RAK ON: What My Father has Taught Me About Grit, Service, and Discipline

Dr. Rak here. This week, I’m celebrating a major influence in my life – my father, who last week turned 80. His journey is a powerful example of perseverance, resilience, and hope.

Back in 1969, a young man left India for UC Berkeley, armed with just a suitcase and dreams shaped by a childhood during the Indian Partition. This experience, where his family had to rebuild from scratch, instilled in him a resilience that has defined his life.

Decades later, that young man, my father, has lived a life embodying the values that now guide me: a strong work ethic, a spirit of service, and unwavering discipline.

The photo above is of my brother, Dad, and me at Epcot Center. It symbolizes Dad's journey from India to America, paralleling Epcot's focus on innovation and new possibilities. From completing an accelerated master's program at UC Berkeley to transitioning into an engineering career in Chicago, meeting my mom, starting a family, and launching a business, each milestone embodied the American dream and the power of persistence and vision.

His life has been about more than just achieving his own goals. It has also been marked by a commitment to service- both to our family and the broader community. He always had time for my physics homework, making sure I felt supported, even after he had worked a 12-hour day. He has always been and continues to be active in volunteering in our religious and cultural communities. His actions consistently demonstrate his value of giving back and being there for others.

At 80, Dad's dedication to discipline continues to inspire me and those around him. He intentionally keeps himself mentally and physically active. His daily routine of morning walks and achieving his 10,000 daily step goal is a testament to his commitment to self-care and perseverance.

So this week, let’s RAK our Week by finding inspiration in my father's story and embracing our challenges with the same spirit of determination and service.

Roots Reflection 🌳: Reflect on Your Foundation

Reflect on a challenge you've faced and how it’s shaped you. Just like my father, who started with a borrowed plane ticket and a dream, remember that your Roots are a source of strength and resilience.

Awareness Action 🧘: Pause for Appreciation

This week, take a few minutes each day for a simple mindfulness exercise to recognize your hard work and the efforts of those around you. Find a quiet spot and sit comfortably. Breathe in deeply, and think about your recent efforts – the challenges you've faced and overcome. Breathe out and imagine sending a wave of thanks to yourself and those who've supported you. This brief pause each day is a way to genuinely acknowledge the hard work we often overlook, a practice inspired by my father's unwavering dedication to his dreams.

Kindness Opportunity 💖: Engage in Acts of Service

This week, find a way to extend support within your community. It could be as straightforward as assisting a neighbor, getting involved with a local community event, or expressing gratitude to a favorite local business. No matter how small, each act is a step towards a more compassionate and connected community.

December RYL Community Webinar: Embrace 2024 with Positivity and Purpose! December 16 at 5 pm PST/8 pm EST (sign up here).As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the new year, join Dr. Rak in a 60-minute workshop designed to set the stage for a year of growth, health, and happiness. This interactive and uplifting workshop will help you start 2024 with clarity and purpose, an open heart, and a renewed mindset. Space is limited. (sign up here).

The Health Feast Corner 🎧

RAK Your POtential Episode 1: Dr. Rak on Confronting Cancer and the Power of Letting Go. In the first of a new series on 'The Health Feast,' Dr. Rak opens up to Po about his family's tumultuous journey through his wife's breast cancer diagnosis. From the initial shock to the ongoing treatment, he shares their story of resilience, the emotional process of letting go, and finding strength in the present. Dr. Rak also ventures into an enlightening discussion on the environmental risks of plastics, weaving his personal narrative with broader health and wellness insights. This episode is a heartfelt blend of personal experience, health awareness, and the power of a positive mindset in facing life's unexpected challenges. Listen On Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Episode 05: How meditation changed Jay Chodagam’s Life (and How it Can Change Your Life Too!). In this episode of The Health Feast, we're joined by Jay Chodagam, whose life story is a profound testament to the power of change and the impact of meditation. Once an engineer at a Fortune 500 company, Jay's pursuit of fulfillment led him down an unexpected path – becoming a monk and meditation teacher.

Jay's perspective on meditation as a vital tool to navigate our distraction-filled lives, and his emphasis on starting each day with reflective silence, are not to be missed. Tune in to discover how Jay's journey can inspire your own path to mindfulness and purpose. Listen On Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Thanks for walking this path with me. I always look forward to hearing your stories and insights, so feel free to hit reply 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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