Month: April 2023

Friday, April 28

Today is Friday, April 28, 2023. This week is closing out April.   Think about this: Stress pushes for change and humans are designed to be able to handle large amounts of stress. Depending on the response- the flexibility, the ability to learn, the adaptation- this can lead to getting stronger, wiser and all around better. What makes this possible? A chance for processing and recharging and healing. There must be a time “after” the stress where recovery and improvement can take place. Sometimes it is while sleeping, sometimes while meditating, journaling or being in nature and other times, sharing the experience with a safe someone who you trust. DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: When you are experiencing high levels of stress, find time to pause and create an artificial “close” to the stress cycle and allow some recharge time even if it is temporary. Slow down your breathing and remind yourself, “I can do this.”   A quote by Eric Maisel, “A long, deep breath is the equivalent of a full stop and the key to centering.” Thank you to Erin Burden for sharing this lovely photo. With gratitude and appreciation for all beings, Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, April 21

Today is Friday, April 21, 2023. The bulbs are bursting, the trees are flowering, the grass is greener, it is a great time to pause and notice the nature around us.

Think about this: Sometimes, there is so much going on around us, it can lead to an overload. There can be so many thoughts, feelings, things to do. It can amplify negative thoughts and feelings and make it harder to see the path forward. The good news is that there’s a remedy.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: When the mind is full and the feelings are bouncing around, 1. take a minute to observe your breathing. Then, 2. start to slow the breathing down, make each breath last longer, and breathe from your belly so that your belly rises when you breathe in, and it releases when you breathe out. This activates the vagus nerve and allows your body to calm and settle down. Finally, 3. write down what is on your mind so you can see it. Bonus: maybe even share it with someone you trust.

A quote by Navaz Habib, “The vagus nerve is the conductor of the human body symphony orchestra.”

Thank you to Drew Beamer for sharing this lovely photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, April 14

Today is Friday, April 14, 2023. There comes a time when a fresh start, a reset is necessary. Maybe that is today.

Think about this: It’s easier to imagine the fresh start or reset when there is a clear end and a clear marker to starting. For example, the beginning of the new year, the day after graduation, the new season, a celebration, a new haircut, “after” the trip.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Consider shortening the time in between new starts and the end. Rather than waiting a whole year for the year to end and for New Year’s Day to start something new, consider a new start on Saturday morning. Friday night, close out your previous “cycle” in some meaningful way and reset for a fresh beginning tomorrow morning.

A quote by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, “The beginning is always today.”

Thank you to Zeke Tucker for sharing this lovely photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, April 7

Today is Friday, April 7, 2023. The beauty as the seasons change, the delight of the new flowers, new colors, new beginnings highlight progress, new life and moving forward.

Think about this: Humans around the world, of all ages and cultures, naturally desire progress. We are curious animals. We are social beings. People are really pretty cool. When we see our efforts are making a difference, that we can understand something better, that we belong and are connected to other social beings, we can feel more grounded and secure, even in the midst of hardships.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Consider ways you can connect deeply: let someone see that they make a difference – that there is progress; help someone engage their curiosity and teach you something new; reach out and share time being present with each other.

A quote we often do not hear enough of, “I love you!”

Thank you to Jean-Claude Dumont for this beautiful picture.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP