Month: February 2022

Monday, February 28

Today is Monday, February 28, 2022. As the shortest month closes, seeing what repeats and what stays the same.

A quote by Mary Oliver, “Said the river: imagine everything you can imagine, then keep on going.”

Photo from Marc Zimmer

February is the month dedicated to Love.  Love is not only a feeling it is a verb, an action. Reflect on love and caring.

    • Who do you love? Who do you care for?
    • Who loves you? Who cares for you?
    • Who do you want to love? Who do you want to care for?
    • What makes love possible? What makes it possible to care for you, for another?
    • Consider allowing more connection to the opportunities for love and caring in your life.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need it – while waiting, before, after, or in between activities:

    • 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.
    • Starting at your feet, on every inhale, stretch your body part. On every exhale, release.
    • Work your way up your body with every breath cycle until you finish with your eyebrows.
    • Smile if someone saw you stretching out your eyebrows. =)

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the Love and positive energy around me. 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 

Friday, February 25

Today is Friday, February 25, 2022. Looking around and seeing the beauty of natural change.

A quote by Sidney Poitier, “I am the me I choose to be.”

Photo from Marina Lavassa

February is the month dedicated to Love.  Love is not only a feeling it is a verb, an action. This week, reflect on how people communicate love and caring.

Gather a list of books, letters, poems, art, postcards, movies, TV shows, music, recordings, games, places, recipes that connect you with the harmony of love and caring. Tap into this nurturing reservoir -when you need it or during a free moment- to stay connected to that part of you that generates love.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need it – while waiting, before, after, or in between activities:

    • 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.
    • With each breath, inhale positive energy and feel the abundance.
    • Focus on the warmth your body’s core is generating as you exhale and add to the universe of positive energy.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the Love and positive energy around me. 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 

Wednesday, February 23

Today is Wednesday, February 23, 2022. Waking up to move my body.

A quote by Pema Chodron, “We already have everything we need.”

Photo from Zion Park in Utah, shared by Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

February is the month dedicated to Love.  Love is not only a feeling it is a verb, an action. This week, reflect on how people communicate love and caring. How do you know when someone feels loved and cared for?

    • They make eye contact and smile?
    • They express gratitude and appreciation?
    • They reciprocate an act of love and caring?
    • They make more time to be together?
    • They are calmer and more satisfied?
    • They are more centered and resilient?
    • They are more open and share more?
    • They thrive?

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need it – while waiting, before, after, or in between activities:

    • 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.
    • With each breath, inhale positive energy and feel the abundance.
    • Focus on the warmth your body’s core is generating as you exhale and add to the universe of positive energy.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the Love and positive energy around me. 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 

Monday, February 21

Today is Monday, February 21, 2022. Noticing the contrasting colors outside.

A quote by Tom Allen, “Winter forms our character and brings out our best.”

Photo by Nicole Siparsky, MD, Sunset, Lake Michigan in winter

February is the month dedicated to Love.  Love is not only a feeling it is a verb, an action. This week, reflect on how people communicate love and caring. What works for you?

    • Taking time and listening to you?
    • Writing a letter, a story, a poem?
    • Preparing you a meal for your busiest time?
    • Sending a funny photo or text when you are apart?
    • Serenading or playing music for you?
    • Drawing or painting a picture for you?
    • Observing you and recognizing how to make something just a little bit easier?
    • Spending time together?

 Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need it – while waiting, before, after, or in between activities:

    • 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.
    • With each breath, inhale positive energy and feel the abundance.
    • Focus on the warmth your body’s core is generating as you exhale and add to the universe of positive energy.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the Love and positive energy around me. 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 

Friday, February 18

Today is Friday, February 18, 2022. Again, watching the clouds move through the sky; a new picture to see every day. 

A quote by Anamika Mishra, “Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.”

Photo, Lake Michigan coast in winter, by Nicole Siparsky, MD

February is the month dedicated to Love.  Love is not only a feeling it is a verb, an action. This week, see the love and caring around you. 

    • Recognize when a colleague, classmate or coworker does something kind for another.
    • Notice the infinite ways humans demonstrate love and caring for one another- teaching, sharing, playing, listening, commiserating, cheering, recognizing, smiling, cleaning, cooking, creating, etc.
    • Acknowledge the intentions and demonstrations of love and caring towards you and allow yourself to relish in them.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need it – while waiting, before, after, or in between activities:

    • 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.
    • Place one hand on your chest over your heart, place the other hand on your forehead or belly; whichever you prefer.
    • Breath in love.
    • Exhale unwanted feelings or emotions.
    • Smile at the love you give yourself 😊

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the Love and positive energy around me. 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 

Wednesday, February 16

Today is Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Watching the clouds move through the sky; a new picture to see every day. 

