Tag: friends

Sunday, December 3

Today is Sunday, December 3, 2023. Remembering long-distance friends.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week, send a note, a photo, a postcard to a friend or relative or previous acquaintance who lives far away. It is a nice surprise when someone thinks of you and reaches out.

A quote by Sogyal Rinpoche, “True spirituality is to be aware that if we are interdependent with everything and everyone else, even our smallest, least significant thoughts, words and actions has real consequences throughout the universe.”

Thank you to Rémi Bertogliati for sharing this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Sunday, August 13

Today is Sunday, August 13, 2023. Loving those friends who create safe space.   

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Take a moment in the week to pause and appreciate some aspect of nature. It might be the flower in a vase, the sunlight peeking through the leaves, the birds chirping, the ripples in the water, the color of the sky as the sun sets. Take that moment and capture that appreciation. Jot a note about what you notice, write a poem, draw the image, take a photo. Now, you can return to that memory of appreciation any time you want. It’s good for your brain and body.

A quote by Vivian Greene, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Thank you to Nicole Siparsky, MD, for sharing this photo, Tidal pools of Lake Champlain.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Saturday, July 1

Today is Saturday, July 1, 2023. Relationships activate strong feelings.  

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Notice when you spend time with others, what feelings help activate you be your best self.

A quote by Eva Gabor, “Love is a game that two can play and both win.”

Thank you to awmleer for sharing this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, November 30

Today is Wednesday, November 30, 2022. Reflecting on the past month and looking ahead.

A quote by Arianna Huffington.  “Living in a state of gratitude is the gateway to grace”

Photo by: Werner Baumgarten

November is the month of Gratitude. As the month closes, consider how to show gratitude for friends.

  • Be fully present when together
  • Send them a handwritten note of appreciation
  • Share a homemade meal
  • Be available and reliable
  • Share a photo from a special time

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, October 19

Today is Wednesday, October 19, 2022.  Watching the leaves gently fall from the trees to blanket the gardens.

A quote by Amit Ray. “Fallen leaves on the ground are the golden song of immortal creativity”

Photo by Xurzon

October is the perfect time to engage your inner creative self.  Think about new ways to spend time with friends and family.

  • On game night, create new rules for your favorite games or try new games
  • Host a talent show
  • Throw a party based on your favorite historical event

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, Listen…
  • Sit quietly with your hands closed in your lap
  • Close your eyes briefly
  • See if you can distinguish different sounds. Open one finger for each unique sound you can hear.

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, May 13

Today is Friday, May 13, 2022.  Wondering how can I be helpful today?

A quote by:  Helen Keller. “The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” 

Photo taken by: Fran Lee

Continuing a Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY, even for a brief moment.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others.  Volunteering offers us an opportunity to connect with others and it is naturally rewarding.

    • Volunteer or donate to your favorite charity
    • Contribute at a food shelter
    • Help out at an animal shelter
    • Do the grocery shopping for an elderly neighbor
    • Cut your neighbor’s lawn

Use 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:

    • 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 alternate nostril breathing, starting by exhaling completely.
    • Alternating from one side to the other, close one nostril with your thumb to breathe in and then repeat with the other nostril to breathe out.
    • Breathe in Left nostril, breathe out Right nostril. Breathe in Right nostril, breathe out Left nostril.
    • Continue this sequence for several more cycles.
    • Smile at completing this self-care activity.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. 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, August 18

Today is Wednesday, August 18, 2021.  Appreciating the animals playing and enjoying each other’s company.

This August, we focus on building and strengthening connections.  Making connections can lower stress and contribute to longevity.  For this third week of August, we focus on connecting to LOVE, after all, “Love is all around us.”

Today the focus is on connecting to the love of friends. Friends enhance our life and improve our health.

    • Call a friend to go for a walk.
    • Invite a friend to have a picnic.
    • Send an old friend a note and let them know what their friendship means to you.
    • Share a few minutes talking with a friend.
    • Gather with friends for music outdoors.

Photo by Pascal Muller

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote from Kirstin Armstrong, “The best thing to do when you find yourself in a hurting or vulnerable place is to surround yourself with the strongest, finest, most positive people you know.”

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize 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.
  • While you continue to Belly breath, practice a Loving Kindness meditation and repeat:
    • “May I be happy.”
    • “May I be healthy.”
    • “May I live with ease.”
    • “And may these be true for other too.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, May 28

Today is Friday, May 28, 2021. Noticing the social birds so early in the morning. A pleasant way to start the day.

During the month of May, we are focusing on routines.  Routines can anchor us, decrease stress, foster creativity, prioritize self-care, and allow time to pursue our passions!  This week we look at routines to foster our relationships.  Let’s be curious about our work relationships, family, and friend relationships.

Incorporating routines with friends can help grow a friendship, encourage connection with others, and allow for creativity to bloom.

    • Have a standing workout time.
    • Engage in a monthly book club.
    • Establish a standing lunch or dinner date.
    • Have a standing game night.

Photo by Mia Anderson

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by: Maya Angelou “A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.”

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize 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.
  • With each exhale, use a low pitch voice and hum, “Om.”
  • Feel the vibration of your voice. Repeat 3 or more times.
  • End with a smile.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday December 25

Today is Friday December 25, 2020.  For many, today is a religious day, a holiday; it is also a day to celebrate peace and good will and reflect on the many gifts in our life.

Delights in December. This month use the Daily Gift of Vitality, to allow a moment to pause and connect with what delights you. We will provide prompts and ideas along the way.

Delight in the joy of others.  Go for a walk in nature with family or friends.  Connect virtually with family and friends and share your celebrations.  Shovel the snow for a neighbor.  Share some baked goods or special dish with someone else.  Send a note of appreciation to someone who is working today.

An inspirational quote by Mother Theresa: “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”

Photo by David Deshaies

Recharge yourself 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.”

Return to 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.
    • To restore the body, experience Ocean Breathing as taught by Jeff Warren
      • While belly breathing, imagine yourself floating on the surface of the ocean
      • Your breath is like the tide, as you inhale the tide rises and it lifts your body up, as you exhale the body relaxes. Feel your body being carried by the tide.
      • Smile and enjoy floating and gliding.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, October 30

Today is Friday, October 30, 2020. The bright night is beautiful, and tomorrow is the 2nd full moon this month, otherwise known as a Blue Moon. Does the moon bring people together?

For the month of October, we have shared Fun & Friendly Friday.

Enjoy the sky with friend(s) or family by staring into the sky at the same time- even if you are apart. Each time you pause to notice the beauty of a planet, a star, the moon, the clouds or colors of the sky, point it out so you can both share that experience. Follow it up by sharing something you appreciate about the other person. There are sparkles in the night sky for everyone even when sometimes they are obscured.

An inspirational Quote from Ryunosuke Satoro, “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”

Photo by: Dan Deziel, Harvest moonbeams.

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.
  • Thinking of your physical body as your home, where you reside, think of deep breathing as like opening the windows on a bright sunny day with a nice breeze.
  • Become aware of how every breath that fills your body is like having wide open windows, filling your home with fresh, clean air and every breath out clears out and releases so that your home is a refreshed space for you to be in.
  • Experience the happy moment of being in your clean, refreshed home.
  • Smile, knowing that you can take moments to open and be present in this space, anywhere you are. Your body is your home.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP