Tag: centering

Wednesday, January 26

Today is Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Wondering how the squirrels can climb trees in the winter.

A quote by a John Muir, “Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.”

Photo courtesy of Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

The New Year is launched. Hello, 2022! Continuing to refine and connect with the vision to light the path. This month is about what we want in our personal life and our relationships.

Write down your clear, or developing, vision for 2022. Write or draw as much of it as you can envision. Write down why that is important to you. Ask yourself at least 5 more times, “And why is that important to me?” Finally, combine the vision and the most meaningful answer you came up with. Read it out loud and let it percolate in your mind. Whenever you are unsettled or uncertain, return to your vision and meaningful “why,” repeat it to yourself and be anchored and reconnected with your vision.

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.
    • Inhale as you reach your arms overhead high and stretch up.
    • Exhale as you hinge at the hips with soft knees and let the arms dangle down, releasing the neck.
    • Continue breathing as you slowly curl back up until upright and roll the shoulders back and smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, 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 

Monday, January 24

Today is Monday, January 24, 2022. Practicing the appreciation of the cold temperatures, even when waking up.

A quote by a Khalil Gibran, “Kindness is like snow-It beautifies everything is covers.”

Photo by Dustin Bowdige

The New Year is launched. Hello, 2022! Continuing to refine and connect with the vision to light the path. This month is about what we want in our personal life and our relationships.

In the midst of January, some feelings can feel amplified or dulled. There might be more or less interactions with others. There are opportunities for deeper self-reflection and deeper connections with others. Identify all the ways you can make the most of this time of year to connect with yourself and others, in ways that are in alignment with your vision.

    • Journal, or read previous journal entries.
    • Watch the flames flicker in the fireplace.
    • Listen to the waves.
    • Wrap up in a cozy blanket and write.
    • Snuggle together and talk about the fun little things of the day.
    • Take a brisk walk outside.
    • Experiment with a new recipe.
    • Share a nourishing meal.
    • Drink a soothing beverage.
    • Watch a movie together.
    • Read and discuss an interesting book.

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.
    • Inhale as you reach your arms overhead high and stretch up.
    • Exhale as you hinge at the hips with soft knees and let the arms dangle down, releasing the neck.
    • Continue breathing as you slowly curl back up until upright and roll the shoulders back and smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, 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, January 12

Today is Wednesday, January 12, 2022.  Midweek, getting in the groove.

A quote by astronaut Chris Hadfield, “Life is full of so many small, unexpected pleasures, not just in space but right here on Earth, and I think I see them more clearly now than I used to because microgravity insists you pay attention.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD, Boats off the coast of St. Martin at Sunset

With the launch of the New Year, for the month of January, we focus on clarifying and connecting with our vision for 2022. 

A vision that shows you the future you want, can recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it.  It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. This month, we enhance our vision for our personal life and our relationships.

Let’s spend this week reflecting on our vision of health for 2022. Ask yourself:

    • What or who causes me to laugh out loud?
    • What or who makes me feel great about myself?
    • What or who is so special and holds a special place in my heart?
    • What or who do I appreciate?
    • What or who adds positivity in the world?

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.
      • Massage your left hand starting with your palms, then work your way to the ends of each finger.
      • Massage your right hand the same way.
      • Clasp your hands together, then release and shake out your hands and let your hands be loose.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, 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, December 15

Today is Wednesday, December 15, 2021. They say no two snowflakes are alike, yet they share so much in common.

A quote from William Shakespeare. “The earth has music for those who listen.”

Photo by: Denys Nevozhai

December Delights is back. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

  • Give yourself the gift of Nature.
    • Go for a walk on a new trail or route
    • Add plants to your home.
    • Star gaze.
    • Go outside and listen.
    • Bird watch.
    • Visit a hot spring.

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.
    • For a quieting meditation before sleep, include Box breathing.
    • Continuing to Belly breath, inhale for the count of 4; hold your breath for the count of 4.
    • Then, exhale for the count of 4; and again, hold your breath for a count of 4.
    • Continue to repeat this pattern at least 4 times or until you are feeling more relaxed and ready for sleep.

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 

Friday, December 10

Today is Friday, December 10, 2021. Enjoying a quiet moment to rest and reflect on the beauty of each day.

A quote from Carolyn V. Hamilton. “Documenting little details of your everyday life becomes a celebration of who you are.”

Photos by Dan Deziel, “Wisps” & “Purple Haze”2021.12.10.Deziel.Purple Haze

December Delights are here. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Begin or return to your journal.

