Tag: centering

Monday, June 13

Today is Monday, June 13, 2022.  Walking through the neighborhood enjoying the smells of fresh cut grass, flowers, fresh rain.  What smells of Spring and Summer do you enjoy?

A quote by Diane Ackerman.  “Nothing is more memorable than a smell.  One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains.”

Photo by: Lisette Coullard

Finding Joy in June.  As we start the second half of the year let’s focus on ways we can find joy.

Filling your home or workplace with pleasant aromas can calm the nervous system and spark joy.

    • Burn a beautifully scented candle or incense
    • Buy flowers
    • Cook your favorite meal
    • Drink your favorite tea
    • Add cinnamon to your coffee

Use 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 “joy” 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, June 10

Today is Friday, June 10, 2022. Feeling grateful for finding joy all around me.

A quote by Mark Twain. “To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.”

Photo by chendongshan

Finding Joy in June.  For the second half of the year, let’s focus on ways we can find joy. Being joyful can extend your life, relieve stress, and pain, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Staying connected with others fosters opportunities to experience joy.

  • Organize a “pot luck” dinner with your neighbors
  • Form a walking group with your coworkers at lunch
  • Plan a regular family game night
  • Reconnect with some old classmates

Use 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. 
  • As you continue to Belly breath, inhale past or current joyful moments, exhale difficult or challenging moments.

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, May 30

Today is Monday, May 30, 2022. A day of reflection, awareness and gratitude.

A quote by Thucydides, “The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom, courage.”

Photo by Marcos Paolo Prado

Closing out May, to practice connecting with happiness, even if only for  moments at a time. Here’s a wrap up of the links to happiness practices and tips from this month.

May 2 Getting Outside

May 4 Laughter

May 6 Dance

May 9 Flowers

May 11 Connection with others

May 13 Volunteering

May 16 Star-gazing

May 18 Decluttering

May 20 Pleasant scents

May 23 Rest and sleep

May 25 Music

May 27 Happiness factors

Use 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.
    • Listen to your breath as you continue to breathe deeply. Allow yourself to pause your activity and just listen and feel your breath moving in and out of your body.

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, May 27

Today is Friday, May 27, 2022. Seeing the new growth on the trees and bushes, listening to the ducklings finally large enough to stand taller than the grass, observing the maple tree “helicopters” flutter to the ground.

A quote by Lucy Larcom, “He who plants a tree, plants a hope.”

Photo by César Ardila

Continuing a Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others. Use your imagination to picture what a happy day could look and feel like. Consider, what can you add to your life from that image? What can you be doing now, to increase those “happiness factors” in your life?

Use 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 fresh air, allow the energy to flow throughout the body.
    • Exhale the unnecessary, feel the body reset.
    • Repeat several more times and 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 

Friday, May 20

Today is Friday, May 20, 2022.  Can’t help but smile watching the ducklings pause in the grass, distracted by something, then run to catch up with their parents.

A quote by Aristotle, “Happiness depends on ourselves.”

Photo, Miniature Cactus Flowers, taken by Nicole Siparsky, MD

Continuing a Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others.  Engaging familiar, pleasant scents can elicit happy feelings.

    • Walk through a floral garden, along the beach, in the woods or across a fresh cut lawn.
    • Cook a favorite dish.
    • Grind coffee beans.
    • Brew a fragrant tea.
    • Infuse water with herbs.
    • Add a favorite essential oil to your bath towels.
    • Wear your favorite perfume or cologne.
    • Boil orange peels and/or cinnamon.

Use 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.
    • Gently stretch your neck muscles as you tilt your head to the right for a breath cycle, releasing the shoulders. Repeat on the other side.
    • Continuing to breathe, gently stretch your neck muscles as you tilt your head up with a breath cycle and down with a breath cycle. Keep the shoulders relaxed 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, May 18

Today is Wednesday, May 18, 2022.  Looking at the clouds, imagining what they feel like.

A quote by Trevor Carss, “Out of calmness comes clarity.”

Photo taken by Dan Deziel, May Dawn

Continuing a Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others.  Declutter a space.  Decluttering has been shown to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.

