Wednesday, October 13

Today is Wednesday, October 13, 2021. Watching the migration of birds, appreciating the natural cycle of seasons.

A quote from Wendell Berry, “The earth is what we all have in common.”

Photo by: Jorge Bermudez

This October, the focus is on the integration of life experiences, staying equally connected to optimism, as to any other belief or attitude.

Optimism can be defined as cheerfulness or hopefulness about the future. Allowing time for optimism creates balance.

Identify one thing that you can do that can comfort the mind. For example:

• • Experiment to find a guided meditation that works for you.
  • Schedule a regular time to pause for self-reflection: “How am I?”
  • Prioritize protecting 8-9+ hours every day that will be for sleep and rest.
  • Find opportunities each week to have a nature immersion, in person or with pictures and images.
  • Include times in the week when you can spend time with some being or some cause that recharges you.
  • Listen to familiar music that is either upbeat or relaxing to you.
  • Read optimistic authors or topics that are nourishing.

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.
• Continuing the belly breathing, scan your body for tense areas that you can release on each exhalation.
• On each breath cycle, allow that area to release tension as you allow those areas to refresh.

*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.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP