Discover the inspiring story behind a marathon in Beirut aimed at fostering unity amidst political unrest. Delve into the complexities of orthorexia, where the drive for healthy eating turns into a personal battle. Hear about a soldier's journey with PTSD and the transformative power of self-forgiveness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of compassion, vulnerability, and finding balance in health and wellness, inviting listeners to embrace imperfection and connection in their lives.
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Quick takeaways
The marathon in Beirut exemplifies the power of community and resilience in bridging divides amidst political unrest and personal challenges.
Orthorexia reveals the danger of an unhealthy obsession with food purity, emphasizing the need to prioritize overall emotional and mental health.
The journey to self-forgiveness for veterans involves separating past actions from one's identity, fostering healing through compassion and connection with others.
Deep dives
Experiences in Beirut
The host shares insights from his recent trip to Beirut, where he participated in a marathon amidst the city's complex political landscape. Despite the ongoing civil unrest and instability, he reflects on the warmth and generosity of the local people, highlighting a juxtaposition of challenges and beauty in their hospitality. The marathon itself serves as a crucial community event, aiming to foster unity and connection among diverse groups in a region weighed down by conflict. The event's founder, May El Khalil, initiated the marathon after a life-altering accident, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and dedication to her community despite significant challenges in bringing the event to life.
Personal Reflections on Running
He recounts his own experience running the marathon, emphasizing that his primary goal was to immerse himself in the communal spirit rather than achieve a personal best time. Despite being undertrained and nursing a knee injury, he successfully completed the race, engaging with fellow runners who shared inspiring stories and challenges. Notable participants included a visually impaired runner accompanied by a guide and Palestinian women running as a political statement for their rights, showcasing the event's larger significance beyond mere athleticism. These encounters reinforced his belief in running as a powerful means of uniting people from diverse backgrounds.
The Journey Beyond Diet
A segment of the discussion focuses on the complexities and challenges associated with adhering to a strict vegan diet, using the case of a popular vegan blogger who recently abandoned the lifestyle. This individual described experiencing orthorexia, characterized by an unhealthy obsession with eating only 'pure' foods, leading to severe health issues. The host emphasizes that while pursuing a plant-based lifestyle can be empowering, it can also become problematic if it morphs into a rigid dogma, separating individuals from the broader community and wellbeing principles. He argues that wellness transcends dietary restrictions, suggesting that emotional and mental health should be prioritized over rigid food rules.
Navigating Mental Health and Forgiveness
In response to an email from a veteran struggling with PTSD, the host offers insights into the profound journey of self-forgiveness and healing. He acknowledges the heavy weight of past actions perpetrated during combat and emphasizes the importance of recognizing these actions as separate from one's higher self. Sharing compassion and understanding, he encourages a shift in focus from self-obsession to service to others, suggesting that helping fellow veterans could provide a sense of purpose and healing. This perspective allows for the potential to move past trauma while nurturing personal growth and connection to humanity.
The Role of Compassion in Wellbeing
Closing the conversation, the host reinforces the theme of compassion for oneself and others on the path to healing and personal growth. He underscores the significance of approaching life with a non-judgmental mindset, allowing room for imperfection and transformation. The belief that life is more than just dietary choices extends to all aspects of existence, advocating for a balanced approach that respects individual paths. He also addresses the need for vulnerability and connection, inviting listeners to embrace their unique journeys while maintaining a commitment to compassion and understanding in all interactions.
We’re back with yet another installment of Ask Me Anything — a twist on my normal format where we answer questions submitted by you, the listener.
In this week's installment, Julie and I discuss my recent visit to Beirut to run the marathon and then take two listener questions. First we discuss blogger Jordan Younger's battle with orthorexia and her decision to let go of her vegan identity. Then, in honor of Veteran's Day, we discuss a soldier's struggle with PTSD and the journey to self-forgiveness.
Specific topics include:
* why go all the way to Beirut to run a marathon?
* running for peace in the Middle East
* what is orthorexia?
* the nexus between eating disorders & trauma
* when wellness becomes illness
* the prison of identity labels
* a veteran's struggle with PTSD
* the journey to self-forgiveness
* making peace with the self in the wake of violence
Thank you to all the veterans out there for your selfless service. This episode is dedicated to those that suffer daily the trauma of that experience. A related podcast on the subject of veteran's issues and PTSD that you might enjoy is my conversation with Jason Hall, the screenwriter of American Sniper – RRP 130: Finding Purpose in Tragedy.
The show concludes with Cry, written and performed by Julie — aka SriMati – accompanied by our sons Tyler & Trapper Piatt.
Thanks to everyone who submitted inquiries — keep ‘em coming!
I sincerely hope you enjoy the conversation.
Peace + Plants,
Rich
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