Archive for category: News

Art has a wonderful ability to help bring people out of their quiet shell and free them to communicate thoughts from their personal life experiences.

Inspired by the ice activities portrayed in “The Hunters in the Snow” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, the Activity Specialist asked the group if any of them had been ice skating. 

Jack proudly stood in the back and raised his hand high. “I used to ice skate, but I also used to make ice for skating. I did it for four years, in the wintertime.” 

He explained how he used a fire hose with “three men in the back”. They would turn a city block into an ice rink in “St. Jo, Michigan”. Touching this unique memory and connection for Jack literally brought him to his feet, lifting him emotionally and spiritually.

Spending time together, counting your blessings, setting achievable goals, and scheduling outings are just a few ways to set yourself up for meaningful, quality of life connections in the New Year!

Wishing you and your families peace. happiness, and many joyful moments in 2020!

For those who love watching dancing or getting out on the dance floor, here is a nostalgic activity that recognizes different dance styles throughout the last 100 years. Using YouTube, explore videos of the Charleston, swing, tango, twist and disco. Ask your activity partner about their favorite dance and if they have any memories of dancing. One Hummingbird client shared that she loved to square dance when she was a teen, and her mother  danced the tango! Allowing time to reminisce adds positive energy and warm memories to your activity time. To go one step further, add physical movement by dancing together or offering chair dance with arm movements! 

With the delicious holidays approaching, Mindfulness Eating is a special way to savor the flavors of the season. This can be done with just about any food, but make sure it’s not too messy and can be easily held in your hand. Also, if your activity partner has any swallowing issues, be sure to select foods that are safe for them to consume. 

Before you pick up your food item, explore these questions with your activity partner: How does it look?  What color is it? What’s the shape? Then pick up the food item and ask: How does it feel? What is the texture? Bring the food up to your nose and get curious about how it smells. Take a bite and very slowly chew, paying close attention to the flavor and how it feels against your tongue and teeth. Continue bringing this awareness to every bite. How do you feel? Get lost in the moment and see where it leads you.