RAK ON: How a Farmers Market Changed the Trajectory of My Life
Hey everyone, Dr. Rak here. I was at a local farmers market this weekend, and it brought back some heartfelt memories of my friend Karen, who died earlier this year. This week, I’m reflecting on our unlikely friendship and all the love and wisdom she brought into my life.
Last week would have been Karen’s 77th birthday. She had a special connection with the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market at the Embarcadero in San Francisco, where she used to work at one of the farm stands. In her last few years, we spent many Saturday mornings there, where I had an opportunity to see an entirely different side of the market through her eyes.
Karen and I met under unique circumstances. She was battling cancer for the second time in her life and ended up under my care in the hospital with pneumonia. Right from the start, we hit it off. She expressed her frustration about the hospital food not being the best for healing. She found it refreshing when I told her I was equally frustrated. I surprised her the next day with a fresh salad full of veggies and fruits.
After her discharge, Karen was randomly assigned to see me again in the preoperative clinic for surgery to remove a cancer-affected kidney, and it felt like the Universe was bringing us together on purpose. For years, Karen's health habits had been a rollercoaster. She had smoked in her younger years, and her diet was inconsistent. But in that visit, we discussed her strong desire to make changes and focus on quality of life for the years she had left. I felt compelled to guide her in these changes.
After her surgery, with my guidance and support, Karen really turned her lifestyle around. She committed to a whole food plant-based diet, and, in addition to her regular meds, we added some breathwork and daily walks. Within weeks, we saw her stamina and endurance improve, and I was pleasantly surprised when she asked me if I might accompany her to the Saturday market. Her transformation was nothing short of amazing, and it played a big part in my decision to go all-in on Lifestyle Medicine.
Our Saturday market visits turned into a ritual. We had our usual route, where we’d explore all sorts of fruits, veggies, nuts, greens, exotic mushrooms, and sweet dates. Karen was always eager to share her knowledge with me, and her enthusiasm was infectious. Even the farmers greeted her by name.
Walking through those stalls now, Karen is still with me. I can feel her presence in the busy energy of the market, in the colors and smells. Her physical body may no longer be here, but her love and spirit live on.
So let’s RAK our Week by drawing inspiration from Karen — making the most of our health and honoring those who have touched our lives.
Roots Reflection 🌳:
Question to Ponder: Who has deeply influenced your journey towards health and fulfillment, and how are you living out their legacy today?
Awareness Action 🧘🏾:
Memory Walk: This week, take a walk to remember and honor a loved one who has passed away but continues to inspire you to be a better person. As you walk, think about their influence on your life, the lessons they taught, and how their memory encourages you to live healthier and with purpose.
Kindness Opportunity 💖:
This week, reach out to someone in your circle who's on their own health journey. Offer your support in a way that's meaningful to them. It could be joining them for a workout, cooking them a healthy meal, or just listening and offering encouragement as they share their goals and challenges. Your genuine interest and support can be a powerful motivator and a true act of kindness.
New Weekly LIVESTREAM! I’m excited to announce I’ve started a weekly Livestream where I’ll be sharing my insights on Lifestyle Medicine topics, behavior change, and mindfulness. These will regularly be on Wednesdays at 11am PST / 2pm EST, and they’ll be available for viewing after the stream. I’ll also be hosting guests.
You can access them live and recorded here:
Facebook
YouTube
The Health Feast Corner 🎧
Episode 18: From Success to Significance with Dr. Amit Mirchandani. Dive into the inspiring world of Dr. Amit Mirchandani, aka Dr. Mirch, as he shares his transformative path from achieving personal milestones to making a significant impact in pain medicine and encouraging others to find their purpose in life. Discover how his unique perspective on luck, the influence of his upbringing, and his dedication to selfless service shapes his approach to treating chronic pain and beyond. This episode is a deeper exploration of finding true significance in life's work and the power of serving others. Don't miss out on this compelling conversation of growth, purpose, and the pursuit of true significance. Listen On Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube
Episode 14: How to Mend a Broken Heart with Meg Donahue of MamaSezz. In this episode of "The Health Feast," Dr. Rak and Po are joined by the remarkable Meg Donahue, CEO of MamaSezz, a unique plant-based company that delivers delectable, ready-made meals straight to your doorstep. In this episode, Meg dives deep into her philosophy on life, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to life's unpredictability and finding peace amidst challenges. She shares profound insights on the power of love, connection, and the universal human spirit. Meg's reflections on the most significant learnings from life's most challenging moments testify to the resilience we all carry within us. Listen On Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube
December RYL Community Webinar: Breath Better to Live Better
Thursday, December 14 at 5 pm PST/8 pm EST (sign up here).
In our fast-paced lives, we often forget the healing and calming potential of a deep, mindful breath. This workshop will teach breathwork basics, offering practical techniques to effectively communicate with your nervous system. Learn how to harness your breath to manage anxiety, curb cravings, and significantly enhance your overall well-being. Let's breathe together towards a healthier, more mindful existence. Space is limited. (sign up here).
Thanks for walking this path with me. I always look forward to hearing your stories and insights, so feel free to hit reply or join the RAK ON chat and share a bit of your world. Or pass this message along to someone who could use a boost of Roots, Awareness, and Kindness today.
Live Well and RAK ON,
Dr. Rak 👊🏽
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Interested in working with Dr. Rak? Want to level up your health journey? Join me and the supportive community of RAK Your Life. Join a RYL Tribe, where group support and friendships are key to transformation in these weekly coaching groups. Or work with Dr. Rak individually for 1:1 medical care and get a Lifestyle Medicine doctor on your side to help oversee your care. Discover more and sign up for a Tribe or 1:1 care with Dr. Rak on the RAK Your Life website.