Friday, September 10

Today is Friday, September 10, 2021.  Soft breeze, loud crickets, bright flowers, all belong.

A quote from Epictetus, “Remember that you are an actor in a play, and the playwright chooses the manner of it.”

Photo by: Susanna Chubinskaya

For many, September highlights the transitions of seasons and focus.

Embracing transitions with curiosity opens the door to the possibility that we can find strength and joy from transitions.

Today, we will explore some ways to nourish your body for optimal function during transitions. 

• • Find ways to stay hydrated. Keep a fresh bottle of water within easy reach, or try brewing a new caffeine-free tea without sweetener. Sip often.
  • Make a list of proteins you like and keep some readily available for when you are hungry. Aim for real food.
  • Include some leafy greens in at least one of your meals. Use as a wrap or in a salad, stir fry, side dish, stew, or soup.
  • Experiment with small amounts of fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, tempeh, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, to add flavor (and probiotics and other nutrients) to a meal.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. As I connect to my courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to new ideas and change.  I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me.  Together, we can do great things.

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.
• Allow a pause in your activities.
• Breathe in love and peace.
• Breathe out unease and tension.
• Repeat as much and as often as you need.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP