Tag: celebration

Monday, September 26

Today is Monday, September 26, 2022. Getting in the groove with a little jazz and fall plantings.

A quote by Herbie Hancock, “The spirit of jazz is the spirit of openness.”

Photo by Jez Timms

September marks change and the final third of the year. In the final week of the month, reflect, celebrate, and think about new beginnings. Consider what is important to you and find simple ways to organize your time and space to keep that front and center.

  • A photo in a prominent space.
  • A music playlist full of meaning.
  • A walking or commuting routine that includes calling a loved one.
  • An inspirational quote or image.
  • A simple meal prep plan for healthy lunches for the week for all, including special notes for each person made at the beginning of the week.

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.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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 are taking breaths, make the exhale twice as long as the inhale; this type of breathing stimulates the calming part of your nervous system.

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. 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 1

Today is Friday, July 1, 2022.  Recognizing the sound of the cardinal singing cheerfully and finding the red bird in the branches.

A quote by Andre Pough Sr., “Just when you think you know exactly how it’s going, some unexpected possibility shows up and it begins to get even better.’

Photo by Jen DeVos

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 our culture.

    • Consider researching your family tree
    • Reach out to a family “elder” to share their memories of the family or family history
    • Host/attend a family reunion
    • Take a trip to where your grandparents were born

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.
    • Thinking of your physical body as your home, where you reside, think of deep breathing as like opening the windows on a bright sunny day with a nice breeze.
    • Become aware of how every breath that fills your body is like having wide open windows, filling your home with fresh, clean air and every breath out clears out and releases so that your home is a refreshed space for you to be in.
    • Experience the happy moment of being in your clean, refreshed home.
    • Smile, knowing that you can take moments to open and be present in this space, anywhere you are. Your body is your home.

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, April 30

Today is Friday, April 30, 2021. The water flows, the grass is green, there are flowers everywhere and active animals making the most of it.

Ascending through April. Sharing experiences of joy can bring about a shared smile. Enjoy it together.

      • Share a favorite photo. Add a quote or story or caption.
      • Share a new taste experience via a recipe, tea, spice.
      • Share a favorite book or movie or game.
      • Share a funny story.
      • Share an accomplishment or reason for celebration.
      • Share a new favorite restaurant or shop.
      • Share a simple greeting to check in with a colleague, classmate, friend, loved one.

Photo by: Hans Isaacson

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. We share our humaneness. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Mae Jemison, “Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.”

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.
    • If you want to release tension, try the STOP technique taught in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses.
      • Stop
      • Take a Breath
      • Open and Observe
      • Proceed

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP