Tag: art

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 

Wednesday, July 6

Today is Wednesday, July 6, 2022.  Looking up to the sky, seeing all the possibilities.

A quote by Yo-Yo Ma.  “When you learn something from people or from a culture, you accept it as a gift, and it is your lifelong commitment to preserve it and build on it.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD

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.  For some, the first week of July is a holiday celebrated with friends and family.  For the beginning of July let’s explore ways to share culture.  Explore a culture through the arts.

    • Watch a movie from the country you are exploring
    • Visit a museum or cultural center
    • Listen to music
    • Check out a travel book

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 

Monday, November 15

Today is Monday, November 15, 2021. The chill in the air outside highlights the warmth inside.

A quote from Wangechi Mutu, “I believe art is a connection, like passing on a flame.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Explore art that is new to you.

    • Check out live, recorded and/or virtual theatre or concert performances. Check out the local schools, colleges, and universities to see the local talent.
    • Tour a museum in person or virtually. Guided tours or joining a tour group can expand your understanding of what you see.
    • Stroll through an art show, exhibit or fair. Let the artist share their story with you.
    • Take a pottery class and learn to throw clay on a wheel.
    • Explore dance. Take a class, watch a show, learn the corresponding music.

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.
    • Lengthen your neck and spine as you notice what part of your body is connecting you to the surface you are on, whether you are seated, laying down or standing.
    • Allow yourself to shift into a position that aligns your neck and spine in a neutral posture, releasing tension as you are fully supported.

*Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the 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, June 30

Today is Wednesday, June 30, 2021.  Walking with friends or loved ones creates an opportunity for beautiful memories.

Try something new in June.  Explore new art forms.  Artistic expression may relieve stress and foster imagination and a sense of accomplishment. 

    • Doodle.
    • Try a coloring book.
    • Learn a musical instrument: harmonica, recorder, guitar, drums, tambourine.
    • Take a dance class or have a dance party.
    • Recite or write poetry.
    • Take pictures of nature with your phone.

Photo by: Alexandra Hillary

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Pablo Picasso “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

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.
    • Take a break during your day to caress your hands.
      • Close your eyes or lower your gaze.
      • With your right index finger gently trace your fingers on the left hand, repeat for the right hand with left index finger.
      • Focus on the gentle sensation of touch.
      • Take 3 belly breaths and smile for the calming break.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP