is more than most of us. That's why I said in all of a short moment she crushed me and a resurrected me. If Lety could be like this there's hope for all of us. She is an example, a role model, a person to look up to. She saved me. She became my angel in that moment. And then proved it to me three more times as I had other encounters with her over the next few days. She is a genuine loving soul.

The next day, I found Lety on the street selling her candies and gum in front of a pharmacy--her usual spot. She gave me and two of my companions a piece of candy. She was very generous. We spoke for a while, took a few photos and then I bought a $20 piece of gum. She didn't ask for it, but I wanted to buy it. I'm confident I got a great deal.

The next encounter with Lety gave me the opportunity to treat her one more time and I was thrilled to see her excitement as she told me how wonderful she had been feeling since her first treatment. Once again her giggles, smiles and excurberence were contagious. This girl was good for my health. Each time I saw Lety, life was better. She truly is a little angel to me, a gift from God.

I was given a gift the night before we left. It was a small statue of a girl with paper tags glued on a stick afixed to the statue. It was from Lety. They read :

"Que bonito es recibir,

Pero mas bonito es dar,

Gracias por darte a los demas,
Sin experar mas que una sonrisa.

Gracias por dar felicidad,
Gracias por dar alivio y consuelo,
Cuando te sientas triste y solo.
Busca una sonrisa,
Que Dios te bendiga hoy y siempre,

Tu amiga, Lety"

"How wonderful it is to receive,

But it is a lot better to give,

Thank you for giving yourself to others,
Without expecting anything more than a smile,
Thank you for your happiness,
Thank you for giving hope and much needed help,
When you feel sad and lonely,
Look for a smile,

God bless, you now and forever,
Your friend, Lety"

I will always keep Lety in my heart and mind. I look forward to seeing her again. And when I do, I know I will be renewed once again. My goal is to make her more comfortable by replacing her wheelchair with a modern electric wheelchair. A small something to make her life a bit easier. I'm sure I will succeed in locating and acquiring one for her.

I hope you've enjoyed a little of my trip. There is so much more it's difficult to process and write about all of it.

I want to personally thank the magnificent team of doctors, nurses and support staff that made this trip exceptional. Each one has their own heart warming stories.

Thanks to all who have donated funds, prayed and sent love and positive thoughts our way. Our next mission will be to Tamasopo, Mexico, November 8th through the 16th. As always, feel free to contact me at (281) 499-4810 for more information.

With love and respect,
Que Dios Te Bendiga Hoy Y Siempre

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. This paper came out the last day we were in Tequila. Anyone look familiar?

Please enjoy a small sample of photos from our trip.

South of The Border...

2008-10-08T09:34:00.002-05:00

Buenos Dios!

Just a note to let you know our team arrived safely for our medical mission in Tequila, Mexico. This mission is with the team from St. Williams in the Austin Diocese. We have a wonderful group of medical doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, acupuncturist and support staff. Yesterday we treated over 600 people! Please remember the people that we are treating and the team in your prayers. Our next mission will be in November to Tamasopo, Mexico with the Sugar Land group. Here is a link to view some great photos of the blue agave plant which is found in the area of Tequila.
http://www.ddbstock.com/tequila1.html

Adios!

Thanks, Great Workshop!!

2008-09-26T10:31:00.005-05:00

Thanks to all who attended our wellness workshop. We had a great time with good food from Whole Foods. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Our guest speakers, Lisa Helffrich, RD and Devra Lindsay from Transformation were well received and provided great information on weight loss/control, discovering your body type, the benefits of Body Composition Assessment and knowing your cellular age.

For those of you who couldn't attend because of the "aftermath of Hurricane Ike", don't worry. We are scheduling another workshop when Lisa returns from a talk in Russia. She is very special and providing this workshop free for my patients and friends. Don't miss the next one. We will keep you posted. Watch for the e-mail.

You can change your health by changing your physiology. Health is your choice. See you soon...

The Prayers Worked...

2008-09-23T19:09:00.001-05:00

Alison had her surgery yesterday and it was a complete success. So thanks to you for prayers, thanks to God for answering them, thanks to the surgeons and of course, thanks to me for my great O negative blood!!!! You knew I would include myself--right? Seriously, we are all thankful. Thanks for always being there.

