love – Page 3 – Daily Gift of Vitality

Monday, January 31

Today is Monday, January 31, 2022. Noticing where the snow settles among the trees and all the different footprints. The squirrels keep on going.

A quote by Aristotle, “To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”

Photo by Rudolfo Spott

With the launch of the New Year, for the month of January, we focused on clarifying and connecting with your vision for 2022.

That vision can be used at any time in the future to recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it. It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. This month, we enhanced your vision for your personal life and your relationships. Reflect, reconsider and adjust as necessary. We move forward.

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.
Release your neck muscles.
- Slowly and gently stretch your neck fascia and muscles by tilting your chin down, stretching the back of the neck, breathing in and out slowly for a full belly breath cycle; then return to neutral for another full breath cycle.
- Repeat the breathing cycles as you turn and tilt your head and neck in various ways that feel good.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the 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, January 17

Today is Monday, January 17, 2022. Today we celebrate the birth, life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.”

Photo by: Davide Cantelli

With the launch of the New Year, for the month of January, we focus on clarifying and connecting with our vision for 2022.

A vision that shows you the future you want, can recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it. It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. This month, we enhance our vision for our personal life and our relationships.

As we continue to explore our vision for 2022, today, let’s reflect on our vision for Peace, Love and Hope.

- Consider extending an apology to someone you had a misunderstanding with.
- Express gratitude
- Take some time to get to know someone new.
- Volunteer your time.
  - Shovel someone’s snow.
  - Pick up groceries for a neighbor.
  - Walk someone’s dog for them.

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.
  - When you inhale breath in your vision.
  - When you exhale, exhale out the obstacles to your vision.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP

Friday, December 24

Today is Friday, December 24, 2021. Excitement is in the air as the weekend approaches.

A quote by Lao Tzu, “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates Love.”

Photo by Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

December Delights is here. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Find ways to give to others.

- Reach out and spend time with someone who may otherwise be alone and lonely either living alone, new to the area, or living away from family and friends.
- Volunteer to help a neighbor or a community in any way that you can.
- Offer to mentor someone who could benefit from your experiences.
- Notice and be generous with authentic compliments.
- Buy something for someone else, a simple cup of coffee counts.
- Donate toys, clothes, books, time, skills, and/or money to a charity.

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.
As you continue to Belly breath, do the 5 senses exercise:
- - Notice 5 things you can see.
  - Notice 4 things you can feel.
  - Notice 3 things you can hear.
  - Notice 2 things you can smell.
  - Notice 1 thing you can taste.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the 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, December 17

Today is Friday, December 17, 2021. Warm days are so appreciated in the midst of a cool season. Feels so good.

A quote by Desmond Tutu. “We are each made for goodness, love and compassion. Our lives are transformed as much as the world is when we live these truths.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD. “Joshua Tree”

December Delights is here. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Warm others with your kind thoughts and acknowledgement.
- Smile to the person helping you check out at the register.
- Tell a customer service representative, how much you appreciate their help.
- Remind coworkers why you enjoy working together.
- Send a cheerful greeting to far-away family and friends.
- Spontaneously contribute to a charitable cause.

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.
- For a quieting meditation before sleep, include Box breathing.
- Continuing to Belly breath, inhale for the count of 4; hold your breath for the count of 4.
- Then, exhale for the count of 4; and again, hold your breath for a count of 4.
- Continue to repeat this pattern at least 4 times or until you are feeling more relaxed and ready for sleep.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP

Wednesday, December 15

Today is Wednesday, December 15, 2021. They say no two snowflakes are alike, yet they share so much in common.

A quote from William Shakespeare. “The earth has music for those who listen.”

Photo by: Denys Nevozhai

December Delights is back. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Give yourself the gift of Nature.
- Go for a walk on a new trail or route
- Add plants to your home.
- Star gaze.
- Go outside and listen.
- Bird watch.
- Visit a hot spring.

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.
- For a quieting meditation before sleep, include Box breathing.
- Continuing to Belly breath, inhale for the count of 4; hold your breath for the count of 4.
- Then, exhale for the count of 4; and again, hold your breath for a count of 4.
- Continue to repeat this pattern at least 4 times or until you are feeling more relaxed and ready for sleep.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP

Monday, December 13

Today is Monday, December 13, 2021. Appreciating restorative rest feeling ready to embrace another opportunity to be AWESOME!

