Today is Monday, July 27, 2020. Reflecting on the privilege of being able to share our Daily Gift of Vitality, we appreciate that humans have found ways to stay connected to other humans even when we cannot see or hear each other. These daily walks provide time to think about opportunities to promote love, healing and compassion in the world.
Inspiration: A Quote from Erik Campano
“Joy is human connection; the compassion put into every moment of humanitarian work; joy is using your time to bring peace, relief, or optimism to others. Joy gives without the expectation—or wish—of reciprocity or gratitude. . .. Joy immediately loves the individual in need and precedes any calculation of how much the giver can handle or whom the giver can help.”
Optional 31 Days to Experiencing the Joy of Movement. Day #27. Moving along.
Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may consider increasing the duration or intensity as you progress.
The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.
5 more days of July. Notice how has your walking changed since the start. Are you walking faster, longer or different routes? Do you swing your arms more? How do feel during your walk? How you feel after your walk? Make a note in your journal when you are logging your progress.
Continue to record your progress in your journal. Submit a picture from your walk to the Daily Gift of Vitality blog and/or connect with your walking partner.
Recharge yourself when you repeat:
“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and the global community. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”
The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:
- Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, 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.
- If you want to release tension, try the STOP technique taught in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses.
- Stop
- Take a Breath
- Open and Observe
- Proceed
With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,
Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP
*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.
Daily Gift of Vitality 