Saturday, July 11

Today is Saturday, July 11, 2020. It’s refreshing to be sitting outside, hearing the children laughing, the birds chirping and the leaves fluttering in the wind.

Inspiration: A Quote from Michele Ruiz

“If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.”

Optional 31 Days to Experience the Joy of Movement.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may choose to increase duration or intensity over the next 31 days.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

Week 2: Started. Continue energizing with water throughout the day. You know when and where you will walk. Review your commitment to yourself and what you will measure to track your progress.

Day 4. Today, is the midpoint of week 2. Intensify your baseline walking time by walking a bit faster 3 times during your walk, if you can do so safely. Swing those arms if it feels good to you.

Use your walking journal to record your progress. Submit a picture from your walk to the Daily Gift of Vitality blog and/or connect with your walking partner.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and 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.”

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.
  • Practice Physical grounding
    • When you are sitting in your chair take a few seconds to feel your feet on the ground, feel your buttock on the seat, feel your back against the chair.
    • As your feet are grounded, with each deep belly breathe out, allow your shoulders to release and loosen.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

Wednesday, July 8

Today is Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The moon below was full over the weekend and now it is a waning gibbous moon.

Inspiration: A Quote from Albert Einstein

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

Photo by Dan Deziel, “Moon and sky objects.”

31 Days to Experience the Joy of Movement.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may choose to increase duration or intensity over the next 31 days.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

Week 2: Start. Continue energizing with water throughout the day. You know when and where you will walk. Review your commitment to yourself and what you will measure to track your progress.

Day 1.  Begin your walking plan. Walk today. Keep track of what you are measuring. Also, keep track of how many minutes you walk for. This is your baseline walking time.

Use your walking journal to record your progress. Submit a picture from your walk to the Daily Gift of Vitality blog and/or connect with your walking partner.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and 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.”

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.
  • Practice Physical grounding
    • When you are sitting in your chair take a few seconds to feel your feet on the ground, feel your buttock on the seat, feel your back against the chair.
    • As your feet are grounded, with each deep belly breathe out, allow your shoulders to release and loosen.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

Tuesday, July 7

Today is Tuesday, July 7, 2020. The forest is loud with birds. The trees are lush and the flowers are beautiful.

Inspiration: A Quote from Nelson Mandela

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”

31 Days to Experience the Joy of Movement.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may choose to increase duration or intensity over the next 31 days.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

Week 1: Preparation.

Day 7. Establish a walking journal to keep track of your progress. Walking starts tomorrow.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and 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.”

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

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

Sunday, July 5

Today is Sunday, July 5, 2020. The moments when the sun crosses the horizon is shared by all.  

 Inspiration: A Quote from Abraham Lincoln

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.”

31 Days to Experience the Joy of Movement.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may choose to increase duration or intensity over the next 31 days.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

Week 1: Preparation.

Day 5. Write out your commitment to yourself. “I am going to…[Include who, what, when, where, why].

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and 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.”

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

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

Saturday, July 4

Today is Saturday, July 4, 2020. Looking up to the changing sky, realizing the sky is not the limit.  

 Inspiration: A Quote from Hellen Keller

“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.”

31 Days to Experience the Joy of Movement.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may choose to increase duration or intensity over the next 31 days.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

Week 1: Preparation.

Day 4. Plan where you will walk.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and 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.”

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

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

Friday, July 3

Today is Friday, July 3, 2020. Watching the ripples on water alters the reflections.

Inspiration: A Quote from Stephen Grellet, (1773-1855), shared by Dr. Jose Velasco

“I expect to pass through the world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

31 Days to Experience the Joy of Movement.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may choose to increase duration or intensity over the next 31 days.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

Week 1: Preparation.

Day 3. Plan when you are going to walk.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and 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.”

A Mindfulness Practice to Create a Calming Moment:  

  • 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.
    1. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4. Try to feel the breath in your nose.
    2. Hold your breath for a count of 4.
    3. Exhale for a count of 4.
    4. Hold for a count of 4.
    5. You can change the duration of breathing, holding and exhaling to your comfort zone.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

 

Thursday, July 02

Today is Thursday, July 02, 2020.  The clouds are changing, and they add interest to the sky.

 Inspiration: A Quote from George Matthew Adams

“I say to myself that I shall try to make my life like an open fireplace, so that people may be warmed and cheered by it and so go out themselves to warm and cheer.”

31 Days to Experience the Joy of Movement.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may choose to increase duration or intensity over the next 31 days.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

Week 1: Preparation.

Day 2. Find a walking partner or make a commitment to submit a picture of your walk every day to the Daily Gift of Vitality blog.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and 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.”

A Mindfulness Practice to Create a Calming Moment:  

  • 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.
    1. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4. Try to feel the breath in your nose.
    2. Hold your breath for a count of 4.
    3. Exhale for a count of 4.
    4. Hold for a count of 4.
  1. You can change the duration of breathing, holding and exhaling to your comfort zone.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, July 1

Today is Wednesday, July 1, 2020. The new month begins. Since 1903, the famous bike race, the Tour de France, begins on July 1.

New! 31 Days to Experience the Joy of Movement.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may choose to increase duration or intensity over the next 31 days.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

Week 1: Preparation.

Day 1. Make sure you are energizing your body with water throughout the day.

Inspiration: A Quote from William James.

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and 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.”

This Week’s Mindfulness Practice to Create a Calming Moment:  

  • 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.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

Friday, June 19

Today is Friday, June 19, 2020. Being outside, sounds of children playing together and freely laughing elicits joy.

Connecting with each other around the world, moments of reflection can allow us to recognize and share in the love and kindness around us.  You are part of a community that extends around the world, reading these daily anchoring messages, sharing in a simple routine that can be used to center us in our every day. Together, we get to add our love and kindness into the world around us.

Today’s Inspiration: A Quote from Kenny Ausubel

“Each of us has a spark of life inside us, and our highest endeavor ought to be to set off that spark in one another.”

Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after absorbing the news or when going to sleep: 

  • 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.
  • Close your eyes and feel.
    1. With eyes closed, notice what your body is feeling.
    2. Taking deep belly breaths, scan your body and notice the sensations in different areas.
    3. Imagine a warm glow calming the areas that need to be calmed.
    4. Stay there for a moment and just allow the calmness. Smile.

Anchor yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am AMAZING and I am doing what I can to be helpful. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. I am part of the global community and we are working together towards solutions. We can do this. 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   

 

Tuesday, June 9

Today is Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Through the loving care and effort of another, young robins learn to fly.

 Connecting with each other around the world, moments of reflection can allow us to recognize and share in the love and kindness around us.  We share these daily anchoring messages across the globe to offer a simple routine that can be used to center us in order to create a better future for all.

Today’s Inspiration: A Quote by Michael Jordan

“You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.”

Photos of Wonder by Katherine Puckett, PhD: Robins from May 8th (Just hatched) to May 20th (Learning to fly) 

Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after absorbing the news or when going to sleep:  

  • Roll your shoulders back, 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 one at a time.
    1. Roll your shoulders backwards dramatically, alternating right and left and notice how far down your body you feel the stretch and movement. Repeat until you feel looser.
    2. Now, roll your shoulders forward, alternating right and left and notice additional areas of your body that now feel the movement. Repeat until you feel looser.
    3. Rotate your head side to side and then tilt your head up and down. Breathe and move on with your day.

Anchor yourself with this daily statement:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can to be helpful. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. I am part of the global community and we are all working together to get through this. This is temporary. We are doing this. 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