Tag: connection

Monday, December 5

Today is Monday, December 5, 2022. Brrr. Noticing the chilly morning getting out of bed.

A quote by: Dalai Lama “Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”

Photo by: Robert Sachowski

December marks the end of another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Reflect on a time that someone showed you kindness and courtesy. How did that affect you? What specifically did they do? Is there a way to spread that?

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. 
  • Now reach up both arms, outstretched, raise your chin and breathe in fresh energy, smile and breathe out with a sigh, “ahhh…”
  • Repeat 2 more times, then lower your arms and release your shoulders.
  • Smile inside and carry your sense of calm with you.

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, November 28

Today is Monday, November 28, 2022. Noticing the squirrels jumping from tree to tree.

A quote by Jay Shetty.  “There are so many things in the world that could be invisible to the material eye, and when you take a moment to stop, to pause, to be present and notice them—that’s gratitude.”

Photo by: Kenneth Keifer

November is the month of Gratitude. Thinking about ways to show gratitude for nature.

  • Plant a tree
  • Pick up litter
  • Leave some food for the winter birds and squirrels
  • Walk more

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. 
  • Take 3 minutes to check in with your body:
    • In the first minute, ask how am I doing now—am I stressed, am I angry, am I peaceful?
    • In the second minute, focus on breathing.
    • In the third minute, focus on feeling the way breathing affects your body.

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 9

Today is Wednesday, November 9, 2022. Frosty morning.

A quote by Willie Nelson.  “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around”

Photo week by Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

November is the month of Gratitude. Take a moment during your day to show gratitude towards others.

  • Share a smile
  • Leave a small note for someone
  • Make a phone call
  • Embrace with a hug

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 through your nose.
  • Breathe out through your mouth.
  • Repeat 3 more times.

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, November 7

Today is Monday, November 7, 2022. Starting the week before the sun is up.

A quote by John F Kennedy.  “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

Photo week by Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

November is the month of Gratitude.  Take a few moments to reflect on things you are grateful for and that bring you and others joy.  Perhaps:

  • Pets
  • Home
  • Art
  • A meal
  • Water
  • Books
  • A warm bath

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 through your nose.
  • Breathe out through your mouth.
  • Repeat 3 more times.

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 4

Today is Friday, November 4, 2022. Weekends are made for fun.

A quote by Maria Montessori, “Joy, feeling one’s own value, being appreciated and loved by others, feeling useful and capable of production are all factors of enormous value for the human soul.”

Photo week by Dan Deziel, Dew

November is the month of Gratitude. Reflect on a place that holds special meaning to you because you shared joy, love, peace, or happiness with another. Capture it in a drawing, write about it, find a picture of it, re-visit it. Send  that memory with gratitude to that special someone who was in that space with you.

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 

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 

Wednesday, October 26

Today is Wednesday, October 26, 2022.  As the wind blows, noticing the colorful leaves hanging on.

A quote by: Sahara Sanders. “Photography is a magical kind of art that allows people to preserve time and moments, and to describe the world the way they see it.”

Photo by: Fran Lee

October is the perfect time to engage your inner creative self.  Use photography to tell your story.  Use the photos to document your experiences and feelings.  Create scrapbooks to record your history.

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. 
  • Explore Humming Bee breathing:
  • Close your eyes
  • Gently cover your ears with your hands
  • Begin to hum, notice the vibration

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, September 12

Today is Monday, September 12, 2022. Thinking about being brave and having courage.

A quote by: Mother Teresa.  “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

Photo by: severija

September, marks change and the final third of the year. It’s a great time of year to check in with yourself.

Reflect, what would you like your Legacy (your gift) to be? What do you want to represent to others?

  • Love
  • Kindness
  • Understanding
  • Peace
  • Grace
  • Generosity
  • Compassionate

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 exhale, picture blowing out bubbles.
  • Exhale your gifts to the world in those bubbles.

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 September 5

Today is Monday September 5, 2022. Lounging with loved ones, so grateful.

A quote by Elbert Hubbard, “A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success.”

Photo by Matt Davey

September, marks change and the final third of the year. It’s a great time of year to check in with yourself.

Reflect back to your resolutions and aspirations for the year and check in at the present time and appreciate 3 things. Thinking ahead, consider what does it look like and feel like to be moving forward.

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. 
  • Advance the healing power of deep breathing with Box Breathing (Sama Vritti Pranayama). This technique is used by the Navy Seals for focus.
  • Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4. Try to feel the breath in your nose.
  • Hold your breath for a count of 4.
  • Exhale for a count of 4.
  • Hold for a count of 4.
  • You can change the duration of breathing, holding and exhaling to your comfort zone.

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