Tag: peace

Friday, May 19

Today is Friday, May 19, 2023. As we continue- from last week-moving towards dreams, aspirations, goals, we may better understand our best awake and rest times. We offer a pre-sleep tool.

Think about this: During awake hours, there are lots of experiences and thoughts and feelings. The brain and mind are appropriately busy. Worries and fears about the future may surface. Future dreams, plans and action items develop. Where does all this go? What happens to it?

Sometimes, the start of sleep is delayed due to the brain and mind trying to sort through the day and prepare for the future. It does not want to forget anything important, but it does not know what is important and what is not, so it might try to cycle through everything and that can interfere with sleep. Good news, you can train your brain to rest by creating a ritual before you need to sleep.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: For this next week, before your desired sleep time, perform a brain dump. Write down everything on your mind in a notebook so that you can return to it in the morning. Let your brain watch you writing down all the things on your mind so that it can be reassured that you will not forget it and that you can return to it and organize your thoughts tomorrow. Then, when you are ready tomorrow, return to it and review your brain dump. Your mind will have solved much of it overnight while asleep. With regular practice, over time, your brain will learn to let your brain rest when you are ready to sleep.  

A quote by Queen Rania al-Abdullah, “We are stronger when we listen, and smarter when we share.”

Thank you to Gregoire Jeanneau for sharing this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, March 17

Today is Friday, March 17, 2023. This week marks 3 years since our journey began with the Daily Gift of Vitality. While many seem to have moved on and left the past 3 years behind, we have all been affected, some more than others. There is still much to process, to learn from, to improve upon, and to make peace with. This is the time to join together.

Think about this: Humans have the power to heal other humans through relationships. Creating an emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually safe space with another person, and practicing self-compassion and compassion for others, accelerates healing, recovery, and the ability to thrive- for all those involved in that nourishing relationship. Given that life has 50% fabulous and 50% not-so-fabulous parts, and that they are not always equally distributed at the same time, it helps to have those relationships to get through the toughest times.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Let’s create that safe space where we can join with others in the days ahead. Practice being that safe person. Practice compassion towards yourself and others. By accepting and being accepted, through loving and sharing an experience of belonging, you will experience the power of humans to heal other humans.  

A quote by Yoko Ono, “Healing yourself is connected with healing others.”

Thank you to Florian Giorgio for this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, February 10

Today is Friday, February 10. This week’s practice to expand your vitality is inspired by Dacher Keltner in Awe. If this option is a tool that appeals to you, please join us.

Think about this: Experiencing awe improves health and wellbeing by stimulating the vagus nerve known to cause a relaxation response. Awe is associated with markers of lower inflammation and it also releases the hormone oxytocin known to increase the feelings of deep love, trust and bonding.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week and beyond, seek out opportunities to experience moments of awe.

A quote by Sharon Saltzberg, “Restore your attention or bring it to a new level by dramatically slowing down whatever you’re doing.”

Thank you to Stephan Leonardi for this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, February 3

Today is Friday, February 3. This week’s practice to expand your vitality is to allow a deep connection with someone. If this option is a tool that is appealing to you, please join us.

Think about this: When something happens that leads to undesirable feelings or vulnerability, it feels so much better to share it with a safe person and know someone else can understand. Deep connections are made when we can share safely and be understood.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: This week, think about how to be that open and safe person someone can confide in when they feel vulnerable. Allow yourself to be that person that can deeply connect with another.

A quote by Gina Greenlee, “When we establish human connections within the context of shared experience we create community wherever we go.”

Thank you to Mauro Lima for this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Saturday, December 31

Today is Saturday, December 31, 2022. In March of 2020, we began this part of the journey together. We’ve made mistakes, laughed and learned. We keep appreciating, adapting and moving forward.

A quote by Dalai Lama, “Compassion is the wish to see others free from suffering.” 

Photo by Fiona Smallwood

Today, with the closing of another year, marks an opportunity for change, for fresh starts and to launch new beginnings. Reflecting back, being present, and thinking forward.