A quote from Thomas Dekker. “Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.”

Photo by: Robson Hatsukami Morgan

December Delights is here. This December, let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Prioritizing sleep to boost our mood and health.

Create a sleep routine or try a new routine.
- Prioritize your sleep by scheduling at least 7-8 hours of time for sleep.
- Keep your phone out of your bedroom.
- Stop using electronics at least one hour before bed.
- Journal your daily reflections and visualize your dream future.
- Take a warm bath.
- Practice meditation before bed.

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.
- For a quieting meditation before sleep, include Box breathing.
- Continuing to Belly breath, inhale for the count of 4; hold your breath for the count of 4.
- Then, exhale for the count of 4; and again, hold your breath for a count of 4.
- Continue to repeat this pattern at least 4 times or until you are feeling more relaxed and ready for sleep.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP

Friday, December 10

Today is Friday, December 10, 2021. Enjoying a quiet moment to rest and reflect on the beauty of each day.

A quote from Carolyn V. Hamilton. “Documenting little details of your everyday life becomes a celebration of who you are.”

Photos by Dan Deziel, “Wisps” & “Purple Haze”

December Delights are here. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Begin or return to your journal.

- When you start, let go of judgements. Write what you really feel. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar.
- A journal does not have to contain written words, perhaps you prefer to draw or doodle, cut out pictures from a magazine, or clip articles from the newspaper.
- Schedule journaling time into your day.
- If you typically write in your bed or office, try to write outside or in the kitchen.
- Keep a list of journal prompts in your journal to turn to when you are not sure what to write about

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.
Lean and rest your head towards the right shoulder and hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch. Then, repeat on the left side. Feel a gentle stretch.
Bring your chin to your chest and look down. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch.
Lace your fingers behind your lower back and gently lift your chin and look up. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch and then return to neutral & roll the shoulders back and down. Smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner strength, I can absorb and magnify the love 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, December 8

Today is Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Spotting a Cardinal (bird in picture) in nature can have many meanings. Among them: Love, confidence, balance, loyalty, luck, and a sign that someone who has passed is watching over you.

A quote from Coco Chanel. “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”

Photo by: Ray Hennessy

December Delights are here. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Surround yourself with beauty.

- Set up your home, work, or study space to include your favorite colors.
- Place beautiful photos or art so you see it frequently.
- Add plants inside to bring nature indoors.
- Listen to favorite music in the background.
- Stimulate your senses with aroma therapy simmering cinnamon, using essential oils, candles, or potpourri.

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.
Lean and rest your head towards the right shoulder and hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch. Then, repeat on the left side. Feel a gentle stretch.
Bring your chin to your chest and look down. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch.
Lace your fingers behind your lower back and gently lift your chin and look up. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch and then return to neutral & roll the shoulders back and down. Smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP

Rush University

http://www.DailyGiftOfVitality.com

Monday, December 6

Today is Monday, December 6, 2021. The windy day reminds me that difficult times are temporary.

A quote from Pablo Picasso. “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

Photo by Jeremy Bishop

December Delights is here. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Share a token of appreciation through the mail or drop it off at home or leave it on their desk.

- Send a pretty picture postcard.
- Write a friendly note.
- Deliver a plant.
- Share some fresh herbs.
- Gift a favorite book.
- Wrap a box of delicious tea for someone.

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.
Lean and rest your head towards the right shoulder and hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch. Then, repeat on the left side. Feel a gentle stretch.
Bring your chin to your chest and look down. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch.
Lace your fingers behind your lower back and gently lift your chin and look up. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch and then return to neutral & roll the shoulders back and down. Smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP

Monday, August 16

Today is Monday, August 16, 2021. This is post #301. Reflecting on ways to create safe space and generate positive energy. Throughout the day, intending to observe and embrace the love and kindness all around.

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 will focus on connecting to LOVE, after all, “Love is all around us.”

Today the focus is on Self Love. Taking time to recharge gives you the energy you need to do the next thing, and to be able to support others.

- Clear your calendar for some “me time.”
- Make yourself your favorite health promoting meal.
- Establish a sleep routine.
- Spend some time in nature.
- Soak in soothing water.

Photo by Aleza van der Werff

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 Venus Williams “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does—that makes you a winner right there.”

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