    • Organize your cabinets and closets
    • Clean off your desk
    • Do a spring cleanup in the garden
    • Wash your car
    • File, scan or recycle papers
    • Find a home for all the toys

Use 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.
    • Gently stretch your neck muscles as you tilt your head to the right for a breath cycle, releasing the shoulders. Repeat on the other side.
    • Continuing to breathe, gently stretch your neck muscles as you tilt your head up with a breath cycle and down with a breath cycle. Keep the shoulders relaxed 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, May 16

Today is Monday, May 16, 2022.  Looking up to the sky imagining all the possibilities.

A quote by Jack Kerouac. “Maybe that’s what life is—a wink of the eye and winking stars.”

Photo taken by Brad West

Continuing a Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others.  Try some star gazing.  Star gazing can boost your creativity, calm your soul and inspire you.

    • Go to a park in the evening and count the stars
    • Plan a camping trip
    • Keep a star gazing diary
    • Write a poem to the moon or the stars
    • Visit a planetarium

Use 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.
    • Gently stretch your neck muscles as you tilt your head to the right for a breath cycle, releasing the shoulders. Repeat on the other side.
    • Continuing to breathe, gently stretch your neck muscles as you tilt your head up with a breath cycle and down with a breath cycle. Keep the shoulders relaxed 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, May 13

Today is Friday, May 13, 2022.  Wondering how can I be helpful today?

A quote by:  Helen Keller. “The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” 

Photo taken by: Fran Lee

Continuing a Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY, even for a brief moment.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others.  Volunteering offers us an opportunity to connect with others and it is naturally rewarding.

    • Volunteer or donate to your favorite charity
    • Contribute at a food shelter
    • Help out at an animal shelter
    • Do the grocery shopping for an elderly neighbor
    • Cut your neighbor’s lawn

Use 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.
    • Explore alternate nostril breathing, starting by exhaling completely.
    • Alternating from one side to the other, close one nostril with your thumb to breathe in and then repeat with the other nostril to breathe out.
    • Breathe in Left nostril, breathe out Right nostril. Breathe in Right nostril, breathe out Left nostril.
    • Continue this sequence for several more cycles.
    • Smile at completing this self-care activity.

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, May 9

Today is Monday May 9, 2022.  Appreciating the pleasant aromas flowers provide.

A quote by Lady Bird Johnson.  “Where flowers bloom so does hope.”

Photo taken by: Fran Lee

We continue this Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY, even for a brief moment.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others.  Research has shown flowers make you happier. 😊

    • Pick some flowers from your garden to enjoy them inside
    • Send flowers to someone you care about
    • Visit your favorite park that has beautiful flower gardens
    • Peruse your favorite garden center
    • Engage your senses at a botanical conservatory

Use 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.
    • Explore alternate nostril breathing, starting by exhaling completely.
    • Alternating from one side to the other, close one nostril with your thumb to breathe in and then repeat with the other nostril to breathe out.
    • Breathe in Left nostril, breathe out Right nostril. Breathe in Right nostril, breathe out Left nostril.
    • Continue this sequence for several more cycles.
    • Smile at completing this self-care activity.

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 29

 Today is Friday, April 29, 2022. Wondering what good I can contribute today.

A quote by Joseph Campbell “Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.”

Photo taken by Tony

April is about Springing forward.  Let’s close the month with an activity for continued growth. Reflect on what areas of your life you want to grow in and choose a focus area to just think about. Some examples are below. Writing some of your thoughts may activate your mind to help you.

    • Personal relationships: Making new friends? Reconnecting with friends? Spending more time with loved ones? Creating deeper connections?
    • Your career, your calling: Changing career path? Engaging in more meaningful work? Pursuing your dream work? Realigning with your values? Taking classes?
    • Charity: Improving ways to volunteer or contribute in more meaningful ways? Discovering additional ways to serve others? Joining organizations that make a difference?
    • Personal health: Getting check ups and screenings? Learning about and implementing a nutrition strategy to promote health and healing? Establishing physical activity goals and plans? Setting self-care routines? Blocking enough time to sleep? Finding mental and/or spiritual support?

Use 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.
    • With every refreshing breath cycle, think about an individual that you appreciate and send out positive energy and warmth to that individual.
    • 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 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