The Daily Gift of Vitality is also changing. We started together on a journey to create a safe space in March of 2020. Today, marks the final Daily Gift of Vitality in this format.  For now, we will shift to once weekly posts to this website. Over the next several weeks we will be looking forward to how we can adapt the Daily Gift of Vitality for the current times. In the meantime, you may access previous content on the website, DailyGiftOfVitality.com

Reflecting back, here is a snippet from March of 2020…

“While there is uncertainty and fear around us right now, there is also love and kindness around us, always.

During times of uncertainty, it helps to have some structured routines. We offer a daily anchoring message for those of you who may find it helpful for you, your coworkers, your loved ones, and/or your community.”

We anchored messages to our purpose:

  1. To provide a single simple message to everyone everywhere allowing individuals to learn and practice simple self-regulating actions daily for optimal health, function & recovery.
  2. To provide a reliable daily anchor- keeping it simple, easy to learn and remember – and quick to apply.
  3. To provide a routine. Each message will maintain a standardized, dependable structure to allow it to be used as a “routine” to start a day, transition from work to home mindset or after reading/watching news/social media, or to end the day.
  4. To create safe space to rest and recharge. The messaging is meant to be a “safe” space and deliberately avoids using terms that may be triggering and common in current communications.
  5. To establish an easy-to-implement way to keep people connected & cared for despite being physically in different spaces.

As we move forward, we will consider what next. Meanwhile…

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.

Throughout, we begin this activity the same, with the same first 2 steps to signal to the body and mind that we are pausing to get centered and recharge. Over time, we have explored and practiced various ways to use this signal to further maximize the benefits. Today, we bring back a simple way settle your mind, like early on, “Here’s what you can do today, right now.”

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. 

Settle your mind.

  • 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.  
  • Take those feelings that don’t serve you right now and place them in the box.   
  • Now, place all the thoughts about things you don’t have control over, and place them in the box also.   
  • 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, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. I am always learning. 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.”

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your day. Wishing All a Happy & Healthy New Year full of Love, Joy and Laughter.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, December 30

Today is Friday, December 30, 2022. Snuggled up ready for a brisk walk outside.

A quote by Ryunosuke Satoro, “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”

Photo by: Birger Strahl

This last week of the year, another year to set up for continued progress. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. As you reflect back on your accomplishments for the past year, were there times that you allowed yourself grace in dealing with challenging situations.  How did that feel?

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. 
    • Visualize your healing breath.
      • As you breathe in and feel your lungs inflate, visualize that flow of oxygen reach all parts of your body & revitalize all of your cells.
      • As you breathe out, feel your body settle.
      • With each breath, feel how you are recharging your body.
      • Remember, you were designed to heal.

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, December 23

Today is Friday, December 23, 2022. The lively music inspires a more energetic workout. Feeling SO GOOD!

A quote by Arthur Clarke, “The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.”

Photo by: Drepicter

December marks the end of another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Do an activity log of how you spend your days.  Note if your activities bringing joy or some anxiety.  Are there some adjustments you can make to bring more joy and peace to your day?

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. 
  • Focus your attention on your right great toe. Tap it up and down.
  • Shift your focus to your right elbow and notice where your elbow is.
  • Glide your focus to the center of your chest and breathe in peace and breathe out what you no longer need.
  • Continue to breathe in peace and breathe out what you no longer need, for as long as you like.
  • Smile when you are ready to move forward.

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, December 7

Today is Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Starting the day gazing out the window, smiling internally.

A quote by Jonathan Winters, “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it! “

Photo by: Kym MacKinnon

December marks the end of another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Reframe experiences to demonstrate grace towards yourself to simultaneously open the door to allow you to continue to move 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. 
  • 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 

Friday, December 2

Today is Friday, December 2, 2022. Bright lights twinkling in the early hours before dawn.

Quote by Leonardo da Vinci, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

Photo by: Igor Sporynin

December marks the end of another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation and grace. Start by listing 3 things that you love about yourself.

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 

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