Tag: compassion

Friday, March 17

Today is Friday, March 17, 2023. This week marks 3 years since our journey began with the Daily Gift of Vitality. While many seem to have moved on and left the past 3 years behind, we have all been affected, some more than others. There is still much to process, to learn from, to improve upon, and to make peace with. This is the time to join together.

Think about this: Humans have the power to heal other humans through relationships. Creating an emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually safe space with another person, and practicing self-compassion and compassion for others, accelerates healing, recovery, and the ability to thrive- for all those involved in that nourishing relationship. Given that life has 50% fabulous and 50% not-so-fabulous parts, and that they are not always equally distributed at the same time, it helps to have those relationships to get through the toughest times.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Let’s create that safe space where we can join with others in the days ahead. Practice being that safe person. Practice compassion towards yourself and others. By accepting and being accepted, through loving and sharing an experience of belonging, you will experience the power of humans to heal other humans.  

A quote by Yoko Ono, “Healing yourself is connected with healing others.”

Thank you to Florian Giorgio for this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, September 21

Today is Wednesday, September 21, 2022.  Midway through the week, checking in with myself, what do I need to finish the week strong?

A quote by Jack Kornfield.  “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.”

Photo by: Zuzule

September, marks change and the final third of the year. It’s a great time of year to access your self compassion.  Consider how you talk to yourself, are you kind and understanding?  Do you speak gently to yourself, reflecting love and appreciation?  Give yourself permission to speak to yourself like you would speak to your best friend.

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. 
  • As you breathe in, draw in the healing energy from the earth.
  • As you breathe out, exhale out compassion towards others.

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, February 17

Today is Wednesday, February 17, 2021.  In the United States, this day is known as Random Acts of Kindness day.

An inspirational quote by Bob Kerrey, “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.”

February Feelings. While this month can – at times – feel cold in places where it is winter, inside, we can be glowing with kindness. Showing kindness and compassion for yourself and others can be an expression of love.

Performing Random acts of kindness has many benefits including decreasing blood pressure and stress.  Try some of these random acts of kindness and see how your body responds.

      • Offer up your seat on public transportation.
      • Carry someone’s groceries for them.
      • Smile at 5 people you do not know today.
      • Thank someone.
      • Hold the door open.
      • Hold the elevator for someone.
      • Send a postcard to someone who lives alone.
      • Make a donation to a charitable cause.
      • Send a letter of appreciation to a teacher, a mentor, a coworker, or a friend.

Photo by Ravi Pinisetti

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm 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.
      • 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 and share positive energy when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am open to myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I appreciate 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 including me. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, February 15

Today is Monday, February 15, 2021. On this day in 1564, the Italian Astronomer and mathematician, Galileo was born.

An inspirational quote by Oprah Winfrey, “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”

February Feelings. While this month can – at times – feel cold in places where it is winter, inside, we can be glowing with kindness. Showing kindness towards yourself and others can be an expression of love.

Discover ways to experience peace and comfort and warm feelings towards anybody you are interacting with or spending time with, including yourself. Setting any thoughts of judgement aside, access that feeling of kindness for yourself and others. Allow that connection with the deeply human feelings and share it.

Photo by Kristopher Roller

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm 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.
      • 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 and share positive energy when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am open to myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I appreciate 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 including me. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

 

Friday, February 12

Today is Friday, February 12, 2021. Today is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, the 16th president of the United States- remembered for his Empathy and Compassion for others.

An inspirational quote by Abraham Lincoln. “I don’t like that man.  I must get to know him better.”

February Feelings. While this month can – at times – feel cold in places where it is winter, inside, we can be glowing with compassion.

Another component of Compassion is allowing yourself to receive compassion from others.  Allow yourself to let others’ love and compassion lift you and support you during difficult times.  Compassion can help you recharge and continue to move forward.  Reflect on times you have received compassion; how did you feel?

Photo by: Susan Chubinskaya

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm 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.
    • Try a “R.A.I.N.” practice to help clarify emotions:
      • R—Recognize that you are experiencing feelings
      • A—Allow the feelings to be there
      • I—Investigate how these feelings are being manifested in your body
      • N—Non-judgmental—our feelings are not right or wrong, it is simply where we are at right now.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am open to myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I appreciate 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 including me. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, February 10

Today is Wednesday, February 10, 2021. The violet is the February birth flower.  It symbolizes loyalty and faithfulness.

An inspirational quote by Zora Neal Hurston: “Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding space.”

February Feelings. While this month can – at times – feel cold in places where it is winter, inside, we can be glowing with compassion.

Reflect on a time when you showed compassion toward others, what feelings did you experience?  Some ways to show compassion include:

    • Praise and encourage others
    • Make eye contact
    • Actively listen when someone is speaking with you
    • Share joy and sadness with others

Photo by Jack Skinner

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm 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.   
    • Try a “R.A.I.N.” practice to help clarify emotions:
      • R—Recognize that you are experiencing emotions
      • A—Allow the feelings to be there
      • I—Investigate how these feelings are being manifested in your body
      • N—Non-judgmental—our feelings are not right or wrong, it is simply where we are at right now.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am open to myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I appreciate 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 including me. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

 

Monday, February 8

Today is Monday, February 8, 2021. A deep freeze and bright snow in many parts. Brilliant contrast for photos.

An inspirational quote, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ~Dalai Lama

February Feelings. While this month can – at times – feel cold in places where it is winter, inside, we can be glowing with compassion.

Find opportunities to demonstrate compassion towards yourself and others. Listen, reflect, observe, and connect with love and kindness. Practice awareness and responding thoughtfully from a place of love and kindness. While it is often easier to show compassion to others, allow yourself the same love and kindness.

Photo by Denys Nevozhai

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm 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.   
    • Try a “R.A.I.N.” practice to help clarify emotions:
      • R—Recognize that you are experiencing emotions
      • A—Allow the feelings to be there
      • I—Investigate how these feelings are being manifested in your body
      • N—Non-judgmental—our feelings are not right or wrong, it is simply where we are at right now.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am open to myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I appreciate 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 including me. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, January 13

 Today is Wednesday, January 13, 2021. The beautiful red Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January.  It represents balance.

An inspirational quote by Booker T Washington “If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else up”

The Joy of January. This is a symbolic month to launch a new year to lay the foundation for a brighter future.  

Take some time for random acts of kindness that you can carry out all year long, below are a dozen examples:

      1. Say “Good Morning.”
      2. Say “Good Night.”
      3. Say “Thank You.”
      4. Pay someone a compliment.
      5. Shovel someone’s snow.
      6. Clean the snow off someone’s car.
      7. Offer to pick up groceries for someone.
      8. Offer to babysit for a single parent.
      9. Put some coins in an expired parking meter.
      10. Let someone merge in front of you on the expressway.
      11. Hold the door open for someone.
      12. Let someone go ahead of you in the grocery store line.

Photo by Dr. Jose Velasco, “Solitude and Resilience”

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm 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.
    • Picture yourself in a relaxed state. See yourself on your favorite walking path, a favorite vacation spot, sitting on a porch with a friend…
      • Smile to yourself.

Recharge yourself and spread love 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.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, January 8

Today is Friday, January 8, 2021. Focusing on the boost from walking outdoors even in colder weather. Accepting the weather as it comes and adjusting plans accordingly.

An inspirational quote by Rosa Parks. “Each person must live their life as a model for others.”

The Joy of January. This is a symbolic month to launch a new year to lay the foundation for a brighter future. 

Fridays can be days for reflection and releasing. Pause and review the past week. What did you feel good about? When did you smile? Who added laughter into your life?

Photo by Casey Horner

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm 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.
    • Breathe in Energy & Generate vibrations.
      1. Take a deep breath in, feeling your lungs expand.
      2. When you breath out, smile and hum loudly. Feel the vibrations in your neck.
      3. Repeat 2 times and notice those vibrations rippling outward. Smile to yourself.

Recharge yourself and spread love 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.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, January 4

Today is Monday, January 4, 2021. Gearing up for the first full week of the year. Wrapped in warmth on early morning walk. Peace and quiet inside and out.

An inspirational quote by Albert Einstein. “All I have a is a sense of duty toward all people and an attachment to those with whom I have become intimate.”

The Joy of January. This is a symbolic month to launch a new year to lay the foundation for a brighter future.  

Consider your stated aspiration(s) for the year. Allow yourself to make choices this week that align with your aspiration(s). Write down your goal(s) for the week to move you in the direction you want to go. Find opportunities to be true to yourself and your aspiration(s).

Photo by Aaron Burden

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm 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.
    • Breathe in Energy & Generate vibrations.
      1. Take a deep breath in, feeling your lungs expand.
      2. When you breath out, smile and hum loudly. Feel the vibrations in your neck.
      3. Repeat 2 times and notice those vibrations rippling outward. Smile to yourself.

Recharge yourself and spread love 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.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP