Tag: centering

Monday, April 25

 Today is Monday, April 25, 2022. Watching the buds on the trees cheerfully swaying in the wind, starting the new week.

A quote by Matshona Dhliwayo, “If you tend to a flower, it will bloom, no matter how many weeds surround it.”

Photo taken by Hossam M. Omar

April is about Springing forward.  Let’s take some time to explore strategies and activities for continued growth. Consider the ways you can contribute to others’ growth.

    • Mentor someone to achieve their potential.
    • Sponsor an individual’s skills development, next steps.
    • Introduce people who can combine forces to solve problems.
    • Teach and open minds.
    • Inspire others by being a role model.
    • Encourage someone to develop their unique gift.
    • Share loving kindness and compassion towards others.

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 

Friday, April 22

Today is Friday, April 22, 2022. Relishing the longer days.

A quote by Venus Williams, “Some people say I have attitude – maybe I do…but I think you have to. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does – that makes you a winner right there.”

Photo taken by Dan Deziel, Sunset Moon

April is about Springing forward.  Let’s take some time to explore strategies and activities for continued growth. Identify the people, places and things that inspire you, remind you and reconnect you with your best self. Engage with them regularly. Examples may be:

    • Role models, mentors, teachers, spiritual guides, counselors, children, family, friends, colleagues, pets, etc.
    • Gardens, outdoors in nature, spa, farm, home, school, work, library, charity, museum, theatre, etc.
    • Journal entries, mission statement, inspirational quotes, photo album, art, book, music, poem, etc.

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.
    • Continue to belly breath. As you breath in, open your arms wide and lift your chest; as you breath out, wrap your arms around the body bringing the chin towards the heart. Notice the sense of flow; we can choose to open AND close.

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 

Wednesday, April 20

Today is Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Thinking about all the love and joy we receive from family and friends.

A quote by Albert Einstein “Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it.”

Photo taken by: szwedowski

April is about Springing forward.  Let’s take some time to explore strategies and activities for continued growth.  Explore ways to expand your personal “circle.”

    • Volunteer with an organization you are interested in
    • Read about new interests
    • Reconnect with old friends
    • Volunteer to work on a new project at work
    • Invite a coworker you don’t know well to tea
    • Try wearing a new color
    • Explore a different type of cuisine

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.
    • Continue to belly breath. As you breath in, open your arms wide and lift your chest; as you breath out, wrap your arms around the body bringing the chin towards the heart. Notice the sense of flow; we can choose to open AND close.

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 

Friday, April 15

Today is Friday, April 15, 2022. Appreciating friends contributing photos.

A quote by Jess C. Scott, “When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable.”

Photo taken in Wyoming’s Teton Creek by Jose Velasco, MD: “Owls represent wisdom, clairvoyance, and vigilance.”

April is about Springing forward.  Let’s take some time to explore strategies and activities for continued growth.  Routines can help you continue to navigate your path of growth.  Some ideas for the end-of-week routine:

    • Make a list of next step actions for new week to make it easy to get started.
    • Clear out the clutter from the past week to clear the mind.
    • Identify those who taught you something this past week and reflect on the lessons.
    • Forgive and let go of what you need to in order to reset and move forward.
    • Cherish those you love, those you are grateful for, and send out love.

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 breathe, inhale confidence, exhale doubt.

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 

Monday, April 11

Today is Monday, April 11, 2022. Being grateful, for the energy the sun brings.

A quote by Henry Ward Beecher.  “The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.”

 Photo from pat138241

April is about Springing forward.  Let’s take some time to explore strategies and activities for continued growth.  Routines can help you continue to navigate your path of growth.  Some ideas for our morning routine:

    • As you open your eyes to start the day, start it with a positive thought. One positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.
    • HYDRATE after you wake up, being well hydrated can offer an energy boost.
    • Listen to your favorite uplifting music, create a “morning playlist”.
    • Add a simple exercise routine, even if it is 5 or 10 minutes this can help to energize our body and day.
    • Take a few moments to reflect, meditate, pray.
    • Prioritize important tasks, don’t forget, self-care is an important task.

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 breathe, inhale confidence, exhale doubt.

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 

Friday, April 8

Today is Friday, April 8, 2022. So excited, the bulbs are visible.

A quote by Janice Anderson, “Nature is one of the most underutilized treasures in life. It has the power to unburden hearts and reconnect to that inner place of peace.”

 Photo from Nicole Siparsky, MD, Crocus emerging in a Wicker Park garden

April is about Springing forward.  Let’s take some time to explore strategies and activities for continued growth.  Start your day with the intention to recognize moments of joy during the day.

    • Making spontaneous eye contact and smiling with acknowledgement of the other person.
    • Completing a task.
    • Enjoying reading.
    • Listening to favorite music.
    • Watching a child laugh, play, discover, persist at trying something, succeed.
    • Feeling proud of something you did well.
    • Sharing with a friend.
    • Engaging in warm conversation.

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 breathe, smile. Connect to the sensations on your face.  Notice how it feels to bring a gentle smile to your face.

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 

Wednesday, March 30

Today is Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Adjusting to the early spring weather changes.

“Enough is a feast.” ~Buddhist Proverb

Photo from EJ Rodriquez

March is about opening up and fresh starts. This month, is about dreaming, planning, and setting up. Using gardening as analogy for living life, consider:

    • How can you practice compassion and acceptance when things don’t go exactly as planned?
    • How can you learn from and respond to changing circumstances?

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, visualize a lake or body of water. Connect to its vastness, connect to the waves on top and calmness beneath or connect to your favorite characteristic of the water.

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 

Friday, March 25

Today is Friday, March 25, 2022. Winds are carrying warmer air.

An inspirational quote by Luther Burbank. “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul.”

Photo from RJohn97

March is about opening up and fresh starts. This month, is about dreaming, planning, and setting up. Using gardening as analogy for living life, consider:

    • Growth takes time and sometimes, it takes time before you can see it.
    • How will you know if you are making progress, or not?
    • What can you track?

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.
    • Keeping your feet grounded and connected to the floor or earth, as you inhale, feel the energy from the ground lift you. As you exhale, feel your roots deepen and expand.  Smile in appreciation for your strength and ability to grow :-).

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 

Wednesday, March 23

Today is Wednesday, March 23, 2022. The birds are singing, welcoming spring.

An inspirational quote by Alfred Austin. “The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature.  To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body but the soul.”

Photo from Nataba

March is about opening up and fresh starts. This month, is about dreaming, planning, and setting up. Using gardening as analogy for living life, consider:

    • Regularly removing weeds from the garden supports growth.
    • What steps can you take to nurture your plans and vision?
    • How will you remember to nourish your garden?

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.
    • Keeping your feet grounded and connected to the floor or earth, as you inhale, feel the energy from the ground lift you. As you exhale, feel your roots deepen and expand.  Smile in appreciation for your strength and ability to grow :-).

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 

Friday, March 18

Today is Friday, March 18, 2022. The ponds are thawed, the water is clear…except for the future tadpoles.

An inspirational quote, “I love the challenge of starting at zero every day and seeing how much I can accomplish.” By Martha Stewart

Photo from Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

March is about opening up and fresh starts. This month, is about dreaming, planning, and setting up. Using gardening as analogy for living life, consider:

    • Your environment matters. What else can you do to nourish the soil so that it has the greatest likelihood of growing into what you will love?
    • What environmental factors can you control for the garden of your dreams to be possible?

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 each breath, think about someone or something that you appreciate, that you feel gratitude for, and smile to yourself as you reflect and send out positive energy from that space inside.

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