    • When you start, let go of judgements. Write what you really feel. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar.
    • A journal does not have to contain written words, perhaps you prefer to draw or doodle, cut out pictures from a magazine, or clip articles from the newspaper.
    • Schedule journaling time into your day.
    • If you typically write in your bed or office, try to write outside or in the kitchen.
    • Keep a list of journal prompts in your journal to turn to when you are not sure what to write about

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. 
  • Lean and rest your head towards the right shoulder and hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch. Then, repeat on the left side. Feel a gentle stretch.
  • Bring your chin to your chest and look down. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch.
  • Lace your fingers behind your lower back and gently lift your chin and look up. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch and then return to neutral & roll the shoulders back and down. Smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner strength, I can absorb and magnify the love 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, December 3

Today is Friday, December 3, 2021. Finishing the work week, planning recharge time.

A quote from Princess Diana, “Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.”

Photos by Nicole Siparsky, MD

December Delights returns. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Focus on your daily self-care routine:

    • Upon waking, rehydrate with a glass of water.
    • Start your day watching the sun rise.
    • After waking, do some gentle yoga stretches or go for a morning walk.
    • Listen to uplifting music.
    • Pack your favorite lunch.
    • Buy yourself pretty flowers.
    • Enjoy some aroma therapy.

2021.12.03.collage

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.
  • For a calming lift, try Bumble Bee Breathing.
    • Continuing to Belly breath, inhale through your nose, cover your ears with the palms of your hands.
    • Exhale making a bumble bee buzz, continue to exhale for as long as you can. Repeat this cycle for at least 3 breaths.
    • When done, check in with your body and notice the calming response.

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, December 1

Today is Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Appreciating the beauty and joy of the birds sitting outside my window.

A quote from Eleanor Roosevelt. “Friendship with oneself is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.”

Photo by Nicole Siparsky, MD: Wicker Park Fall

December Delights returns. This December lets focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

You can use positive affirmations throughout the day to honor your life’s path.

  • Post positive affirmations on sticky notes and place them where you will see them often: on your computer, the refrigerator, the mirror; in your car, your wallet, your calendar.
    • I believe in myself.
    • I deserve to be happy.
    • Everything is temporary.
    • I accept all of me with Love.
    • I am growing wiser each day.
    • I honor my life’s path.

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.
  • For a calming lift, try Bumble Bee Breathing.
    • Continuing to Belly breath, inhale through your nose, cover your ears with the palms of your hands.
    • Exhale making a bumble bee buzz, continue to exhale for as long as you can. Repeat this cycle for at least 3 breaths.
    • When done, check in with your body and notice the calming response.

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 

Monday, November 29

Today is Monday, November 29, 2021. Reflecting on personal growth over the years.

An inspiring quote from Viktor Frankl, “The one thing you can’t take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.”

Photos by Dan Deziel: Autumn Shroud, Morning Sparkle

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

Explore a new culture or religion.

    • Check out a library book.
    • Spend some time with someone from a different culture or religion.
    • Explore a new community or neighborhood—visit museums, parks and restaurants.
    • Try new spices and recipes.

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.
    • For a calming lift, try Bumble Bee Breathing.
      • Continuing to Belly breath, inhale through your nose, cover your ears with the palms of your hands.
      • Exhale making a bumble bee buzz, continue to exhale for as long as you can. Repeat this cycle for at least 3 breaths.
      • When done, check in with your body and notice the calming response.

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 

Friday, November 26

Today is Friday, November 26, 2021. Reflecting on special moments and their significance.

A quote from John F. Kennedy. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

Photos by: Fran Lee

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

Create a time capsule to capture special moments in your life. In a special box or even a shoe box, place mementos that represent significant points in your life. Place the box in an out-of-the-way place for you to enjoy in the future.

    • Favorite music
    • Newspaper article
    • Favorite book
    • Favorite outfit
    • Sports equipment from enjoyed activities
    • Special award or recognition
    • Photos

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.
    • As you continue your belly breaths focus on the inhale.
    • Next as you exhale try to extend your exhale for an extra second or two
    • Smile in appreciation for this moment of recharge.

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

Friday, November 19

Today is Friday, November 19, 2021. Just being. Seeing the world changing daily.  

A quote from Agnetha Faltskog, “My path has not been determined. I shall have more experiences and pass many more milestones.”

Photos by: Susan Chubinskaya

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

Explore new ways to laugh and play.

    • Read a favorite comic series.
    • Gift & play funny board games.
    • Plan an outing at a comedy club.
    • Watch a hilarious movie with a friend.
    • Hang out with people who know how to laugh and play.
    • Spend time with a pet.
    • Start collecting funny stories, quotes, pictures that you can return to in the future.
    • Watch a baby or toddler who is laughing hysterically.
    • Look for funny photos.

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