Month: July 2022

Friday, July 29

Today is Friday, July 29, 2022.  Whistling while walking. What a great walk!

A quote by Amy Poehler, “Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.”

Photo by Dmitry Spravko

July is for sharing.  The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  Share a favorite place.

Make a date with a friend, family member, colleague, classmate and share your special place: a restaurant, park, café, library, farmer’s market, beach, river walk, hiking trail, alcove, place of worship, music hall, museum, building, ballpark, golf course, spa, studio, driving path, sanctuary, etc. So many wonderful places to discover and share.

Practice 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.
    • Choose a centering word that is neutral to you and simple. You might choose “now” or “one” or “peace.”
      • As you exhale, say your chosen word. Focus on the vibration of the word as you hear it. Repeat.
      • As you exhale and say your word, imagine dropping a smooth pebble in clear water and watch it settle gently on the bottom, relaxed and comfortable.
      • Finally, as you continue your deep belly breaths, notice that the ripples on the water are gently gliding out. Repeat your word on every exhale until the ripples have settled

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 

Wednesday, July 27

Today is Wednesday, July 27, 2022.  Appreciating the beauty that the world shares with us.

A quote by Benjamin Franklin. “Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?”

Photo by: Rvo233

July is for sharing.  The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  Share your talents.

    • Volunteer your skill/talent
    • Tutor
    • Mentor
    • Join a community group

Practice 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.
    • Choose a centering word that is neutral to you and simple. You might choose “now” or “one” or “peace.”
      • As you exhale, say your chosen word. Focus on the vibration of the word as you hear it. Repeat.
      • As you exhale and say your word, imagine dropping a smooth pebble in clear water and watch it settle gently on the bottom, relaxed and comfortable.
      • Finally, as you continue your deep belly breaths, notice that the ripples on the water are gently gliding out. Repeat your word on every exhale until the ripples have settled

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 

Monday, July 25

Today is Monday, July 25, 2022.  A joke to start the week: Why did the magicians in class get the best mark on their test on Monday? –>They got all the trick questions right 🙂

A quote by Edmond Hillary. “Good planning is important.  I’ve also regarded a sense of humor as one of the most important things on a big expedition.  When you’re in a difficult or dangerous situation, or when your depressed about the chances of success, someone who can make you laugh eases the tension.”

Photo by Dan Deziel, “Rain Circles”

July is for sharing.  The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  Share laughter.  Laughter and humor can improve pain, sleep, and our health

    • Invite friends over for a funny movie marathon
    • Invite friends over for a game night
    • Share your favorite joke or funny story
    • Google search your favorite animal video

Practice 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.
    • Choose a centering word that is neutral to you and simple. You might choose “now” or “one” or “peace.”
      • As you exhale, say your chosen word. Focus on the vibration of the word as you hear it. Repeat.
      • As you exhale and say your word, imagine dropping a smooth pebble in clear water and watch it settle gently on the bottom, relaxed and comfortable.
      • Finally, as you continue your deep belly breaths, notice that the ripples on the water are gently gliding out. Repeat your word on every exhale until the ripples have settled.

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 

Friday, July 22

Today is Friday, July 22, 2022.  Finishing the week with a smile.

A quote by Zain Hashmi, “Happiness comes from helping others, by being with others, and by sharing, even if it’s only a smile.”

Photo by: Canetti

July is for sharing.  The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  Share joy:-) Examples:

    • Tell someone your favorite joke
    • Share a smile
    • Offer someone your full attention
    • Send someone a handwritten letter

Practice 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.
    • Breathe in peace and joy as your belly rises.
    • Breathe out the unwanted feelings as your stomach releases.

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 

Wednesday, July 20

Today is Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Spent last night, watching the fireflies sparkle in the evening sky. The sparkle still lingers.

A quote by Andrew Matthews, “Always speak well of yourself and consistently visualize your life working out as you want it.”

Photo by: tomertu

July is for sharing.  The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  Sharing your dreams and visions with others offers a chance to make the vision more believable to you, helps you clarify your vision, and build feelings of support for your vision.

