Tag: connectedness

Sunday, December 17

Today is Sunday, December 17, 2023. The squirrels seem to go with the flow and enjoy the weather.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week, pause and make a list of all the people who have had a positive impact in your life. The list might include family, friends, loved ones, teachers, students, mentors, coaches, colleagues, and so on. Then, continue by adding the people who you might not know, the person who paved the road, the customer service rep, the farmer, the utilities worker, the engineers who designed your transportation, etc. Appreciate how connected we are to each other and how we can add to others’ lives too.

A quote by John Lennon, “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is a reality.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD for sharing this photo, “Townsend’s Solitaire, Montana.“

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Sunday, November 26

Today is Sunday, November 26, 2023. Learning and sharing all weekend.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week, get to know something new about someone you work with or go to school with or that you see around. Listen, ask questions, share stories. Reach out to connect with those around you. Social connectedness is associated with longer (& healthier) lifespan.

A quote by Rachel Naomi Remen, “Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD for sharing this photo, Pacific Northwest Tidal Pool (Low Tide).

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, March 24

Today is Friday, March 24. This week marked renewal with the start of spring.

Think about this: As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, there are more people out and about. Each of us is curious about what’s going on, what’s happening with others, what’s new. This is the time for new connections.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Use this time to get outside and explore the world, connect with others. Whether it’s someone new you have just met or someone you know well, take time to share what you have read, what you have learned. Find out what others have been up to, what they are reading and learning.

A quote by Gustav Mahler, “Spring won’t let me stay in this house any longer! I must get out and breathe the air deeply again.”

Thank you to Meric Tuna for this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, November 30

Today is Monday, November 30, 2020. It is the beginning of the week and the end of the month. Getting back into the groove.

November is for nesting, nourishing, and nurturing. With changing seasons, nature reminds us to slow down and recharge in more quiet ways. As November is complete, with some holidays behind us, we find ways to continue to feel the connectedness with other loving beings and smile. Here’s a start. Add to the list and keep it handy.

  1. Talk to someone who is calming for you.
  2. Reach out to someone special.
  3. Play with a pet.
  4. Provide a charitable contribution.
  5. Send a warm note to someone you appreciate.
  6. Share reflections about what you have been thankful for.
  7. And of course, re-read the Daily Gift of Vitality.

An inspirational quote by John Joseph Powell, “It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.”

Photo by: Dan Deziel, “Awaiting Winter”

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am human. My mind, my body, and my spirit are connected, and I am a part of 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 human. We can create positive energy together.”

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.
    • Open hands and rotate palms out and shake out and shimmy your shoulders. Smile.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP