RAK ON: Reignite Your Spark
Dr. Rak (“rock”) here.
This weekend, I had the profound joy of watching my wife and kids perform at a concert, singing Indian classical music. All of them have been studying Karnatic music since they were toddlers under the instruction of my wife's mother. For my wife, this passion had taken a backseat during her rigorous medical training to become a kidney specialist and as we’ve raised our three children.
It’s been years since she sang at a concert, yet her voice still carries the deep, resonant beauty that first captured my heart when we met almost twenty years ago.
Back then, her life was rich with concerts at people’s homes, temple events, and even some experimental fusions with Western music. When we met, I fell in love with her voice, among many other things—her optimism, intelligence, and independent spirit.
As life’s responsibilities grew, her concerts became less frequent, and her singing was confined mostly to lullabies for our children. Yet, as I watched her perform this past weekend, I saw the look on her face—a reawakening of joy and passion. She was truly in her element, and it taught me something powerful about the things that bring us joy.
Life often pushes our passions to the sidelines. Responsibilities, careers, and other obligations can crowd out the activities that deeply fulfill us. But as I saw in my wife this past weekend, the flame of passion never truly goes out. Sometimes, it just needs a little spark to get it going again.
So, let’s RAK Our Week by taking inspiration from my wife. Let’s not wait for "someday" to pursue our passions. Let’s make time for them now and watch as they light up our lives and reignite the spark of joy and fulfillment within us. When we embrace the things that truly make us shine, we not only enrich our own lives but also inspire those around us to rediscover their own passions.
Roots Reflection 🌳:
What ignites that spark within you? If you're already engaged with a passion, take a moment to celebrate this part of your life. If you've drifted from activities you once loved, reflect on what you might reconnect with or discover anew. How could reigniting this spark transform your daily experiences?
Awareness Action 🧘🏾:
As you engage in a joyful activity this week—whether it's a longstanding passion or a newly explored interest—do so mindfully. Pay close attention to how this experience makes you feel, the emotions it stirs, and the energy it brings. This mindful engagement will help deepen your appreciation for these moments and remind you of their value in your life.
Kindness Opportunity 💖:
This week, show gratitude for someone else’s talents or passions that inspire or uplift you. Tell them how much you appreciate their abilities and the joy they bring you. Your acknowledgment can be a wonderful boost to their spirits and encourage them to continue sharing their gifts.
The Prevention Plate with Dr. Rak and Chef Chloe Presents: Healthy Cholesterol with Flavor and Fun!
🗓️ Date: THIS Sunday, April 28, 2024
🕐 Time: 1 PM PST / 4 PM EST
📍 Location: Zoom
💲 Cost: $20 (Included in all RYL memberships)
🔗 More info and reserve your spot here*
*RYL members will be contacted separately with a signup link
What's on the menu?
🫐 Oat Berry Muffins
🍆 Miso Glazed Eggplant
🍛 Thai Almond Green Curry
🥦 Broccoli Chickpea Bake
🍵 Matcha Green Smoothie
* During the class, we will demo two of the recipes you can cook along with us. Chef Chloe will preview the others for you to cook at your leisure!
What to expect:
🍲 Cook along with Chef Chloe as she prepares mouthwatering plant-based dishes that are also super healthy.
🧘♂️ Experience mindfulness and mindful eating led by Dr. Rak, including guided meditation to enhance your experience.
📚 Participants will receive Dr. Rak's Healthy Cholesterol Guide — A concise guide to integrating evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle tips to support healthy cholesterol levels.
💬 Engage with Dr. Rak and Chef Chloe in a live Q&A to address your health and culinary questions.
This session is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their heart health with fun, food, and practical wisdom. Before the event, you will receive a menu, a shopping guide, and full recipes via email.
RAK ON Live! Dr. Rak’s Weekly Wellness Livestream
Every Wednesday at 11 AM PST / 2 PM EST!
Make sure to SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode.
Dive into the world of Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Rak’s weekly livestream, which focuses on Lifestyle Medicine, behavior change, and mindfulness. Whether you're a seasoned wellness enthusiast or just beginning your journey, these sessions offer valuable insights to enhance your well-being.
Can't join live? Catch up anytime with our post-stream recordings.
Watch Live or Recorded on YouTube
Last week, Dr. Rak discussed How to Run and Actually Enjoy It (Even if You Hate Running), revealing how even the most reluctant runners can start enjoying the benefits of running. Dr. Rak guided viewers through the Roots (why), Awareness (what), and Kindness (how) of beginning a running journey, providing practical steps, motivational insights, and beginner-friendly tips to transform aversion into action.
The Health Feast Corner 🎧
If you’ve been enjoying The Health Feast, please do us a favor by subscribing to the podcast on your favorite platform (Apple Podcasts, Spotify) and leaving a review. Your support is much appreciated!
Episode 27: From Hardship to Healing with Dr. Gebre Nida. In this episode, Po and Dr. Rak welcome Dr. Gebre Nida, MD, FACE, DipABLM, whose remarkable journey from the rugged terrains of rural Ethiopia to the forefront of lifestyle medicine in North Carolina epitomizes resilience and transformative care. Born in a village without electricity, Dr. Nida walked hours to school each day, a testament to his commitment to education and betterment. Now a triple board-certified endocrinologist, he integrates lifestyle medicine into his practice, profoundly impacting patients battling chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. In this episode, Dr. Nida shares his personal story and professional insights, demonstrating how deep empathy and dedicated care can revolutionize healthcare. Listen as we explore how overcoming extreme obstacles equipped him to change lives through a unique blend of medicine and compassion. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube
Episode 26: Embracing Joy in Our Health Journeys with Dr. Michelle Segar, PhD, MPH, MS. In this episode of The Health Feast, Dr. Rak and Po engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. Michelle Segar, a renowned expert in health motivation and sustainable behavior change from the University of Michigan. Dr. Segar shares groundbreaking insights from her research and her books "No Sweat" and "The Joy Choice," highlighting innovative strategies for redefining exercise as a source of joy and navigating the challenges of maintaining healthy behaviors amidst life's unpredictability. This discussion offers a deep dive into the psychological underpinnings of motivation, the transformative concept of the "Joy Choice," and practical advice for integrating lasting health practices into daily life. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on turning exercise and self-care from chores into cherished parts of your routine, ensuring a journey towards health that is not just sustainable but also enjoyable. Listen On Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube
Support Dr. Rak's Spartan team RUCK CANCER. Proceeds go to help women with breast and ovarian cancer. A HUGE THANK YOU to all who have donated! As of this writing, we have raised more than $4200 to support women navigating this challenging moment in their life. Learn more and help us reach our fundraising goal 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 Reflection, Awareness, and Kindness in their life.
Live Well and RAK ON,
Dr. Rak 👊🏽
Want to level up your health journey? Join Dr. Rak and the supportive community of RAK Your Life.
Join a RYL Tribe, where group support and accountability are key to transformation in these weekly health education groups.
Our Plant-Based Tribe meets on Monday evenings at 730pm EST/ 430pm PST (only 2 spots left!)
Our Heart Health Tribe meets Wednesdays at 4 pm EST / 1pm PST (only 4 spots left!).
Our Mens Peak Tribe will start in early May 2024. Days/times are TBD (only 5 spots left!)
You can also work with Dr. Rak individually for 1:1 medical care and get a Lifestyle Medicine doctor on your side to help oversee your care, reverse chronic diseases, and optimize your health and longevity.
Discover more and express your interest with Dr. Rak on the RAK Your Life website.