Today is Monday, December 21, 2020, the December Solstice. Ten days left in 2020. In 1913, the first crossword puzzle was published in the New York World.
Delights in December. This month use the Daily Gift of Vitality, to allow a moment to pause and connect with what delights you. We will provide prompts and ideas along the way.
Tonight, take a moment to watch the sun setting on the horizon. Over the next hour, you can get a once in a lifetime view of the Great Jupiter and Saturn Conjunction in the western sky. Without a telescope, they will look like a bright dot, and unlike stars, they will not twinkle. The last time they could be observed this close (at night) was in 1226.
This year, it also coincides with the December solstice, which is the longest night and shortest day in the Northern hemisphere and the longest day and shortest night in the Southern hemisphere. Take a moment to celebrate this special day.
An inspirational quote by Galileo Galilei: “Passion is the genesis of genius.”
Photo by Anthony Cantin
Recharge yourself when you repeat:
“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am aware of myself and others, and I belong to 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 connected. Together, we can do great things.”
Return to 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.
- To restore the body, experience Ocean Breathing as taught by Jeff Warren
- While belly breathing, imagine yourself floating on the surface of the ocean
- Your breath is like the tide, as you inhale the tide rises and it lifts your body up, as you exhale the body relaxes. Feel your body being carried by the tide.
- Smile and enjoy floating and gliding.
With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,
Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP
Daily Gift of Vitality 