Patient Out For Doctor's Blood...

2008-09-22T09:44:00.001-05:00

What could make a patient want a doctor's blood? They must really be angry right? No, it's not what you think. The patient isn't upset about a botched procedure, lack of caring, a medical mistake, or any number of other problems that sometime occur between a patient and their care giver. In fact, it's just the opposite.

This patient loves the doctor in question. It's her and her family's chiropractor for over 14 years--Me! Unfortunately, Alison needs a delicate surgery that requires enough of the right type of blood to be available for her. About 4:30 p.m on Wednesday afternoon, while treating patients, Mary rushed into my treatment room and shouted, "What blood type are you?" The response, "O negative, why?" "Alison's surgery is Friday and they can't do it unless she has more blood, your blood! Will you do it?"

Of course I said "yes" immediately. "Then you have to get to the blood bank by 6:00 p.m or it will be too late. I finished with a few more patients and rushed over to the blood bank. I did make it on time and successfully donated blood. I even have a blown out vein to prove it.

Alison is a precious, beautiful girl whose had health challenges since birth. She and her family are like family to me and staff members. Even my mom knows and love Alison and Sandy (her mom). In fact, the first thing my mother said was, "I wish I was there. I would give her my blood too!" She also has O negative blood.

The next day, I found out from Sandy that because of power problems at the hospital due to Hurricane Ike, Alison's surgery has been pushed to next week. So, I am once again soliciting all your prayers for Alison, the surgical team, and anyone involved in Alison's care and recovery.

Also, please remember blood is a precious commodity that is very much needed. Especially in times of crisis like Hurricane Ike. Please consider giving blood especially if you have precious blood like mine. O negative! Contact your local blood bank. They can use your help.

Ike Update

2008-09-21T09:33:00.004-05:00

This is mainly for those of you outside the Houston area. The rest of us are on news overload with constant radio and television broadcasts. We are now at one week since Ike hit the Texas coast. Galveston was ground zero and it along with the Bolivar Peninsula is devastated. People are not allowed back on the island yet. The west side of the Houston area was hit the worst. But the effects are far reaching. About one million people are still without power and may not get it for several more weeks. Even though the power companies have about 8,000 people from all over the country and Canada working on it. Between floods, storm surges and wind, depending on the location, people either have minimal damage to complete devastation. Most in the Houston area have minimal damage--water in home, roof problems, power out, but houses and businesses still livable. If you can't reach someone you love, it may take awhile but I am confident they are physically okay with few exceptions. Our friends, Drake and Michele live in the Kemah area. Michele is a nurse and massage therapist that many of you will remember has been on medical missions with me. They had water in the house but are okay. My friend, Steve in Sugar Land, had part of his roof blown off and has wall, ceiling and sheet rock damage. Both houses are livable unlike most people in the Galveston area with total destruction. Ninety-percent of my patients are still without power but everyone is okay. This all will take months to years to repair and normalize depending on the area and severity of damage. Many people still have no phone or Internet. So try not to worry about friends and family.

You can check our local stations like _http://www.khou.com/weather/hurricanecentral/or http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/index for updates. PODS (points of distribution) have been set up throughout damaged areas. I've heard as many as fifty. These are manned by volunteers-military, TSA employees, etc. Ice, water and mre's (meals ready to eat) are distributed from these sites. Tuesday morning, I volunteered at one that Mary saw on the news. This particular POD was severely understaffed. I spent four hours schlepping ice from refrigerated trucks. Then treated patients at the office until 5:30 p.m. at which time I raced over to the blood bank and donated blood for a patient who is scheduled for a surgery. It was a busy day to say the least.

Right now all of us have to chip in and help one another. Lend support wherever and however we can to the best of our abilities. Prayers and money are needed for the most devastated. Contact the Red Cross if you can help. http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?

Why Do You Crave Specific Foods?

2008-09-17T15:34:00.003-05:00

We have put together an informative workshop to discuss what you can do to maintain optimal health throughout your lifetime. In our class you can expect to learn:

The Importance of Digestive Enzymes

Health Benefits of Enzyme Therapy

Understanding Your Body Type

Learn How to Balance Your Health Through Diet and Enzyme Therapy

Body Composition Assessment (BCA)

Have you ever wondered why you gained weight on the same diet your friend lost weight on? Why you crave certain foods? Are you interested in knowing your "cellular age" and how to monitor your aging rate?

Then join us on Tuesday, September 23rd at 6:30 p.m. for our wellness workshop with guest speakers: Lisa Helffrich, RD and Devra Lindsay with Transformation Enzyme Corporation.

Give us a call at (281) 499-4810 to reserve your spot in our workshop. The workshop will be held at 2853 Dulles Avenue, Missouri City, TX.

Hurricane Ike and us...

2008-09-12T17:07:00.006-05:00

My staff and I just finished treating some of the most dedicated patients in the World! With hurricane Ike looming in the Gulf and water lapping over the sea wall in Galveston, these people dedicated to their health came in for their life enhancing chiropractic adjustments! YES! It's clear that their first priority is their health. A few years ago during hurricane Rita, Evelyn, while millions of people were gridlocked on the freeways, took all the back roads to my office and got her chiropractic adjustment. That's dedication! Well, she was the only patient that day. She instantly became my patient of the century! I've talked about that day so much, I guess other patients wanted to join her elite ranking. After all, how many people can say they received chiropractic care during a hurricane? In fact, I dare you to find too many chiropractors who are open. I know this either makes me dedicated or crazy...maybe a little of both. But sincerely, I want to thank Mary and Krystal for coming to the office today to make it all work. I realize most people are either leaving town or making preparations to weather the storm that will hit in a few hours. So don't feel bad about not coming in. You can make it up later. But obviously some people truly believe Barrett Chiropractic Clinic is the cool place to be during a hurricane!

Thanks go out to all of you, Kevin, Brian, Trish, Marlene, Linda, Nailya, Jill, Sharon, Kathy, Maxine, Jerrie, Miriam, Ashley and Jesus. I salute you! We at Barrett Chiropractic Clinic are praying for all our patients and their families and friends. And for everyone in the path of the hurricane. May we all be safe as we ride out the storm.

P.S. New area maps have jut been delivered to my office. Please come pick up your free map. Of course, I have a business card size ad on the map and I'm listed under physicians and surgeons. So, if you need a surgically precise chiropractic treatment...give me a call!

Photo of My Great Nephew and His First....

2008-09-05T09:02:00.003-05:00

Hunter Rittweger was born July 11, 2008 to my nephew Adam and his wife, Shannon. Hunter is the first Texan on my side of the family. Coming from New Jersey, it's a little strange having "kin folk" from the south. My nephew, Adam, was born in Louisiana (which I still hold against him). Though it's his mother's fault. haha Anyway, back to Hunter. He's a great kid, healthy and happy. His parents are very smart because they've already started Hunter on chiropractic care to ensure his health. For many of you, this only makes perfect sense, but I know some of you are struggling with the idea.

First of all, the baby is obviously a little version of an adult. With a brain and nervous system that must function to it's highest and best capacity to regulate and control everything in the entire body. Any small misalignment of the vertebrae can potentially interfere with the neurological transmition of vital life developing signals. So no, he doesn't complain of back pain, or headaches and he hasn't lifted anything the wrong way and herniated a disc. Adjusting and molding his spine now is all about proper alignment, enhanced development and allowing his body's health to express itself to its best potential. Improving all his systems and giving him the best chance to be strong with strenghtened immunity.

It's preventative health care and life enhancement at its best. Why wait until he's broken to attend to his needs? Let's keep him healthy from the beginning and continue to manage health. Rather than the opposite which is managing sickness!

So to Hunter, we wish you the best health and happiness for a lifetime and all the blessings that God bestows upon you.

P.S. Here's a picture of Hunter receiving his first chiropractic spinal adjustment. The pressure is very light but extremely effective. To understand more about the nervous system, health, nutrition and why we are able to help childhood ear infections, colic and more visit our website at http://www.barrettchiroclinic.com/

Talented Children Musicians

2008-08-16T13:20:00.005-05:00

If you like beautiful, talented children musicians, you've got to watch this YouTube video. It is from the award ceremony given by the Child Care Council of Greater Houston. My good friend, Nerissa Oden (aka The Video Queen), shot the video and posted it to YouTube. You'll see my mom, wife, sister and friends acting goofy....of course, but the beginning and end show some precious, talented kids playing music.

Hope you like it.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkcYrh9EbBU

P.S. It's a great organization to support!
Check out these weblinks:

Child Advocates of Greater Houston http://www.cccghi.com/

The Video Queen http://www.thevideoqueen.com/index.html

Arnold Schwarzenegger sends message to the United States...

2008-07-30T14:29:00.000-05:00

These very unhealthy trans unsaturated fatty acids are known to cause heart disease and other health problems. California has just said, "NO MORE"! This is a first great step to changing our country's health and saving lives.

Hopefully, all the other states will take notice and go into similar immediate action. But our health problems that have been set in motion over decades won't be so easily reversed. Unfortunately, it will take time and this means our obesity problem will continue to grow and likely millions more will die considering that over half a million Americans die yearly from heart disease.

I am supportive of California's effort because as consumers of a product (food), we should have a presumption of innocence regarding our food. By that I mean that the food should be innocent of creating harm to our bodies. When we eat, we should not have to guard ourselves or be concerned that it is toxic in any way.

We must rely on those that feed us to be responsible and look out for our needs, safety and health. But this does not negate our personal responsibility to eat better, make healthier choices and do all we can individually to create wellness from within. I think we may be moving in the right direction, however, I do have a concern that by replacing trans fats with soybean oil as stated in the ABC article will create a host of other health issues. Yes, I know most people think soy is wonderful. However, soy has its own problems.

Back in 1995, the Israeli Health Ministry created a thirteen member team of oncologists, nutritionists and other specialists to study soy. Their conclusion:

Soy adversely affects the body in many ways and should be minimally eaten or not at all. The estrogen like plant hormones in soy can cause hormonal and reproductive problems and even cancer. They even advised a ban on soy based infant formula.

Many years of doing food allergy tests on patients have shown a high percentage have soy issues. Often times these are not full blown allergic symptoms but sensitivities. They can manifest as an array of symptoms that a person would not suspect a seemingly harmless food to be the cause.

As always, stay informed, eat as naturally as possible, and take good nutritional supplementation. I also highly recommend a food sensitivity test for everyone. It is highly informative and can change your life. Call my office or go to our website at http://www.barrettchiroclinic.com/ to read more.

Also, check out the rest of the trans fat story on ABC news at http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=5454372

Learn more about trans fat at http://www.bantransfat.com/

P.S. I think I'm going to write to Arnold and suggest they change all state signs and license plates to read "First trans fat free state"! What do you think?

Healing Hands, Loving Heart, Faith In God

2008-07-27T12:04:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to share with you a beautiful gift I was recently surprised with. A long time patient who has become an absolute cherished friend drew something especially for me. I love it so much that I didn't want to keep it to myself. So here it is...

My friend, Lisa Daidone, drew this in charcoal. As you continue to look at it you become increasingly captivated by all the beautiful elements. It is mesmerizing, some would even say spiritual and hypnotic. The more I look at it and reflect on it, the more it speaks to me on different levels. I have always enjoyed different forms of art, but have never been one to sit and observe and then over analyze a piece for all its meaning. This piece is different. Maybe because I know and love Lisa so much or because I am familiar with the subject matter. Or because I know the love Lisa put into the art. I think it's probably all this and more.

Certainly at first glance everyone should notice that there are hands and these hands are giving life enhancing spinal adjustments. The hands are mine though I didn't pose for the picture. The lower left hand shows my wedding ring. The figure could be a man or a woman. Or perhaps it's Jesus? Or perhaps it's representative of every human that is touched is bringing me closer to God (or any other person that helps another human being). Certainly the heart leaps out of the picture representing love, caring and the commonality of all people (the vessel that gives us all life). The heart must be taken care of and any caring of the human frame touches the heart, embraces it and protects it. You may also notice the subtlety of the cross paying homage and respect to my faith.

Although the picture is vertical I invite you to see it from my perspective which is to say that of a chiropractor leaning over a patient who is face down on an adjusting table. If you can imagine laying the picture down on a table and looking at it from above this is what I would see as my hands palpate and treat the patient. So each patient becomes even more important because each has Jesus (God) within him/her. Therefore, my responsibility to that individual (or any chiropractor) is breathtaking, awe inspiring and overwhelming. Anyone caring for another human being would or should think or experience the same thing. But to see this in a piece of art is a great awareness generator and constant reminder.

As I said earlier, the more I look, the more I think, the more I see. I hope you enjoy looking at this piece as much as I do. I've displayed it prominently in the front of my office for all to view. If you have an opportunity please come and look at it. You may get to see some of Lisa's other pieces as I plan to display some for her.

P.S. I'd love to hear your interpretation and insights about my picture. I think it speaks volumes more than Lisa even intended. Let me know...Thanks!

As Always, Yours In Health,

Dr. Rick Barrett

www.barrettchiroclinic.com

www.2healnow.wordpress.com

The Champions for Our Children

2008-06-11T12:36:00.000-05:00

I was recently honored with a wonderful recognition award. I now join the ranks of noteables like past honoree, Houston's Mayor Bill White. I was awarded a humanitarian award on June 4th as one of several honorees receiving the Community Caring Award given by the Child Care Council of Greater Houston, an organization which has served children and their families for over 35 years. The Community Caring award was created in 2006 and originally called the Humanitarian Award.

"Giving the Community Caring Award is our way of expressing appreciation for the efforts and successes of the organizations that choose to exhibit deep caring for their communities by dedicating themselves to addressing the needs of children."

Dr. Doris Bilton, Board President said, "It is our privilege to honor them for they honor us each day by their continual support to the communities that they serve."

To learn more about this wonderful organization visit http://www.cccghi.com/

The Mish Mosh Mission

2008-05-12T20:39:00.000-05:00

Mary and I just returned from another mission trip to Mexico. I've named it the Mish Mosh Mission. Why? Because it was a combination of so many different activites. From providing chiropractic care for the Nahuatl Indians, building healthy, environmentally friendly stoves, (Mary took pictures of me up to my elbows in cow manure!) re-building the small village of La Gloria and working on a new film project. Oh, yes, and there was a dinner in Mexico involving "Richard Gere". All of this is too much to tell you about right now. I will blog about it over the next few days. Enjoy the photos!

E-Factor

2008-04-30T11:39:00.000-05:00

For those of you who weren't able to hear my interview with the E-Factor you can download the MP3 directly from:

http://ipeccoaching.audioacrobat.com/download/ec3dfdca-e2c9-1484-a951-0641ac58ba46.mp3.

www.the-efactor.com

Jennifer Zeller with the E-Factor said,"That was one of my favorite installments of the E-Factor in the history of the show! Thank you so much for sharing what you did. It was very inspiring, and I hope will get people to move forward in making a difference in their own remarkable ways, and down their own remarkable paths..."

Enjoy!

What Does Miss USA and Chiropractor, Dr. Rick Barrett Have In Common?

2008-04-17T15:49:00.000-05:00

They are both winners! Crystle Stewart (Miss Texas) just won Miss USA and is featured in the April issue of H Texas Magazine.

Dr. Rick Barrett is also featured in H Texas Magazine as one of Houston's Top Chiropractors! This on the heels of being named one of H Texas Magazine's Top Professionals in 2007!

Both Miss USA and Dr. Rick Barrett hail from Fort Bend County, Texas. Crystle lives in Missouri City and Dr. Barrett's office, Barrett Chiropractic Clinic is located in Missouri City. www.barrettchiroclinic.com

Dr. Barrett and Miss USA both believe in setting goals, reaching for ones dreams, overcoming obstacles, inspiring and empowering people to reach their full potential.

Miss USA 2008 is a motivational speaker and self-improvement teacher.

