Day: October 9, 2020

Friday, October 9

Today is Friday, October 9, 2020. Elephants hug each other and offer hugs to other species including humans, especially in tough times. Showing compassion and love connect living beings.  

For the month of October, we celebrate Fun & Friendly Fridays.

Reach out and connect with a group of people or a person you may not have seen in a while. They may live far away or your paths just may not have crossed in some time. Schedule a time to connect virtually. Some ideas: a cooking meet up, book club discussion or a walk & talk hangout. Whenever possible, it is nice to share video so you can see each other smile.

An inspirational Quote from Rachel Naomi Remen.

“The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention…A loving silence often has far more power to heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words.”

Photo by: Keyur Nandaniya

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and learning every day. I am part of 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. We are all connected. We can be resilient together.”

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.   
    • Focus on progressive relaxation by tightening and then loosening your muscles starting from you toes, working your way to the top of your head.
    • Take additional deep breaths and release your muscles further.
    • This can take as much or as little time as you choose.
    • Smile a huge smile to release your jaw and mouth muscles and continue on with your day or night, refreshed.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP