Tag: connection

Friday, February 5

Today is Friday, February 5, 2021. Being present. Gazing across the pond. Seeing a few brown leaves hanging from the branches. A robust squirrel scurried by.

An inspirational quote by Martin Luther King Jr. “Intelligence plus character, that is the true goal of education.”

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

Human beings naturally learn and seeing progress is satisfying. Anytime today or this weekend, identify one thing you want to learn more about or learn to do better this month. You may already have started your learning plan. The list of options is extensive: history, cooking, kitting, coding, drawing, playing an instrument, dancing, working out, meditation, happiness, writing, organizing, cleaning, nutrition, etc.

Choose one thing and make dates with yourself to spend some time advancing your learning. To enjoy your progress, mark it someplace where you can see it. It could be hash marks for each time you spend some time on it, it could be logging it in a journal or crossing it off on the calendar, or you could add a bead or stone to a jar and see it filling up over time.

Photo by Charles Folscher

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.
    • Roll your shoulders back and lace your fingers behind you-like you are holding your own hands behind you. Let your chest puff out and take a deep breath in.
    • As you breathe out, bring your chin down gently and feel the release in the back of the neck and shoulders. Take another long breath in and out.
    • Release your hands, bring your head back to neutral, and smile.

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 3

Today is Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Brisk walk, swinging the arms, really getting into it. Chuckling at how silly I feel, and totally embracing it.

An inspirational quote by Dr. Seuss, “If you keep your eyes open enough, oh, the stuff you will learn. Oh, the most wonderful stuff.”

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

Make a list of people, places and things that increase how much or how often you laugh. The list may include people, books, quotes, memories, photos, games, characters, shows, movies, TV series, etc. See if you there are ways you can integrate more high laughter opportunities into your life (or others).

Photo by Daiwei Lu

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.
      • Roll your shoulders back and lace your fingers behind you-like you are holding your own hands behind you. Let your chest puff out and take a deep breath in.
      • As you breathe out, bring your chin down gently and feel the release in the back of the neck and shoulders. Take another long breath in and out.
      • Release your hands, bring your head back to neutral, and smile.

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 1

Today is Monday, February 1, 2021. Worldwide, the shortest month of the year has a special day to appreciate and celebrate love. Sitting by the fire, reflecting on the regenerative effects of love and connection.

An inspirational quote by Jane Goodall, “Empathy is really important. Only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our full potential.”

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

Take a moment to recall a time that you felt appreciated and cherished. Consider what contributed to allowing you to feel that way. Think about someone you appreciate and cherish. Reach out and connect with a note, find creative ways to spend time together or share a treasured recipe, book, music, workout, etc.

Photo by Ergyn Meshekran

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.
    • Roll your shoulders back and lace your fingers behind you-like you are holding your own hands behind you, let your chest puff out and take a deep breath in.
    • As you breathe out, bring your chin down gently and feel the release in the back of the neck and shoulders. Take another long breath in and out.
    • Release your hands, bring your head back to neutral, and smile.

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, October 5

Today is Monday, October 5, 2020. Earth and Mars have differences in atmospheres. Therefore, during the day, the sky on Mars appears reddish-orange and turns blue-gray at sunset.

For the month of October, we invite you to our first Mindful Monday.

Pause and create a mindful moment. Notice where you are right now. The state of being present, means you are experiencing this moment. Observe and be present with yourself. Practice taking moments throughout the day to bring yourself back to these mindful moments to observe and be present with yourself. Do you see any patterns? You may choose to share observations with a trusted person in your life.

An inspirational Quote from Pema Chodron. “You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather.”

Photo by: Gabor Koszegi

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and learning every day. I am part of the global community. I love myself 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 out to all people. We are all connected. We can be resilient 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.
    • Focus on progressive relaxation by tightening and then loosening your muscles starting from you toes, working your way to the top of your head.
    • Take additional deep breaths and release your muscles further.
    • Take as much or as little time as you choose.
    • Smile a huge smile to release your jaw and mouth muscles and continue on with your day or night, refreshed.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, August 28

Today is Friday, August 28, 2020. Willow trees are swaying and creating a lovely curtain for the ducks who have gathered together. The ducklings look grown up.

Inspiration: A Quote from Jimmy Fallon

“’Have Fun’ is my message. Be silly. You’re allowed to be silly. There’s nothing wrong with it.”

Photo by Ashish Mehta

We invite you to experience the Joy of Reflective Journaling. You may repeat this prompt until the next one is released.

Reflective Journaling Prompt: What made you smile today? What brought you joy today? Did you have fun today, even for a brief moment? What makes something fun? What can you do to increase the joy and fun in your life- or someone else’s?

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.
  • Organize your mind.
    1. 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.
    2. Take those feelings that don’t serve you right now and place them in the box.
    3. Now, place all the thoughts about things you don’t have control over, and place them in the box also.
    4. Close the box.
    5. 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 when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and learning every day. I am a part of the global community. I love myself 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 out to all people.”

 With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,  

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

The Daily Gifts of Vitality are released 3 times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Wednesday, August 26

Today is Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Cows have best friends and they are happier with them. Young goats pick up accents from other goats. Every being is important and can be impactful. 

Inspiration: A Quote from Emerson

“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.”
Photo by Isaac Benhesed

We invite you to experience the Joy of Reflective Journaling. You may repeat this prompt until the next one is released.

Reflective Journaling Prompt: Check in with yourself midweek. How are you feeling? How is your energy? What can you do to recharge you? Checking in with a trusted friend can be nourishing for both of you.

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.
  • Organize your mind.
    1. 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.
    2. Take those feelings that don’t serve you right now and place them in the box.
    3. Now, place all the thoughts about things you don’t have control over, and place them in the box also.
    4. Close the box.
    5. 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 when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and learning every day. I am a part of the global community. I love myself 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 out to all people.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,   

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

The Daily Gifts of Vitality are released 3 times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Monday, August 24

Today is Monday, August 24, 2020. The season progresses and the nights grow longer. Walking at the usual time in the morning, anticipating the sunlight, the air feels cool.

Inspiration: A Quote from R. M. Drake

“It was the way you laughed…I knew I wanted that in my life.”

Photo by Raphael Biscaldi

We invite you to experience the Joy of Reflective Journaling. You may repeat this prompt until the next one is released.

Reflective Journaling Prompt: Think about those times you laugh or smile. The more of those times you can add to your list, the easier it becomes to see the patterns that elicit your joyful self.

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.
  • Organize your mind.
    1. 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.
    2. Take those feelings that don’t serve you right now and place them in the box.
    3. Now, place all the thoughts about things you don’t have control over, and place them in the box also.
    4. Close the box.
    5. 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 when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and learning every day. I am a part of the global community. I love myself 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 out to all people.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

The Daily Gifts of Vitality are released 3 times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Friday, August 21

Today is Friday, August 21, 2020. Noticing the little things; appreciating how each being can add joy and interest to life. Enjoying every little thing.

Inspiration: A Quote from Bob Marley

“Love, friendship, laughter…Some of the best things in life really are free.

Photo by Dan Deziel, “Little shells”

We invite you to experience the Joy of Reflective Journaling. You may repeat this prompt until the next one is released.

Reflective Journaling Prompt for today and the weekend: Reflect back on your week and think about the times you experienced love – you loved, you felt loved, or you witnessed love. Are there ways you can increase this weekend and in the next week?

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.
  • Connect with the Ground:
  1. Focus on your feet.
  2. Imagine drawing a chalk outline around each foot on the floor.
  3. See the image.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and learning every day. I am a part of the global community. I love myself 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 out to all people.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

The Daily Gifts of Vitality are released 3 times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

 

Wednesday, August 19

Today is Wednesday, August 19, 2020. Over millions of years, wind and water have provided us with the most spectacular sites.

The Daily Gifts of Vitality are being released 3 times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, to allow additional days to consider the prompts before advancing.

Inspiration: A Quote from Lao Tzu

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

Photo by Tom Gainor

We invite you to experience the Joy of Reflective Journaling. You may repeat this prompt until the next one is released.

Reflective Journaling Prompt: Spend some time physically moving your body through an activity more slowly, being mindful. Notice your experience: Did you notice any changes in your mood? How did your body feel? Does your mind calm when you deliberately slow down an activity?

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.
  • Connect with the Ground:
    1. Focus on your feet.
    2. Imagine drawing a chalk outline around each foot on the floor.
    3. See the image. Smile.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and learning every day. I am a part of the global community. I love myself 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 out to all people.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

 

 

Monday, August 17

Today is Monday, August 17, 2020.  On this day in 1903, Joe Pulitzer donated $1 Million to Columbia University, the beginning of the Pulitzer Prize in the United States.

The Daily Gifts of Vitality are being released 3 times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, to allow additional days to consider the prompts before advancing.

Inspiration: A Quote from Anne Frank

“I can shake off everything as I write, my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”

Photo by: Gene Devine

We invite you to experience the Joy of Reflective Journaling. You may repeat this prompt until the next one is released.

Reflective Journaling Prompt: What does courage mean to you? Remind yourself of the ways you have been courageous.

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.
  • Connect with the Ground:
  1. Focus on your feet.
  2. Imagine drawing a chalk outline around each foot on the floor.
  3. See the image.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and learning every day. I am a part of the global community. I love myself 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 out to all people.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP