Tag: connection

Friday, June 3

Today is Friday, June 3, 2022. Thinking, “How can I share some joy today?”

A quote by Rumi.  “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”

Photo by Scott Carroll

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.

Spreading joy brings joy to others and to you as well.

    • Say “Good Morning” to your coworkers
    • Hold the door open for someone
    • Send a nice email to a colleague
    • Smile and appreciate another
    • Help someone with their garden
    • Share an uplifting story
    • Plant a tree in honor of someone special

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 

Wednesday, May 25

Today is Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Riding on wheels during the week- feels great to be moving forward.

A quote by Herbie Hancock, “Music is the tool to express life, and all that makes a difference.”

Photo by Bastien Plu

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. Music can elicit happiness and soothe the brain.

    • Create playlists that elicit certain moods and feelings. Upbeat and activating. Relaxing and calming. Cheerful and associated with happy memories.
    • Play an instrument. Return to an instrument you know how to play. Learn a new instrument by taking lessons online or in in person class and make new friends.
    • Sing in a choir or to your favorite music in the shower, with a karaoke machine or even in the car.
    • Serenade a loved one or sing a lullaby to a child.
    • Listen to musicians performing for an audience.
    • Enjoy your favorite music while immersing yourself in the garden or park.

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 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 

Wednesday, May 11

Today is Wednesday May 11, 2022.  Feeling the breeze cooling me from the warming sun.

A quote by: Atul Gawande “I said there are at least two kinds of satisfaction, however, and the other comes from human connection.  It comes from making others happy, understanding them, loving them.”

Photo taken by: Erin Donalson

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.  Spending time with family or friends, strengthens connections which has been shown to promote happiness.

    • Have a regular family game night
    • Eat dinner together
    • Go for a family walk after dinner
    • Reach out to a friend you have not talked to in a while
    • Have a picnic
    • Host a family reunion

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

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 

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 

Wednesday, March 16

Today is Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Tree buds looking optimistic, trusting.

An inspirational quote, “The imagination must find its own path.” by Saul Bellow

Photo from WT

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:

    • Some gardeners amend their soil with nutrients for optimal plant performance.  How can you enhance your Health-promoting Lifestyle?  Drink more water, add vegetables, allow restful sleep, meditate, add physical activity, keep a gratitude journal.
    • What will prepare the soil for what you want to grow?
    • What do you need to learn?

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 

Wednesday, February 23

Today is Wednesday, February 23, 2022. Waking up to move my body.

A quote by Pema Chodron, “We already have everything we need.”

Photo from Zion Park in Utah, shared by Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

February is the month dedicated to Love.  Love is not only a feeling it is a verb, an action. This week, reflect on how people communicate love and caring. How do you know when someone feels loved and cared for?

    • They make eye contact and smile?
    • They express gratitude and appreciation?
    • They reciprocate an act of love and caring?
    • They make more time to be together?
    • They are calmer and more satisfied?
    • They are more centered and resilient?
    • They are more open and share more?
    • They thrive?

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need it – while waiting, before, after, or in 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, inhale positive energy and feel the abundance.
    • Focus on the warmth your body’s core is generating as you exhale and add to the universe of positive energy.

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, February 18

Today is Friday, February 18, 2022. Again, watching the clouds move through the sky; a new picture to see every day. 

A quote by Anamika Mishra, “Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.”

Photo, Lake Michigan coast in winter, by Nicole Siparsky, MD

February is the month dedicated to Love.  Love is not only a feeling it is a verb, an action. This week, see the love and caring around you. 

    • Recognize when a colleague, classmate or coworker does something kind for another.
    • Notice the infinite ways humans demonstrate love and caring for one another- teaching, sharing, playing, listening, commiserating, cheering, recognizing, smiling, cleaning, cooking, creating, etc.
    • Acknowledge the intentions and demonstrations of love and caring towards you and allow yourself to relish in them.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need it – while waiting, before, after, or in 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.
    • Place one hand on your chest over your heart, place the other hand on your forehead or belly; whichever you prefer.
    • Breath in love.
    • Exhale unwanted feelings or emotions.
    • Smile at the love you give yourself 😊

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