RAK ON: Simon Matthews' Tiny Revolution

Dr. Rak ('rock') here.

Imagine if the smallest step you took today became the catalyst for a life-altering journey. In our recent enlightening conversation on 'The Health Feast,' Po and I delved into the power of subtle yet impactful changes with our guest, Simon Matthews .

Simon is a distinguished psychologist and executive coach specializing in Lifestyle Medicine. His journey has been multifaceted, taking him from the depths of radio broadcasting to nearly navigating the skies as a commercial pilot. These rich and varied experiences have shaped his unique approach to his current work.

He now channels his expertise into leveraging positive psychology to impact the lives of health practitioners and patients globally. Learning about his commitment to enhancing well-being among the world's caregivers left me deeply inspired.

For a deeper exploration of Simon Matthews' journey and his fascinating insights on the transformative power of tiny changes, don't miss the latest episode of The Health Feast (links below).

Simon champions the notion that 'small change is sufficient,' challenging the conventional belief that big problems require big solutions. He invites us to embrace the tiny, emphasizing how each small step contributes to progress and learning on our larger journey.

For instance, swapping just one unhealthy snack for a piece of fruit daily can set the stage for bigger changes in one’s diet and lifestyle.

This concept beautifully aligns with the ethos of Tiny Health Stories, an initiative started by Simon through the Global Positive Health Institute, where he serves on the Board of Directors. Each narrative, limited to 100 words or less, celebrates our capacity to live fully through qualities like gratitude, kindness, connection, and experiencing the joy of everyday moments. These tiny but mighty stories reveal profound journeys of transformation and growth.

My personal contribution to the project echoes this. In it, I recount how a simple 10-minute meditation habit that began in my car after work reshaped the trajectory of my life. Modest yet impactful, my experience embodies what Simon advocates for — that small steps can lead to remarkable transformation.

So let’s RAK our Week by embracing tiny in our lives: tiny moments of reflection, tiny stories of change, and tiny acts of kindness. In the tiny, we find the potential for profound transformation and growth.

Roots Reflection ??:

• Reflect on a change you are currently contemplating. How could you make this change tiny? Focus on taking the smallest actionable steps and then see how they lead to significant transformations.

Awareness Action ????:

• Spend some time this week crafting your own Tiny Health Story. In 100 words or less, describe a defining moment in your health and wellbeing journey. It could be about a moment of clarity, a powerful connection, or an act of self-kindness. If you're moved to do so, consider sharing your narrative with the Tiny Health Stories project. Your experience might just inspire someone else on their health journey.

Kindness Opportunity ??:

• Inspired by Simon, commit to ‘Tiny Acts of Kindness’ this week. Each day, perform a small, thoughtful gesture for someone else or yourself. It could be as simple as sending a supportive text message, sharing a compliment, or giving yourself an extra ten minutes of self-care. Perform these acts and notice the ripple effect of these tiny expressions of love.

The Prevention Plate with Dr. Rak and Chef Chloe Presents: Controlling Your Blood Pressure with Flavor and Fun!

??? Date: Sunday, February 25, 2024

?? Time: 1 PM PST / 4 PM EST

?? Location: Zoom

?? Cost: Included in all RYL memberships or $29 for non-members.

?? Sign up here

What to expect:

?? Cook along with Chef Chloe as she prepares mouthwatering plant-based dishes that are also super healthy.

??♂? Learn simple yet effective breathwork techniques for stress reduction.

?? Discover evidence-based lifestyle changes for better blood pressure control.

?? Engage with Dr. Rak in a live Q&A to address your health queries.

This session is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their heart health with fun, food, and practical wisdom. You will get a menu, a shopping guide, and full recipes emailed a week before the event.

RAK ON Live! Dr. Rak’s Weekly Wellness Livestream Every Wednesday at 11AM PST / 2PM EST!

Dive into the world of Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Rak’s weekly livestream focused 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 Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn

Last week Dr. Rak welcomed back his friend and patient, professional organizer Marsha Sims, where they discussed why we will revert to unhealthy behaviors despite our desire not to.

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 and leaving a review. Your support is much appreciated!

Episode 22: The Power of Tiny in Transforming Our Lives with Simon Matthews FACLM, FASLM, MHlthSci, DipIBLM, MAPS, NBC-HWC, PCC. In this episode of The Health Feast, join Dr. Rak and Po as they explore the multifaceted world of Simon Matthews, Lifestyle Medicine Psychologist and Executive Coach. Discover his unique journey from radio to psychology, his profound insights into health and wellness coaching, and his influential work in Lifestyle Medicine. Simon shares his wisdom on the subtle art of asking the right questions and the transformative power of tiny but mighty changes. A blend of personal narratives and professional wisdom makes this a must-listen for anyone passionate about holistic health and health behavior change.

Listen On Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube

Episode 21: Unlocking Inner Power with Cathy Mu. In this episode of The Health Feast, join Dr. Rak and Po for a captivating conversation with Qigong master Cathy Mu. Delve into Cathy's extraordinary journey from the depths of despair to discovering inner strength and healing through the ancient practice of Qigong. Cathy shares her profound insights on harnessing the power of Qi, our vital energy, and its transformative power in every facet of life. Her story is a testament to the unseen forces that shape our existence and a reminder of the immense potential each of us holds. Tune in to learn how you can tap into your own energy, reshape your reality, and embark on a path of growth and connection. It's an episode you won't want to miss – filled with inspiration, wisdom, and practical tips to empower your journey.

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 in their life.

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 Dr. Rak 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, reverse chronic diseases, and optimize your health and longevity. Discover more and sign up for a Tribe or 1:1 care with Dr. Rak on the RAK Your Life website.