A quote by Mother Teresa.  “The smile is the beginning of Love.”

Photo by: Jon Farmer

February is the month dedicated to Love.  Love is not only a feeling it is a verb, an action. This week, see opportunities to expand the love and caring around you in ordinary activities. 

    • Let someone go ahead of you in the grocery store line.
    • In the parking lot, return someone’s grocery cart for them.
    • Look at the cashier or bagger and thank them.
    • If you see someone struggling to reach a product or lift something offer to help.
    • Let someone else take the closer parking space.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need it – while waiting, before, after, or in between activities:

    • 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.
    • Place one hand on your chest over your heart, place the other hand on your forehead or belly; whichever you prefer.
    • Breath in love.
    • Exhale unwanted feelings or emotions.
    • Smile at the love you give yourself. 😊

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the Love and positive energy around me. 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 

Monday, February 14

Today is Monday, February 14, 2022. Starting the week focused on Love.

A quote by Maria Popova, “The longer I live, the more deeply I learn that love — whether we call it friendship or family or romance — is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other’s light.”

Photo by: Dylan Burrill

February is the month dedicated to Love.  Love is not only a feeling it is a verb, an action. This week, see the love and caring around you.  

    • Watch a baby gazing at a parent lovingly.
    • Witness a pet dog’s loving enthusiasm being together.
    • Notice friends interacting in ways that demonstrate their love and caring for each other.
    • Feel the warmth of someone genuinely smiling at you.
    • Recognize some kind gesture between strangers – holding the door, picking up the dropped item, letting you go first.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need it – while waiting, before, after, or in between activities:

    • 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.
    • Place one hand on your chest over your heart, place the other hand on your forehead or belly; whichever you prefer.
    • Breath in love.
    • Exhale unwanted feelings or emotions.
    • Smile at the love you give yourself. 😊

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the Love and positive energy around me. 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 

Friday, February 11

Today is Friday, February 11, 2022. Watching the remaining leaves flickering in the wind as the sky starts to illuminate.

A quote by Morrie Schwartz “The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”

Photo by: Arthur Hutterer

February is the month dedicated to Love.  Love is not only a feeling it is a verb, an action.  This week, we can practice ways to share love and cheer.

    • Create a music playlist specifically for someone.
    • Write a story for a child with the child as the hero feeling proud and loved.
    • Share some favorite comics or jokes that allow a moment to smile and laugh.
    • Make a list of thoughtful gift ideas for a loved one by thinking about what would make that person feel loved and appreciated.
    • Set up a nature immersion date with a friend- a walk at the park, ride along nature trails, ski or swim away from it all.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need it – while waiting, before, after, or in between activities:

    • 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.
    • Check in with yourself with a body scan.
      • Start with your head and work your way down to your toes
      • Notice each body part
      • If you notice discomfort or tension in a body part, pause and offer the body part a soothing belly breath.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the Love and positive energy around me. 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 

Wednesday, February 9

Today is Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Appreciating the warmth and light the sun brings even on the coldest days.

A quote by: Tara Cousineau “Kindness is love in action.”

Photo by: Marcelo Costa Barros

February is the month dedicated to Love.  Love is not only a feeling it is a verb, an action.  This week, we can practice ways to share love and cheer.

    • Shovel your neighbor’s snow
    • Ask someone how you can help
    • Listen to someone who needs a sympathetic ear
    • Offer to baby sit or drop off a family dinner

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need it – while waiting, before, after, or in between activities:

    • 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.
    • Check in with yourself with a body scan.
      • Start with your head and work your way down to your toes
      • Notice each body part
      • If you notice discomfort or tension in a body part, pause and offer the body part a soothing belly breath.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the Love and positive energy around me. 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 

Monday, February 7

Today is Monday, February 7, 2022. Snow is easy to appreciate when time is flexible.

A quote by James Baldwin: “If you know whence you came, there is really no limit to where you can go.”

Photo by: Jack Blueberry

February is the month dedicated to Love.  Love is not only a feeling it is a verb, an action.  This week, we can practice ways to share love and cheer.

    • Draw, paint, write, sculpt, create something for someone special in your life.
    • Leave a pleasant surprise for someone to find – a flower, a candle, a note, or photo.
    • Send a postcard, letter, or care package to someone you are thinking about.
    • Schedule a game night or movie night with friends- virtual ok.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need it – while waiting, before, after, or in between activities:

    • 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.
    • Check in with yourself with a body scan.
      • Start with your head and work your way down to your toes
      • Notice each body part
      • If you notice discomfort or tension in a body part, pause and offer the body part a soothing belly breath.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the Love and positive energy around me. 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