Month: August 2022

Wednesday, August 31

Today is Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Noticing the birds splashing in the water while the fish fly through the air with each jump.

A quote by Timber Hawkeye, “You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.”

Photo by: Wendell Adreil

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace. 

End the month with a brain dump. Write down everything on your mind. Cross off the things you can let go of. Make a list of what you need to do. Highlight the things you want to remember to return to. And then release and allow some time engaging with nature.

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. 
  • Allow yourself to be curious, notice the sensation: is the air warm, are the shoulders relaxed, what are the sounds that you hear?  If your mind wanders away from your focus on breathing it is OK, simply note that and then return to your breaths.

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, August 29

Today is Monday, August 29, 2022. Wondering what are the favorite sounds of summer? 

A quote by Lao Tzu. “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes.”

Photo by: Toltek

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace. 

Find positive outlets for difficult emotions.

  • Dance… be physically active
  • Journal
  • Call a friend
  • Meditate
  • Read a book
  • Watch a funny TV show
  • Have some time with your pet

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. 
  • Allow yourself to be curious, notice the sensations: is the air warm, are the shoulders relaxed, the sounds that you hear.  If your mind wanders away from your focus on breathing it is OK, simply note that and then return to your breaths.

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, August 26

Today is Friday, August 26, 2022. First week of school for many. Time for reflection. 

A quote by Gabriele D’Annunzio, “There is an exquisite smoothness of motion and the joy of gliding through space. It is wonderful!”

Photo by: James Lee

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace. 

Find a rhythmic activity that feels soothing and calming and allow moments to connect with that rhythm. Walking at a certain pace, sliding palms back and forth together slowly listening to the sound, playing musical scales, gliding through the water, petting an animal, watch fish swim.

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 color and with each breath, notice the green in your surroundings.
  • Appreciate the brilliance of color all around you and smile.

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, August 24

Today is Wednesday, August 24, 2022. Midweek stretching and releasing.

A quote by Eileen McDargh, “Determine your priorities and focus on them.”

Photo by: Caroline TeDesco

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace. 

For today, ease your mind by writing down everything on your mind. Pick the most important thing, to you, and highlight it or write it in a separate place. For one day, choose to simplify your focus to your single most important thing. Whenever you need, return to this most important thing, and stay connected to it.

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 color and with each breath, notice the green in your surroundings.
  • Appreciate the brilliance of color all around you and smile.

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, August 22

Today is Monday, August 22, 2022.  Starting the week with a morning walk.

A quote by: Pedro Calderon de la Barca.  “Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.”

Photo by: Eakarat Buanoi

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace.  Exposure to the color green is known to calm the body and mind. Find ways to incorporate exposure to green.

    • Schedule a daily walk, observe the leaves on the trees and plants
    • Put a green plant on your desk
    • Choose a picture of trees as your screen saver
    • Hang a picture of nature on your walls
    • Stand barefoot on some grass

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 color and with each breath, notice the green in your surroundings.
    • Appreciate the brilliance of color all around you and smile.

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, August 19

Today is Friday, August 19, 2022.  My goal for today is to SMILE.

A quote by Natalie Babbitt.  “Like all magnificent things, it’s very simple”

Photo by: Alesia D.

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace.

Simplify your morning routine:

  • Wake up a little earlier
  • Drink your morning beverage outside and enjoy the sounds of nature
  • Hold off checking your emails until you get to work
  • Begin dinner

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”, “peace” or “simple”.
    • 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 gently settle gently on the bottom, relaxed and comfortable.
    • Finally, as you continue your deep belly breaths, notice 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, August 17

Today is Wednesday, August 17, 2022.  Adjusting plans for a simpler week.

A quote by Jack Kerouac. “One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.”

Photo by: Frank F.

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace.

Simplify your priorities; define what’s most important in your life. 

  • Make a list of priorities, think of people, places, things, memories, experiences that bring the most value to your life.

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”, “peace” or “simple”.
      • 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 gently settle gently on the bottom, relaxed and comfortable.
      • Finally, as you continue your deep belly breaths, notice 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, August 15

Today is Monday, August 15, 2022.  Lush green leaves, cucumbers, zucchini under bright red apples on the branches, blueberries are in the background.

A quote by Abraham Lincoln, “I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.”

Photo by Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace.

Simplify your refueling focus. For example: 

    • Hydration: Drink water soon after waking up, before any caffeine. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
    • Fiber: Plan to eat 2 handfuls vegetables daily.
    • Protein: Make a list of high-quality protein options that you like and be prepared to have at least 1 or 2 available to eat every day.

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”, “peace” or “simple”.
      • 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 gently settle gently on the bottom, relaxed and comfortable.
      • Finally, as you continue your deep belly breaths, notice 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, August 12

Today is Friday, August 12, 2022.  Appreciating the beauty in the simplicity of nature.

A quote by Henry David Thoreau, “Simplicity is the law of nature for men as well as for flowers.”

Photo by: T Schofield

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace.

Simplify your schedule:

  • Set your priorities
  • Pause before you respond to a request
  • Know your limits, it’s OK to say no
  • Meal prep
  • Have a regular sleep routine

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. 
  • Picture yourself in a relaxed state.  See yourself on your favorite walking path, a favorite vacation spot, sitting on a porch with a friend…
    • Smile to yourself.

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, August 10

Today is Wednesday, August 10, 2022. Taking some time midweek to check in with myself.

A quote by Bruce Lee, “Simplicity is the key to brilliance.”

Photo by: Dan Deziel, Summer Pastel

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace.

Create a list of positive affirmations

  • I can do this. (see below Recharge)
  • I am capable and I am strong.
  • I will allow myself grace when things don’t go as planned.
  • I listen to my body, mind, and heart and nourish them however serves them best.

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.
  • Picture yourself in a relaxed state. See yourself on your favorite walking path, a favorite vacation spot, sitting on a porch with a friend…
    • Smile to yourself.

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