Top Chiropractor 2008 Dr. Rick Barrett continually strives to help individuals improve their mental, physical and spiritual health. As all healing comes from above, down, inside and out. Dr. Barrett teaches and heals through his daily example through lectures and books he has written such as "Dare To Break Through the Pain", "Healed By Morning" and "Improve Your Health Pro-Actively".

What else do they have in common? She calls Dr. Barrett all the time for advice, tips on fashion, modeling, etc. Okay, well that's not true. She has never called him. He doesn't even know her. But if she did call, he would definitely talk to her. They would have a lot in common and much to talk about. They could help a great deal of people. So, hope she reads this and calls him.

They could even go on the lecture circuit together!

Both Miss USA and Dr. Rick Barrett are stunningly beautiful! Well...okay...Miss USA, Crystle Stewart is stunningly beautiful. Dr. Barrett...well...not so much.

We in Fort Bend and Missouri City are proud of Crystle. She will be a fine representitive for the U.S. and will strive to make a positive impact through the use of her title just as she has done as Miss Texas. Congratulations, Miss USA!!

P.S. Dr. Barrett is going to be interviewed on the E-Factor. We invite you to listen in and be part of an E-Factor. The date will be Tuesday, April 29th, at noon, Eastern Time (11:00 a.m. Central, 10:00 a.m. Mountain, 9:00 a.m. Pacific) E-Factor is the popular bi-weekly, 60-minute conference call show, which explores the mindset of success, and the people who make success a reality. Go to http://www.the -efactor.com/ to register for the call!

2008-04-06T18:52:00.001-05:00

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Mission Possible!!!

2008-04-05T21:51:00.000-05:00

It’s almost time!!! We are traveling to Mexico from April 18th to the 26th. Our goals:
1)To help build a much needed school in a colonia near Arteaga Mexico. This project was started by Dr. Nathalie Fiset. To learn more visit http://www.mymedicalmissions.com/ We will also provide some natural care through chiropractic.

2)To help build much needed stoves for the indigenous Nahuatl in the remote areas of Tamazunchale, Mexico. We will also provide chiropractic care to the people. Our friend, Rodolfo Reyes, creates a list for all those who want a stove. After he teaches and has the first person to participate in building the family’s stove, it then is the responsibility of that person to aid in building the next family’s stove. So all the community comes together and shares in the work of creating something new for one another. The wood gathering is an ordeal as the men cut wood daily to stoke the fires for cooking. The quantity of wood needed for their existing “stoves” is larger than the circumference of your arms if you held them in front of you to form a circle. This large bundle of wood is carried by the men from a strap around their forehead that hangs on their backs. Can you imagine cutting and carrying wood like this everyday of your life just to cook your food? One bundle of wood is needed per day, but with the new stove, one bundle will last seven days! This is a huge savings to the environment and to the amount of work the people have to do.

To learn more about this project visit http://www.missionsofhope.com/

An exciting and upcoming project: Orlando O’Neil, an independant filmmaker and author of “Ultimate Learning Program”, myself and a great friend of mine, Dr. Joe Vitale (http://www.mrfire.com/) are working on a movie and book about humanity. I would like to tell you more….stay tuned!

Some of you have helped with our mission projects before and know that any contributions go directy to these projects. We are not a 501K, but we ensure all donations go to these much needed projects.

If you can help (any amount will be appreciated), please send donations to:
Dr. Rick Barrett
2853 Dulles Avenue
Missouri City, TX 77459
As always, thank you for your support in this important cause!

2008-04-05T19:03:00.001-05:00

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Videos

2007-05-27T22:06:00.001-05:00

Nerissa, the video queen, was kind enough to create these videos. I think you will find them interesting. Visit her website at www.thevideoqueen.com

What is love?

2007-04-07T13:53:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I have been spending some quality time with my bro, Joe Vitale and his lovely gal, Nerissa. At one point, Joe asked, "What is love?" I remarked that love is God. Why? Because if you do as God does, you create love. Love is unconditional, love is giving of yourself whether it is of your time, talent or treasures. If you give of yourself, you will receive in abundance. Love one another and be grateful. Happy Easter!