    • Be open with friends, family, and colleagues about some or all of your vision
    • Host a party with the theme based on your vision
    • Journal about your vision
    • Visualize your vision in action

Practice 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.
    • Breathe in peace and joy as your belly rises.
    • Breathe out the unwanted feelings as your stomach releases.

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 

Monday, July 18

Today is Monday, July 18, 2022. Energized for a great day.

A quote by Albert Einstein, “Art is standing with one hand extended into the universe and one hand extended into the world, and letting ourselves be a conduit for passing energy.”

Photo by: Clément Rémond

July is for sharing.  The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  Share different perspectives and experiences of similar activities. Examples:

    • Join or establish a book club and read the same book and then talk about it together.
    • Walk through an art exhibit with a friend and discuss the various pieces or share the back stories behind the pieces.
    • Attend a musical or performing art show and get together after to talk about what you experienced.
    • Take a course with others and share what you are learning.
    • Participate in a meditation retreat with others.
    • Engage in an exercise class or play sports with

Practice 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.
    • Breathe in peace and joy as your belly rises.
    • Breathe out the unwanted feelings as your stomach releases.

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 

Friday, July 15

Today is Friday, July 15, 2022.  Noticing all the beautiful gardens, feeling connected to the earth.

A quote by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. “The fundamental law of human beings is interdependence.  A person is a person through other persons.”

Photo by: Fran Lee

July is for sharing.  The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  Share your time with your community.

    • Organize a park clean up
    • Donate books to a library
    • Donate your time or volunteer with a community organization
    • Walk a neighbor’s dog for them

Practice 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.
    • Practice tapping into loving energies:
      • Focus on channeling universal energies of love as you breathe in,
      • Focus on channeling the love you generate to others as you breathe out.

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 

Wednesday, July 13

Today is Wednesday, July 13, 2022.  The warmth of the summer, brings new energy to many.

A quote by Cesar Chavez “The people who give you their food, give you their heart.”

Photo by: Alex Raths

July is for sharing.  The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  Look for ways you can share healthy activities with others.

    • Join or organize a community walking group
    • Join or organize a healthy pot luck lunch at work
    • Commit to making more meals at home to share with family or friends
    • Volunteer at a Community Garden
    • Donate to a food pantry

Practice 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.
    • Practice tapping into loving energies:
      • Focus on channeling universal energies of love as you breathe in.
      • Focus on channeling the love you generate to others as you breathe out.

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 

Monday, July 11

Today is Monday, July 11, 2022.  Sun, birds, water, breeze, sounds of laughter. Special moment.

A quote by Maya Angelou  “A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”

Photo by: Chris Smith

July is for sharing.  The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  Share an experience or feeling with a close friend or loved one. Experience gratitude while tapping into the soothing nature of human connections.

    • Draw, paint, or sculpt and gift it to a friend
    • Create music to share
    • Join with others to play music with shared meaning
    • Dance with a loved one
    • Write a story or message and share it with a trusted person
    • Schedule a walk or date with a friend and talk together
    • Be present and smile together

Practice 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. 
    • Practice tapping into loving energies:
      • Focus on channeling universal energies of love as you breathe in,
      • Focus on channeling the love you generate to others as you breathe out.

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 

Friday, July 8

Today is Friday, July 8, 2022.  Noticing each step going from here to there.

A quote by Rose Kennedy, “Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.”

Photo by: Lisa Bourgeault

July is for sharing. The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  Look for ways people in different parts of the world recharge and share their lands and geography.

    • Attending a fish boil in a lakeside town
    • Picking blueberries to share
    • Picnicking along the river or in a park
    • Camping in the woods or mountains
    • Sailing or surfing in the water
    • Hiking along a scenic trail
    • Soaking in a hot spring
    • Farm to table dining together
    • Planting a garden or tree
    • Capturing the scenery with photos, drawings or paintings

Practice 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.
    • Practice Physical grounding
      • When you are sitting in your chair take a few seconds to feel your feet on the ground, feel your buttocks on the seat, feel your back against the chair.
      • As your feet are grounded, with each deep belly breathe out, allow your shoulders to release and loosen.

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