Today, is Tuesday, March 24, 2020. The snow has melted and it is warming up outside.
While there is uncertainty and fear around us right now, there is also love and kindness around us, always.
During times of uncertainty, it helps to have some structured routines. We offer a daily anchoring message for those of you who may find it helpful for you, your coworkers, your loved ones, and/or your community.
Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after listening to the news or when going to sleep:
- Roll your shoulders back, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
- Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
- Try some Mental Math to redirect your mind:
- Count backwards from 100 by 7’s
- Choose a number, think of 5 ways you can make this number
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Do a “times table”
Anchor yourself with this daily statement:
“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can to be helpful. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. I am part of the global community and we are all working together to get through this. This is temporary. We can do this. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”
Today’s Inspiration From Gina Kring, MD
“My crocuses yesterday. Spring reminders of the beauty that will happen after we take time to retreat and rest and gather our energy even during the most cold and isolating conditions. Persistence and patience pays off.
A few parents in our neighborhood are taking their kid(s) and dog out for a morning walk each day. We live across from the middle school playground which has been eerily quiet all week. Instead of the usual roar of buses and drop offs and a full playground of screaming kiddos our mornings now are quiet with tweeting birds.
Every 10-20 minutes a small family unit taking a fresh air break stops in front of our house to check on the crocuses and daffodil shoots. I can hear them from our front room as they delight in finding new blooms -like an Easter egg hunt. I especially enjoy the excited discussions about how much taller the daffodils are today compared to yesterday or predictions about what color a specific tulip will be when it blooms next month while I do my yoga or check daily updates in email before heading in to work.
Sweet little moments that bring a smile. Maybe this time at home with a little more mom or dad time will help some of our little neighbors grow into future gardeners. Happy first days of spring🌱”
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With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,
Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP
Daily Gift of Vitality 