Sunday, January 28

Today is Sunday, January 28, 2024. Scenery changes with snow.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Activate your fascia to feel better. How? Start the day with stretches and movements that include gently relaxing and moving your body. Try the Japanese Radio Taiso which is a daily morning exercise routine used in Japan or Learn Sun Salutations in 3 minutes and then practice the moves daily to see how your body progresses over time. Tai chi is another option that is often done in groups at parks early in the morning.

A quote by Thich Nhat Hanh, “Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD for sharing this photo, “Hoodoos in Winter, Bryce Canyon National Park”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Sunday, November 5

Today is Sunday, November 5, 2023. Foliage, still beautiful.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Add a nutrient flavor boost topping to a favorite stew or savory dish. Finely chop parsley, about ¼ cup chopped. Add 1 clove finely minced chopped garlic with lemon juice and zest from ½ of a lemon. Add a pinch of salt to taste and stir it all up. Let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to blend and then add a small pinch on top of your soup or stew for added flavor.

A quote by William Cowper, “Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD for sharing her series of photos- this one, Gahuti Trail Overlook, Fort Mountain State Park, Georgia.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Saturday, June 10

Today is Saturday, June 10, 2023. This week is a great week to “see” the wonderful.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Start noticing when you make choices that support you and your health. Examples might be: getting outside and moving in place of sitting inside in front of a TV; drinking water instead of a sugary beverage; reading a good book instead of watching the news; talking with a friend instead of scrolling through social media. Give yourself credit for those choices.

A quote by Albert Schweitzer, “Do something wonderful, people may imitate it.”

Thank you to Dave for sharing this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, December 8

Today is Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Spotting a Cardinal (bird in picture) in nature can have many meanings. Among them: Love, confidence, balance, loyalty, luck, and a sign that someone who has passed is watching over you.

A quote from Coco Chanel. “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”

Photo by: Ray Hennessy

December Delights are here. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Surround yourself with beauty.

    • Set up your home, work, or study space to include your favorite colors.
    • Place beautiful photos or art so you see it frequently.
    • Add plants inside to bring nature indoors.
    • Listen to favorite music in the background.
    • Stimulate your senses with aroma therapy simmering cinnamon, using essential oils, candles, or potpourri.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

  • 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.
  • Lean and rest your head towards the right shoulder and hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch. Then, repeat on the left side. Feel a gentle stretch.
  • Bring your chin to your chest and look down. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch.
  • Lace your fingers behind your lower back and gently lift your chin and look up. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch and then return to neutral & roll the shoulders back and down. Smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner strength, I can absorb and magnify the love and positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Rush University   

http://www.DailyGiftOfVitality.com

Friday, August 20

Today is Friday, August 20, 2021. Noticing the sunrise which brings me to the present. Smiling to start the day with peace and presence.

This August, we focus on building and strengthening connections to lower stress and contribute to longevity.  For this third week of August, we focus on connecting to LOVE, after all, “Love is all around us”

Today, the focus is on connecting to the love of beauty. Deliberately directing your eyes, your attention, your mind to beauty can be calming and joyful.

    • Pause to see the beauty of the sky. Immerse yourself in your favorite colors during sunrise or sunset.
    • Gaze at the flowers, trees or plants that are beautiful to you as you deepen each breath.
    • Listen to the beautiful combinations of sounds of your favorite music and sing or hum along.
    • Enjoy the beautiful aromas of your favorite fragrance or spices as you release your shoulders.
    • Look in the mirror and appreciate the beauty of your sparkly eyes as you smile.

Photo by Dan Deziel, “Morning Mist”

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote from Bennett Cerf “The person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed.”

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

  • 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.
  • While you continue to Belly breath, practice a Loving Kindness meditation and repeat:
    • “May I be happy.”
    • “May I be healthy.”
    • “May I live with ease.”
    • “And may these be true for other too.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP