Tag: calm

Friday, March 10

Today is Friday, March 10, 2023. This week’s practice to expand your vitality is to reclaim some personal thinking time. If this option is a tool that appeals to you, please join us.

Think about this: Your brain needs regular time to think. This is time to be curious, to integrate ideas, to think about things in new ways, to process experiences, to allow your brain to be creative and play.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Identify a regularly occurring time that doesn’t require much effort and use that time to let your mind run free and think about whatever is on your mind. The mindless activity times, like doing dishes, vacuuming or folding laundry, or during regular fixed routines like commuting, exercising, or bathing. Consider journaling or keeping a log of what you thought about.

A quote by Charles Kettering, “Our imagination is the only limit to what we can hope to have in the future.”

Thank you to Sandesh Deshmukh for this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, February 24

Today is Friday, February 24. This week’s practice to expand your vitality is by freeing the mind to be creative. If this option is a tool that appeals to you, please join us.

Think about this: From the minute we wake up until we fall asleep, there are outside influences that are designed to grab people’s attention and redirect- email, social media, news, ads, billboard signs, radio & talk shows, etc. etc. These aim to hoard anybody’s and everybody’s attention. There are also those that are meaningful and personal, specific to you and your relationships –pets, children, partners, family, classmates, coworkers, colleagues, etc. who also desire your attention. When is it your turn to attend to you?

When the brain is constantly being directed by outside influences- without sufficient time to rest and recharge – the circuits can get overloaded and feelings of anxiety or overwhelm may occur. In turn, this can interfere with mental peace and creativity, which is when the brain can play with ideas and invent something novel. Nature immersion, meditation, exercising, bathing, listening to instrumental music, drawing, journaling, or sipping unsweet tea and reading a book, all help you control your brain’s inputs and lets your brain rest and recharge, to think freely and play.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Try deliberately postponing “brain inputs” on waking. Notice what happens if you protect some quiet time immediately after waking, before allowing digital, media, and other uncontrolled inputs. What do you think about? Where does your mind go? What do you notice? What if you direct your attention to nature, like sunshine, the sound of birds chirping, the feel of the blowing wind? Consider this activity on waking most days this week. Jot down a note each time and review it after a week.

A quote by Albert Einstein, “Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.”

Thank you to Alex Marrero for this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, February 10

Today is Friday, February 10. This week’s practice to expand your vitality is inspired by Dacher Keltner in Awe. If this option is a tool that appeals to you, please join us.

Think about this: Experiencing awe improves health and wellbeing by stimulating the vagus nerve known to cause a relaxation response. Awe is associated with markers of lower inflammation and it also releases the hormone oxytocin known to increase the feelings of deep love, trust and bonding.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week and beyond, seek out opportunities to experience moments of awe.

A quote by Sharon Saltzberg, “Restore your attention or bring it to a new level by dramatically slowing down whatever you’re doing.”

Thank you to Stephan Leonardi for this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, January 27

Today is Friday, January 27. This week’s practice to expand your vitality is to have time daydreaming. If this option is a tool that is appealing to you, please join us.

Think about this: When we zone out, there is quiet time, without any other human inputs, the mind wanders and has novel ideas and thoughts. When was the last time you got to do that and cherish your thoughts?

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week, choose some quiet time in a location that you will not be interrupted by other people or media or drama or news or words. This may be outside in nature, in a room or while walking, riding, or swimming. Let your mind wander. Give yourself permission to daydream and see where it takes you. Be curious.

A quote by Rachel Naomi Remen, “Sometimes all that is needed is a sense of possibility.”

Thank you to Khaled Ali for this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Saturday, December 31

Today is Saturday, December 31, 2022. In March of 2020, we began this part of the journey together. We’ve made mistakes, laughed and learned. We keep appreciating, adapting and moving forward.

A quote by Dalai Lama, “Compassion is the wish to see others free from suffering.” 

Photo by Fiona Smallwood

Today, with the closing of another year, marks an opportunity for change, for fresh starts and to launch new beginnings. Reflecting back, being present, and thinking forward.

The Daily Gift of Vitality is also changing. We started together on a journey to create a safe space in March of 2020. Today, marks the final Daily Gift of Vitality in this format.  For now, we will shift to once weekly posts to this website. Over the next several weeks we will be looking forward to how we can adapt the Daily Gift of Vitality for the current times. In the meantime, you may access previous content on the website, DailyGiftOfVitality.com

Reflecting back, here is a snippet from March of 2020…

“While there is uncertainty and fear around us right now, there is also love and kindness around us, always.

During times of uncertainty, it helps to have some structured routines. We offer a daily anchoring message for those of you who may find it helpful for you, your coworkers, your loved ones, and/or your community.”

We anchored messages to our purpose:

  1. To provide a single simple message to everyone everywhere allowing individuals to learn and practice simple self-regulating actions daily for optimal health, function & recovery.
  2. To provide a reliable daily anchor- keeping it simple, easy to learn and remember – and quick to apply.
  3. To provide a routine. Each message will maintain a standardized, dependable structure to allow it to be used as a “routine” to start a day, transition from work to home mindset or after reading/watching news/social media, or to end the day.
  4. To create safe space to rest and recharge. The messaging is meant to be a “safe” space and deliberately avoids using terms that may be triggering and common in current communications.
  5. To establish an easy-to-implement way to keep people connected & cared for despite being physically in different spaces.

As we move forward, we will consider what next. Meanwhile…

Practice this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities.

Throughout, we begin this activity the same, with the same first 2 steps to signal to the body and mind that we are pausing to get centered and recharge. Over time, we have explored and practiced various ways to use this signal to further maximize the benefits. Today, we bring back a simple way settle your mind, like early on, “Here’s what you can do today, right now.”

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 

Settle your mind.

  • Imagine a box with a lid. It can be colorful or plain. It can be large or small or any size you want. Put that box on the side.  
  • Take those feelings that don’t serve you right now and place them in the box.   
  • Now, place all the thoughts about things you don’t have control over, and place them in the box also.   
  • You can come back to the box any time to add or examine what you have in there, but you don’t need to carry it with you. You can leave it for a bit. It will be safe there. 

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. I am always learning. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness and positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your day. Wishing All a Happy & Healthy New Year full of Love, Joy and Laughter.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, December 23

Today is Friday, December 23, 2022. The lively music inspires a more energetic workout. Feeling SO GOOD!

A quote by Arthur Clarke, “The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.”

Photo by: Drepicter

December marks the end of another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Do an activity log of how you spend your days.  Note if your activities bringing joy or some anxiety.  Are there some adjustments you can make to bring more joy and peace to your day?

Practice this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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 your attention on your right great toe. Tap it up and down.
  • Shift your focus to your right elbow and notice where your elbow is.
  • Glide your focus to the center of your chest and breathe in peace and breathe out what you no longer need.
  • Continue to breathe in peace and breathe out what you no longer need, for as long as you like.
  • Smile when you are ready to move forward.

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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 

Monday, December 12

Today is Monday, December 12, 2022. Finding the “missing” cinnamon that was absentmindedly placed in the fridge.

A quote by Denis Waitley, “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.”

Photo by: Jonny Gios

December marks the end of another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Consider the routine ways that you care for your physical body: brushing your teeth, dressing for the weather, stretching and moving your body, protecting your skin, choosing health-promoting foods, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and so on.

Are some routines more easily disrupted, and sometimes hard to get restarted? Practice acknowledging those times of disruption with grace towards yourself and make it easier to resume your self-care routines when the time is right.

Practice this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 

Experience an Affirmation meditation:

  • Find a comfortable position in bed, 
  • Repeat your affirmation: My body is calm, my mind is at ease, I breathe in goodness, I exhale peace [or choose your own affirmation].

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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 

Friday, November 25

Today is Friday, November 25, 2022. Enjoying the energy all around today.

A quote by Mary Davis.  “The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see.”

Photo by: Callipso

November is the month of Gratitude. Our bodies are amazing machines with endless possibilities.  Consider taking some time to show gratitude towards yourself.

  • Go to sleep early, sleep in a little longer
  • Get cozy with a good book or watch your favorite movie
  • Savor a warm cup of tea
  • Go for a beautiful walk in nature
  • Take a warm soothing bath
  • Light candles

Practice this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 
  • Look up to the sky.
  • Let your mind relax into the awareness of the infinite open space.
  • If you wish, release your worries into the vast openness of the universe.

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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 

Wednesday, November 23

Today is Wednesday, November 23, 2022. In awe. This is the 500th post of The Daily Gift of Vitality. Thank you to all those who have inspired us, those who have shared quotes, comments, photos and those who continue to find ways to spread love and contribute by sharing their unique gifts with others.

A quote by Buddha, “Radiate boundless love towards the entire world.”

Photos embracing changing seasons by Dan Deziel, First snow of fall (above, submitted October 2022) & November sentinels

November is the month of Gratitude. Let’s explore possibilities, consider how our diversity can offer a bridge to connect us to each other.

Practice this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 
  • Look up to the sky.
  • Let your mind relax into the awareness of the infinite open space.
  • If you wish, release your worries into the vast openness of the universe.

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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 

Wednesday, November 2

Today is Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Seeing beauty everywhere. Just loving this day!

A quote by Unknown, “Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.”

Photo by Dan Deziel, Fall Texture

November is the month of Gratitude. Take moments this month to send notes of gratitude to those special people in your life.

Practice this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 
  • Breathe in getting taller, stretching the spine.
  • Breathe out, hum and smile.

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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