Month: April 2020

Today, is Thursday, April 30, 2020.  Congratulations to the new graduates of Rush University, the Class of 2020! There is joy, pride and awe all around.

While there is uncertainty 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’d like to 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.

Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after listening to 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.
• Take a moment to pause and consider the first thing you see.
  1. Take a moment to set your intention for the rest of your day.
  2. Smile and think about someone you love.
  3. Feel that love as you continue on.

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 can do this. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

Today’s Inspirations:

A Quote from Jane Goodall:

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

And shared from Dr. Gina Kring:

“Last fall, medical students planted over 300 bulbs at the North Lawndale HealthyHood community garden.   One of the community members has taken it on himself to clean the lot during the pandemic.  Here are the early pics taken on earth day of the daffodils hyacinths and early tulips.”

Yes, we can all make a difference.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

Today, is Wednesday, April 29, 2020. The birds continue to migrate to the North. The days keep are brighter, longer.

While there is uncertainty 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’d like to 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.

Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after listening to 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.
• When you find yourself waiting for something—water to boil, grocery store line, computer to restart, turn it into an opportunity to settle the mind.
  1. Take several belly breaths.
  2. Check in with your body, what sensations are you experiencing?
  3. Observe.

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 can do this. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

Today’s Inspiration: A Quote from Malala Yousafzai

“Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

 

 

Today, is Tuesday, April 28, 2020. The birds respond cheerfully. They are active early in the day.

While there is uncertainty 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’d like to 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.

Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after listening to 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.
• Explore a Mountain Meditation to connect with your inner strength and stability.
  • Envision a mountain, see the intricate details of the mountain.
  • Bring the majesty of the mountain inside of you, and be one with the mountain.
  • Feel the strength and stability of the mountain.

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 can do this. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

Today’s Inspiration: A Quote from Sir Martin Conway

“Each fresh peak ascended teaches something.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

 

 

 

Today is Monday, April 27th, 2020. There are new sounds together with the familiar. New life is visible outside.

While there is uncertainty 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’d like to 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.

Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after listening to 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.
• Hum a tune.

1. 1. Pay attention to each sound and the vibration in your chest and throat. Notice each note you hum and the vibration it creates. Notice how it changes with the different notes.
   2. Notice if you are humming a tune you have heard before or if you are creating it now.
   3. Notice the speed of the sounds. It may be slow and steady or it may be changing speeds or it may be a fast tempo.

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 can do this. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

Today’s Inspiration: A Quote from Maya Angelou 

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

 

 

Today is Sunday, April 26, 2020. The sunrise is beautiful with so many colors.

While there is uncertainty 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’d like to 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.

Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after listening to 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.
• Release your hips
  1. Sit on the floor, bring your feet together and let your knees bend out while you hold your feet. (Butterfly Pose)
  2. Gently, comfortably, bend forward over your feet.
  3. Feel the stretch as you take 3 deep belly breaths in and out.
  4. Slowly roll back up and straighten your spine and lengthen your neck.
  5. Release your feet and legs and loosely shake out your legs.

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 can do this. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

Today’s Inspiration: A Quote from John Lennon

“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

 

Today, is Saturday, April 25, 2020. Another weekend begins and there are some new animal babies. 

While there is uncertainty 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’d like to 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.

Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after listening to 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.
• Loosen the arms.

1. 1. With your arms relaxed, gently rotate your body and swing your arms freely and gently side to side.
   2. Stretch your arms up as high as is comfortable, feeling a gentle stretch in your body.
   3. Bend 1 arm and reach down behind your neck to stretch the back of your arm. Then release and do the same with the other.
   4. Shake out your arms and let them gently swing at your sides and hum “mmm”.
   5. Smile.

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 can do this. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

Photo by Nicole Siparsky, M.D. “Flowers”

Today’s Inspiration- A Quote from Ben Okri: 

“The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering.”

 With gratitude and appreciation for all beings, 

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

 

 

 

Today, is Friday, April 24, 2020.  The water level of the pond looks different, the reflections change too.  

While there is uncertainty 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’d like to 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.

Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after listening to 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.
• Connect with a friend you have not spoken to for a while.
  1. Reminisce about old times, share a joke.

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 can do this. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

Today’s Inspiration: A quote by C.S. Lewis

“Friendship … is born at the moment when one man says to another ‘What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .’”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

 

 

Today, is Thursday, April 23, 2020.  Lake Michigan ice has melted, the treasures in the water are visible.

While there is uncertainty 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’d like to 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.

Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after listening to 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.
• Enjoy a refreshing glass of water
  1. Observe how the cup feels in your hands, is it smooth, cold, warm, wet
  2. Focus on the water as it touches your lips and enters your mouth and soothes your tongue

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 can do this. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

Today’s Inspiration: A Quote from Hermann Hesse

“Within you there is a stillness and sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

 

 

 

 

Today, is Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Today brings us a New Moon, an opportunity for star gazing.

While there is uncertainty 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’d like to 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.

Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after listening to 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.
• Take a break to connect with the beauty of the natural environment

1. 1. Relax into observing something in nature perhaps a flower, a bug, clouds, a tree, the moon…
   2. Look at it as if it’s the first time you have ever seen it
   3. Allow yourself to connect with its energy

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 can do this. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

Today’s Inspiration- A Quote from Jack Kornfield:

“Everything that has a beginning has an ending.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, is Tuesday, April 21 2020.  The baby squirrels are leaving their nests and learning to play.

While there is uncertainty 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’d like to 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.

Here’s what you can do today, right now, during transitions, after listening to 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.
• Share a smile with someone you don’t know.

1. 1. Ask them: “What made you smile today?” (From Mark Goulston MD)

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 can do this. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

Today’s Inspiration: A Quote from Thich Nhat Hanh

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP