Today is Friday, November 20, 2020. The ancient Roman calendar named the ninth month as November. While it is now the 11th month, the name has not changed since 45 BC. Reflecting on how some things change and some stay the same over time.
November is for nesting, nourishing, and nurturing.
While the winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, nature reminds us to slow down and recharge in more quiet ways. We invite you to explore nourishing activities for your mind and body.
We continue with our series of prompts to create your personal list of activities that shift your energy and are relaxing or calming for you. It helps to organize the list by location or amount of time it works best in. Keeping this list easily accessible (i.e. in your planner, notes app or as a photo on your phone) for those moments you may need it. We will keep adding to it.
Today, we focus on creating a list of ways to engage with nature. Organize the list in order of easiest to incorporate or shortest amount of time to longest amount of time required. That way, when you need a quick reset, the items at the top of the list will be the first thing you see.
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- Take a walk outside.
- Step outside, pay attention to the scent in the air, the color of the sky.
- Sit on a swing, park bench or lay in a hammock and breathe deeply and hum.
- Dig in the garden or plant some herbs indoors.
- Lay in the grass, sand or on a blanket and watch the clouds or birds or the stars.
An inspirational Quote Amelia Earhart, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees
Photo by: Chris Lejarazu
Recharge yourself when you repeat:
“I am [*Name*]. I am human. My mind, my body, and my spirit are connected, and I am a part of a global community. I love myself and others 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 and compassion to all people. We are all human. We can create positive energy 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.
- Now reach up both arms, outstretched, raise your chin and breathe in fresh energy, smile and breathe out with a sigh, “ahhh…”
- Repeat 2 more times, then lower your arms and release your shoulders.
- Smile inside and carry your sense of calm with you.
With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,
Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP
Daily Gift of Vitality 