Bill Esteb
Patient Media
Colorado Springs, CO

Yesterday, I returned from spending 2½ days with one of my chiropractic heroes, Dr. Larry Markson, attending his new program called The Cabin Experience.

The event, which takes place in a gorgeous lodge on an island in the middle of Salmon Lake in Western Montana, is the next phase in Dr. Markson’s evolution as a leader and influencer. Before I explain how I benefited (and how you would as well), I’m going to tell you a little about Larry—an individual who rarely prompts feelings of ambivalence and who, it seems, is either revered or reviled.

This is the new Larry. Sure, he is as opinionated and certain as ever. And yes, he is incredibly observant and detail oriented. But when you attend the Cabin Experience, you’re going to meet a kinder, gentler, more compassionate Larry. The self-confidence that many have written off as an unattractive arrogance has mellowed into a gentle, approachable intimacy. The strident confrontation I remember from the past has been replaced with a wisdom that is not only attractive, but inspirational.

The new Larry created a safe place for the 24 of us (chiropractors and non-chiropractors) to face ourselves, dream bigger dreams and grow emotionally and spiritually. It wasn’t a seminar. It wasn’t an encounter. There weren’t any “hot seats.” There were plenty of potty breaks and time for self-reflection in a serene, natural setting.

Larry, who has taught me the importance of details, has left nothing to chance. Starting with the venue in the middle of nowhere. Many attendees had to take three airplanes to get to Missoula. And then there’s the almost one-hour van ride to the ferry that takes you out to the island. The fact this takes place on an island is significant. There’s no escaping. (Most of our breakthroughs come in the areas we don’t want to face or look at.) But who would want to escape the opportunity for personal growth and the chance to experience the world-class food, accommodations and hospitality, plus the deep connection with two-dozen like-minded people who want to be their best?

Most in attendance had done other self-development work, whether Total Solution, Landmark Education, Demartini Breakthrough Experience, etc. I won’t spoil it by explaining how Larry does it, but the effect for everyone was significant. He uses a much different approach than I do for The Conversation! Here’s what I brought home:

Live less in my left-brain. I’d heard this before, but I really “got” it this time. My ability to think through problems and use my mind to uncover solutions has been my strong suit. But I’ve relied on it too much. From now on, I’m going to be more present to that “wee little voice” whose guidance I’ve either vetoed or frankly ignored.
More risk taking. It may look to outsiders that I’m not risk-adverse, but compared to others I admire, I tend to play things too safe. I learned that this tendency is based on a mistrust of the universe! While not conscious of this, I now see countless examples from the past in which I imagined that I’m not living in a supportive world. I’m now taking bigger risks.
Create my future. I became present to the fact that I rarely invest much time or attention in creating what I want. And that starts with taking time at the beginning of the day to stop, listen and be still. Instead, I tend to react, abdicating my responsibility to proactively plan my future. It has cost me countless opportunities to serve others and make a difference.

Those were the biggies for me. I promise that everyone took home something different, based on where he or she is on their journey. That’s because, as Larry says, it’s all about the who, not the do. However, the one thing we all took home was a new understanding of ourselves. I can't think of too many things more valuable—regardless of the price one pays to obtain it.

(There are a couple of more Cabin Experiences planned. I urge you to reserve your spot now!)

Tom Georges
El Paso, Texas

I would like to thank you for what I consider a monumental Experience at The Cabin.  I've always felt that there was something "inside me" that served to hold me back from being what I am truly capable of.  You have helped me become much more clear on what that is and even better yet, been instrumental in giving me tools on how to change this aspect of my life. 

Kathleen Baumgardner
Mount Laurel, New Jersey

I came back from The Cabin Experience with new determination not to let my old actions repeat themselves, get rid of those relationships that no longer serve me.  I now recognize how my acts of indecision affect others I care about and how those same inactions chip away at my self respect, self image and the level of respect I receive from my staff and loved ones.

Stephen Levine
East Orange, New Jersey

How does one put into words such an Experience?  After 22 years of involvement with personal growth and empowerment, this was clearly the icing on the cake – the next level of personal mastery.  As a group we laughed, we cried and shared challenges and victories to open our hearts and minds and yes the trap door opened and something got in.  Thank-you for helping me take my leap of faith and turn it into a huge personal growth step that will last for many years to come.

Paige Mott
Loveland, Colorado

It is nice to be in touch again with the inner wisdom and power that I know.  I feel this experience has been pivotal for continued growth and for the personal freedom and happiness that I deserve and for developing me as a leader in my life and profession.  Identifying where I have had my own foot on the brake, and understanding my responsibility for that has been very liberating.  It is as if I now have permission to create the life and future of my dreams.....LOVE included.

The experience keeps on giving as I have asked the Merry Go Round Operator to STOP several times and have gladly gotten off.  The relationships and bonds built at the Cabin will last a lifetime.

Dominique Dufour
Quebec City, Quebec

At The Cabin I was able to get in touch with those old habit patterns that have been controlling me for years. Now have a definite new way of thinking and living!  I am the painter and co-creator of my life, always guided by a source higher than myself.

I have faith in the future.  I can choose daily between living in an invisible "prison” or granting myself a “pardon." Life is not a rehearsal. The Cabin Experience has helped me to stop the “Ferris Wheel of Failure Habit Patterns” and has enabled me to make decisions that benefit me. That is exciting!!

Gordon Johnson
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the Cabin Experience.  All of my expectations were met and then some.  I came away with a greater sense of who I am, where my thinking has become limited and now have a roadmap of how to get focused and have greater certainty on what I can achieve.  My wife even commented about how peaceful I looked. It is a peace and calm granted by the knowledge that I no longer have to be afraid or limited in my thinking.  I can dream big and truly believe I can make those dreams come true.

Livia Vallins
Smithtown, New York

How do I begin to thank a man who gave me the opportunity to expand my imagination and take me to a higher level of life?  The "Cabin Experience" went way beyond my expectations.  Besides the beautiful scenery, unbelievable accommodations and great food, what I learned about being a better person was priceless.  I walked away with a better self image, great support group and the key to success.  I am such a better person today and know can really make a difference in the lives of others. 

Michael Pfeffer
Alexandria, Minesota
 
The Cabin experience was awesome.  Two and a half days with a master of personal development.  You created a safe environment so we could shed anchors to past experiences that were holding us back.  I witnessed phenomenal breakthroughs in myself and others. Wow!  I highly recommend it for anyone who is serious about personal growth and expressing their true power that lies within.  

Joel Notick
Ocean Side, California

Let me share with all of you a couple of GREAT things I have done since returning home. I have been a closet smoker for the past Two years. I even had cigarettes’ with me on the island. Thursday on the island I threw away the pack and have not picked one up since.

Last Wednesday I was driving and a love song came on the radio. I felt the pain body in my head starting to come alive so I reached to turn the station. Instead I stopped and said to Myself that is what the “Old” Joel would do, the “ New”  Joel realized the song was about someone I had not met yet. So I turned it up and sang it like I was singing it to her.