Day: June 6, 2022

Today is Monday, June 6, 2022. Enjoying the sun rays shining through the tree branches.

A quote by Jonathan Lockwood Huie, “Joy blooms where minds and hearts are open.”

Photo by Fran Lee

Finding Joy in June.  For the second half of the year, let’s focus on ways we can find joy. Being joyful can extend your life, relieve stress, and pain, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Plan for Joy.  We plan for retirement, plan for health with health-promoting diet and exercise. Let’s think of ways we can plan for JOY.

• • Wake up ten minutes earlier to schedule some quite time to reflect
  • Savor the small things: the smell of tea or coffee in the morning, birds chirping, leaves gently waving in the breeze, fluffy clouds
  • Choose to think happy thoughts in the morning to start your day; end your day reflecting on all the good you experienced today
  • Journal about Joy
  • Start to plan your dream vacation

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition 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.
  • As you continue to Belly breath, inhale past or current joyful moments, exhale difficult or challenging moments.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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