The Daily Llama brings you short, one-word meditations and a corresponding quote for your complete wool-being (#seewhatwedidthere?) for Monday April 26th – 30th, 2021.
MONDAY, APRIL 26TH
THE DAILY LLAMA WORD OF THE DAILY: SURVIVE
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
The saying, “Laughter is the best medicine,” isn’t just a folksy old proverb. There is now significant research that shows the powerful impact laughing can have on physical health, mental health, and social relationships.
Laughing heartily can leave your muscles feeling relaxed for up to 45 minutes, and releases endorphins that temporarily alleviate pain and create a sense of well-being. Giggling increases the immune system’s ability to resist disease as it decreases the stress hormones that can wreak havoc in our bodies. A good guffaw burns calories and protects the heart by strengthening the cardiovascular system.
A little mirth can also improve one’s mental health. Seeing what’s funny about a problematic situation can help put it in perspective. Laughing interrupts distressing emotions. It can help you recharge your energy and help you focus.
A good chuckle can improve your relationships. Laughing can diffuse defensiveness, and it can help you let go of resentments, judgments, criticisms, and doubts. It releases inhibitions and makes it easier to express true feelings.
Laughter is necessary for our survival, as necessary as drinking water and brushing our teeth.
The Daily Llama Fun Fact of the Day:
Today is Audobon Day! Enjoy some bird watching and consider supporting the National Audobon Society
TUESDAY, APRIL 27TH
THE DAILY LLAMA WORD OF THE DAY: STRIVE
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
Setting and achieving personal goals can nurture motivation and increase self-esteem. When we achieve something we didn’t know we could do, we get a wonderful hit of naturally produced dopamine to our healing brains. So striving for success on our personal goals is important.
Seeking to be of value to others, a.k.a. “giving back,” not only releases dopamine, but it also acts upon serotonin and oxytocin as well. These three neurotransmitters make up what scientists call “The Happiness Trifecta”. see this gem of an article HERE
So, if you’re feeling down or disconnected, seek to be of value to someone else. It may just be the thing that helps you out of a funk.
The Daily Llama Fun Fact of the Day:
Today is National Tell a Story Day! It’s also National Pretzel Day! Now what’s better than a story and a snack?
And if you like stories about conspiracies about aliens while also snacking on pretzels? Then THIS video is for you.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28TH
THE DAILY LLAMA WORD OF THE DAY: DRIVE
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
Our brains can come with a myriad of reasons to give up. Here are the top five worst reasons (in no particular order) our brains try to convince us not to keep pushing:
It’s too hard.
Nobody believes in me.
So-and-so said I’d never amount to anything.
This is taking too long.
I’ve already messed up, what’s the point?
When you hear one of these poor excuses for an excuse jumping around your brain, try the following antidotes:
Nothing worth doing is ever easy.
Belief in myself is all that is required.
I am the best expert on me.
It takes as long as it takes.
It is the courage to continue that counts.
The Daily Llama Fun Fact of the Day:
Today is National Superhero Day!
THURSDAY, APRIL 29TH
THE DAILY LLAMA WORD OF THE DAY: ARRIVE
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
In the film Under the Tuscan Sun, the main character, Frances (played by the wonderful Diane Lane), impulsively buys a run-down villa in the heart of Tuscany while on vacation after going through a horrible and unexpected divorce. Her renovation of this house symbolizes the process of putting herself back together after tremendous heartbreak.
Frances makes several amazing friends along the way, one of whom tells her a story about ladybugs. The friend says, “Listen, when I was a little girl I used to spend hours looking for ladybugs. Finally, I’d just give up and fall asleep in the grass. When I woke up, they were crawling all over me.”
Sometimes what we want so desperately eludes us in the grasping for it. When we find ourselves in this type of situation, take a nap. Do something relaxing and fun. Learn to take yourself less seriously.
If it’s meant for you, it will arrive for you in its time.
The Daily Llama Fun Fact of the Day:
Today is International Dance Day!
FRIDAY, APRIL 30TH
THE DAILY LLAMA WORD OF THE DAY: THRIVE
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
MEDITATE ON THIS:
Much of the field of mental health and psychology focuses on what goes wrong and what causes pain. But researchers in the field of Positive Psychology spend most of their time and energy investigating what is involved when things go right and what creates well-being. They focus on studying the character strengths each of us has. Dr. Ryan Niemiec, Education Director at the VIA Institute of Character, summarizes what the research says are the top 7 things we need to have in order to thrive.
1. A positive perspective: “I see the good in the future.”
2. Religiosity and spirituality: “I am connected with the universe in a meaningful way.”
3. Proactive personality: “I try to challenge myself.”
4. Motivation: “I am motivated to grow.”
5. Knowledge and learning: “I learn, therefore I know.”
6. Psychological resilience: “I overcome, rise up, and benefit from my struggles.”
7. Social competence: “It matters that I connect with others.”
You can read the full article here
Want to know your character strengths? Take the survey here: https://www.viacharacter.org/
The Daily Llama Fun Fact of the Day:
Today is both National Raisin Day and National Oatmeal Cookie Day! Coincidence? We think not!
The Sobercast with Six, by Analisa Six, Brings You an Astrological Forecast of the Action, Assertion, and Leadership Skills Needed – Check out what the last week of April is going to look like HERE.
Resources are available
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
