RAK ON: Why This Hindu Embraces the Joy of Christmas
Merry Christmas, RAK ON family! Today, I'm thrilled to share why Christmas is so special to me and how embracing traditions outside our own can bring richness and joy into our lives.
Some might be surprised to know I celebrate Christmas, given my Hindu background. But truthfully, it's one of my favorite holidays. Although Christmas is fundamentally a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, it has also grown into a vibrant, inclusive cultural celebration.
My parents, originally from India, didn’t grow up with Christmas traditions. However, after moving to the U.S. and starting a family, they wholeheartedly embraced the holiday's festive spirit. They wanted us to experience the same Christmas spirit they encountered around them. That vintage Polaroid above is from 1986 — that's me with the big smile, standing next to my big brother. It’s a beautiful reminder of the magic I experienced in those moments.
Now, as a parent myself, I aim to pass on that magic to my kids. Our home shines bright with a Christmas tree in the living room and decorations out front. Our Christmas feast, complete with chana masala and crispy dosas instead of traditional American fare, keeps the spirit of the season intact — it's all about the love we share and the memories we make.
This holiday season, we've focused on the spirit of giving and kindness. We've used our kids’ winter break to brainstorm community service projects for 2024, fostering a sense of compassion and service. Following in this vein, my children have been busy creating homemade gifts for the family, embracing the joy of giving.
So, let's RAK our week by reflecting on the diverse traditions we've adopted, being fully present with loved ones, and spreading kindness in our everyday interactions.
Roots Reflection 🌳:
Reflect on a tradition outside of your own that you've adopted. Who introduced you to this tradition? How has it enriched your celebrations and expanded your understanding of other cultures?
Awareness Action 🧘🏾:
This week, focus on practicing mindfulness in the time spent with loved ones. As you share meals, partake in holiday traditions, or engage in conversations, give your full attention to these moments. Appreciate the joy and connection these interactions bring, and let them remind us of the valuable role relationships play in enriching our lives.
Kindness Opportunity 💖:
Choose a simple act of kindness to perform this week. It could be sending a thoughtful message, helping someone in need, or sharing a smile and a warm greeting. Each small gesture can make a significant impact, nurturing a sense of community and warmth around you.
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The Health Feast Corner 🎧
Episode 19: Transforming Lives Through Conversations with Margaret Moore, MBA aka Coach Meg. In the Season 1 finale of “The Health Feast,” Dr. Rak dives into an enlightening conversation with Margaret Moore, aka Coach Meg, a trailblazer in health and wellness coaching. Discover how Coach Meg transitioned from the world of biotechnology to revolutionize the field of health coaching with WellCoaches. She unveils the power behind transformative coaching, blending science and personal insights to foster profound life changes. This episode is packed with revelations about building confidence, igniting motivation, and embracing well-being in its fullest sense. If you're eager to unlock the secrets to lasting behavioral change and the true essence of wellness, this is a conversation you can't afford to miss! Tune in and be inspired. Listen On Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube
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
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 today.
Live Well and RAK ON,
Dr. Rak 👊🏽
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