Tag: connection

Friday, January 21

Today is Friday, January 21, 2022.  Watching a duck diving in Lake Michigan, oblivious of the chill.

A quote by a Lupita Nyong’o, “What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion, for yourself and those around you.”

Photo of Lake Michigan Sand Dunes and Coastal Marsh in Winter by Nicole Siparsky, MD

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.

For those challenging moments, return to a library of inspiration.

    • Collect and add to a list of inspirational quotes.
    • Create a scrapbook of photos that remind you of your vision.
    • Keep a record of moments that count towards your vision to remind yourself of your progress.
    • Organize an activating music playlist.
    • Make a commitment to your vision and share it with a trusted person to share the journey with.

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.
      • When you inhale breath in your vision.
      • When you exhale, exhale out the obstacles to your vision.

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 

Friday, January 14

Today is Friday, January 14, 2022.  Reflecting on the gifts a balance point can bring.

A quote by Nido Qubein: “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go.  They merely determine where you start.”

Photo by: Deniz Altindas

With the launch of the New Year, this January, focus on clarifying and connecting with your 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. Consider the following journal prompts:

    • The most important thing for my health right now is:
    • 5 reasons I want to focus on my health:
    • What activities make me feel alive?
    • What can I do to integrate enjoying life and promoting my health?

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 

Friday, December 31

Today is Friday, December 31, 2021. Enjoying quiet time this morning to reflect and dream.

A quote by Goran Persson, “Let our New Year’s resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.”

Photo by Moritz Knöringer

We close the year with December Delights. This December we focused on gifts of Love and Joy- to self and others.

Take a moment to reflect on the past year and write down everything you are proud of, happy about and satisfied with for the past year. Looking back at a calendar may help remind you of all the people, the events, the good stuff to include.

Next, write down notes about what you have learned this past year. Include some lessons learned from the mistakes, the unexpected events, or the tough times. Be kind to yourself as you reflect.

Finally, think about your dreams for the next year:

      • Who do you want to be in your life? Why?
      • What do you want to be a part of? Why?
      • What can you do to move forward towards your dreams? Then break it down into smaller chunks: What can I do in the next month? What can I do in the next week? What can I do in the next day? What can I do now?

Review your list of the good stuff and continue to add to it as you remember more of the wonder of the past year.

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.
      • Breathe in through your nose. Then, pause.
      • Slowly, breathe out through your mouth…and pause.
      • Repeat 3 times and with each breath out, release what you need from 2021 to start the next year fresh and renewed.

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 24

Today is Friday, December 24, 2021. Excitement is in the air as the weekend approaches.

A quote by Lao Tzu, “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates Love.”

Photo by Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

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

Find ways to give to others.

    • Reach out and spend time with someone who may otherwise be alone and lonely either living alone, new to the area, or living away from family and friends.
    • Volunteer to help a neighbor or a community in any way that you can.
    • Offer to mentor someone who could benefit from your experiences.
    • Notice and be generous with authentic compliments.
    • Buy something for someone else, a simple cup of coffee counts.
    • Donate toys, clothes, books, time, skills, and/or money to a charity.

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 to Belly breath, do the 5 senses exercise:
      • Notice 5 things you can see.
      • Notice 4 things you can feel.
      • Notice 3 things you can hear.
      • Notice 2 things you can smell.
      • Notice 1 thing you can taste.

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 22

Today is Wednesday, December 22, 2021. The soothing fragrance while sipping tea is calming as the day begins.

A quote by Sen Joo, “The tea session is modeled after the silence of retreat; a time to enjoy life far removed from daily existence.”

Photo by: Susan Chubinskaya, PhD, in Paris

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

Have fun and try something new with Tea:

      • Use tea leaves as a secret ingredient mixed into a homemade dry rub for cooking or use in a marinade.
      • Host a virtual Tea Party complete with games.
      • Soak in a tub with 3 teaspoons of tea leaves.
      • Relax for 10 minutes with warm moist teabags on closed eyes to reduce puffiness.
      • Use fragrant dry tea bags as drawer sachets and place in your dresser drawer.

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 to Belly breath, do the 5 senses exercise:
      • Notice 5 things you can see.
      • Notice 4 things you can feel.
      • Notice 3 things you can hear.
      • Notice 2 things you can smell.
      • Notice 1 thing you can taste.

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 

Wednesday, November 24

Today is Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Appreciating the simple gifts of nature all around us.

A quote from Elie Wiesel. “For me, every hour is grace. And I feel gratitude in my heart each time I can meet someone and look at his or her smile.”

Photos by: Paul Voltz

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

Explore Community Service opportunities:

    • Donate to or volunteer at your local food pantry.
    • Help a neighbor with fall clean up.
    • Pick up litter or trash that is not yours.
    • Prepare a meal for a family in need.

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 

Monday, November 22

Today is Monday, November 22, 2021. Appreciating the quiet moments during the day to recharge.

A quote from Eckhart Tolle. “In today’s rush we all think too much, seek too much, want too much and forget about the joy of just Being.”

Photos by: Debbie Voltz

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

Have a go at creative writing. Some possible topics to consider:

    • What your pet is thinking?
    • Describe your “Happy Place”
    • Best meal ever and why.
    • Let me introduce myself…
    • Ten years from now I will be…..

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 

 

 

 

Monday, November 15

Today is Monday, November 15, 2021. The chill in the air outside highlights the warmth inside.

A quote from Wangechi Mutu, “I believe art is a connection, like passing on a flame.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD

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

Explore art that is new to you.

    • Check out live, recorded and/or virtual theatre or concert performances. Check out the local schools, colleges, and universities to see the local talent.
    • Tour a museum in person or virtually. Guided tours or joining a tour group can expand your understanding of what you see.
    • Stroll through an art show, exhibit or fair. Let the artist share their story with you.
    • Take a pottery class and learn to throw clay on a wheel.
    • Explore dance. Take a class, watch a show, learn the corresponding music.

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