RAK ON: Embracing Life's Power Encounters

Dr. Rak (“rock”) here.

This week, I’m reflecting on the moments in life that really shape our destiny, inspired by my good friend, fellow Lifestyle Medicine physician, and our most recent guest on The Health Feast, Gebre Nida MD, FACE, DipABLM . As a triple board-certified physician, Gebre transcended a childhood of poverty in rural Ethiopia to become a successful physician and marathon runner in the U.S.

For a deeper dive into Dr. Gebre Nida’s remarkable story and how he transforms lives with Lifestyle Medicine, tune into the full conversation of The Health Feast. Links down below!

In healthcare, an encounter typically refers to formal interactions between patients and clinicians. Gebre elevates these meetings with his power encounter, creating spaces that catalyze significant change in a person's life. In this way, his clinical visits become opportunities for awakening and personal growth, empowering his patients to take control of their health through informed lifestyle choices. From enduring many-hour walks to school as a child in Ethiopia to now competing in marathons on a plant-based diet, Gebre has consistently demonstrated the power of surpassing limits and relentlessly pursuing excellence. His personal transformation mirrors the profound changes he inspires in his patients. Each challenge he faced head-on guided him toward his present reality.

At age 49, it feels like he’s just getting started as his ongoing pursuit of self-improvement continues to inspire others. Gebre started running in his 40s, and today, April 15, the day this newsletter is being released, Gebre is participating in his 35th(!) marathon and sixth Boston Marathon.

Just as Gebre harnesses the concept of power encounters in his clinical practice to catalyze health transformations, we, too, can identify and embrace the power encounters we’ve had in our lives. Whether they occur during moments of personal challenge, like career transitions or within our health journeys, these are life’s moments that challenge us to grow, adapt, and embrace new pathways.

Reflecting on our personal power encounters, I recall the profound turning point when I first learned of my wife’s third pregnancy. Initially overwhelming and even upsetting, this event prompted me to deeply reflect on my life choices, leading to small but significant changes. Though initially minor, these small changes triggered a cascade of positive transformations in our family life, my personal growth, and all that has rippled out since. Indeed, this very newsletter is a result of that power encounter.

So, let’s draw inspiration from Dr. Gebre Nida’s journey of perseverance and transformation. Reflecting on the power encounters in our own lives not only deepens our understanding of these pivotal moments but also enriches our appreciation for the mysterious ways in which life unfolds. Often disguised as challenges, these encounters have the potential to shape our paths and redefine our destinies, urging us to grow beyond our perceived limits.

Roots Reflection ??:

• Reflect on a moment in your life—a conversation, an event, or even an unexpected challenge—that sparked a significant change in you. How did this moment impact your growth and the trajectory of your life?

Awareness Action ????:

• Inspired by your reflection, take some time this week to map out the key moments you've identified. Sketch a visual timeline of the key moments you've identified, showing how each event connects to the next. This exercise will deepen your understanding of how these power encounters have shaped your life's trajectory and highlight the interconnectedness of your experiences.

Kindness Opportunity ??:

• Identify a friend, colleague, or family member who may be undergoing a challenging period that could be their own power encounter. Reach out to them with your support—whether it's a thoughtful note, a listening ear or a welcomed diversion. Your act of kindness could be the spark they need to view their challenge as an opportunity for growth.

The Prevention Plate with Dr. Rak and Chef Chloe Presents:

??? Date: Sunday, April 28, 2024

?? Time: 1 PM PST / 4 PM EST

?? Location: Zoom

?? Cost: $20 (Included in all RYL memberships) ?? More info and purchase a ticket here*

*RYL members will be contacted separately with a sign up link

What's on the menu?

?? Oat Berry Muffins ?? Miso Glazed Eggplant ?? Thai Almond Green Curry ?? Broccoli Chickpea Bake ?? Matcha Green Smoothie

What to expect:

?? Cook along with Chef Chloe as she prepares mouthwatering plant-based dishes that are also super healthy. During the class, Chef Chloe will demo two recipes you can cook along with us! We will preview the others for you to cook at your leisure!

??♂? 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 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 Why We Do Hard Things. He explored the intrinsic value of embracing challenges, his journey of personal growth through Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) and his wife’s cancer diagnosis, the resilience found in personal hardship, and the profound transformations these experiences can trigger.

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!

NEW EPISODE! 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 that have donated! As of this writing, we have raised nearly $4000 to support women navigating this challenging moment in their life. Learn more and donate here:

Donate to RUCK CANCER

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.