Tag: creativity

Friday, March 10

Today is Friday, March 10, 2023. This week’s practice to expand your vitality is to reclaim some personal thinking time. If this option is a tool that appeals to you, please join us.

Think about this: Your brain needs regular time to think. This is time to be curious, to integrate ideas, to think about things in new ways, to process experiences, to allow your brain to be creative and play.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Identify a regularly occurring time that doesn’t require much effort and use that time to let your mind run free and think about whatever is on your mind. The mindless activity times, like doing dishes, vacuuming or folding laundry, or during regular fixed routines like commuting, exercising, or bathing. Consider journaling or keeping a log of what you thought about.

A quote by Charles Kettering, “Our imagination is the only limit to what we can hope to have in the future.”

Thank you to Sandesh Deshmukh for this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, February 24

Today is Friday, February 24. This week’s practice to expand your vitality is by freeing the mind to be creative. If this option is a tool that appeals to you, please join us.

Think about this: From the minute we wake up until we fall asleep, there are outside influences that are designed to grab people’s attention and redirect- email, social media, news, ads, billboard signs, radio & talk shows, etc. etc. These aim to hoard anybody’s and everybody’s attention. There are also those that are meaningful and personal, specific to you and your relationships –pets, children, partners, family, classmates, coworkers, colleagues, etc. who also desire your attention. When is it your turn to attend to you?

When the brain is constantly being directed by outside influences- without sufficient time to rest and recharge – the circuits can get overloaded and feelings of anxiety or overwhelm may occur. In turn, this can interfere with mental peace and creativity, which is when the brain can play with ideas and invent something novel. Nature immersion, meditation, exercising, bathing, listening to instrumental music, drawing, journaling, or sipping unsweet tea and reading a book, all help you control your brain’s inputs and lets your brain rest and recharge, to think freely and play.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: Try deliberately postponing “brain inputs” on waking. Notice what happens if you protect some quiet time immediately after waking, before allowing digital, media, and other uncontrolled inputs. What do you think about? Where does your mind go? What do you notice? What if you direct your attention to nature, like sunshine, the sound of birds chirping, the feel of the blowing wind? Consider this activity on waking most days this week. Jot down a note each time and review it after a week.

A quote by Albert Einstein, “Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.”

Thank you to Alex Marrero for this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, November 14

Today is Monday, November 14, 2022. The sun rise: bringing new clouds, new colors, new vision.

A quote by William Arthur Ward.  “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

Photo week by Xavier_Ascanio

November is the month of Gratitude.  Express gratitude through creative gifts.  Gifts are symbols and can have significant meaning. Compose a poem that reflects your gratitude, love, and experiences with the receiver of the gift.

Practice 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.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. 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, October 21

Today is Friday, October 21, 2022. Feeling refreshed by the cool fall air.

A quote by: Victoria Erickson. “If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour.”

Photo by: Maxim Gurtovoy

October is the perfect time to engage your inner creative self.  Take some time to plan and create holiday displays to share with neighbors, family, and friends.  Create Displays for:

  • Your home
  • Work
  • Your car
  • Your garden
  • Your pets

Practice 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.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 
  •  Now, Listen…
  • Sit quietly with your hands closed in your lap
  • Close your eyes briefly
  • See if you can distinguish different sounds. Open one finger for each unique sound you can hear.

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. 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, October 19

Today is Wednesday, October 19, 2022.  Watching the leaves gently fall from the trees to blanket the gardens.

A quote by Amit Ray. “Fallen leaves on the ground are the golden song of immortal creativity”

Photo by Xurzon

October is the perfect time to engage your inner creative self.  Think about new ways to spend time with friends and family.

  • On game night, create new rules for your favorite games or try new games
  • Host a talent show
  • Throw a party based on your favorite historical event

Practice 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.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 
  •  Now, Listen…
  • Sit quietly with your hands closed in your lap
  • Close your eyes briefly
  • See if you can distinguish different sounds. Open one finger for each unique sound you can hear.

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. 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, October 17

Today is Monday, October 17, 2022. Welcoming the start of a new week, open to all the possibilities ahead!

A quote by Arthur Ashe. “Start where you are.  Use what you have. Do what you can”

Photo by Olena_Z

October is the perfect time to engage your inner creative self.  As you start the week, be creative about new ways to be active.

  • Utilize a stand-up desk
  • Sign up for a new type of exercise class
  • Continue your walking routine outside in the cooler weather
  • Take the stairs
  • Host a dance party

Practice 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.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 
  •  Now, Listen…
  • Sit quietly with your hands closed in your lap
  • Close your eyes briefly
  • See if you can distinguish different sounds. Open one finger for each unique sound you can hear.

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. 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, October 14

Today is Friday, October 14, 2022. Fall colors ablaze and alive! Hello, Weekend!

A quote by Neil Gaimen, “The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.”

Photo by Josh Hild

October is the perfect time to engage your inner creative self. Reflect on your week and use the inspiration from what you learn, to write a poem, draw, journal, write a story, create music.

Practice 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.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 
  • While standing or sitting, feel your feet on the ground, feel the support of the earth underneath you.  Once you feel the support of the earth move up the body, your, calves, knees, thighs…Appreciate the stillness and strength of the earth and you!

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. 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, October 12

Today is Wednesday, October 12, 2022. Funny hair day – and going with it.

A quote by Martha Graham, “You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost.”

Photo by Peter Hoogmoed

October is the perfect time to engage your inner creative self.  Change up your usual style for something new. See if it changes how you engage and also people respond. Change up the usual hairstyle. Try an old watch or bracelet that’s not been worn in a while. Tie a scarf in a new way. Add or subtract a bold accessory. Wear a novel bright color. Try different boots or shoes with your usual outfit.

Practice 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.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 
  • While standing or sitting, feel your feet on the ground, feel the support of the earth underneath you.  Once you feel the support of the earth move up the body, your, calves, knees, thighs…Appreciate the stillness and strength of the earth and you!

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. 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, October 10

Today is Monday, October 10, 2022. Drawing inspiration from the fall color palette.

A quote by: Albert Einstein.  “Creativity is contagious, pass it on.”

Photo by: Paul DeNio

October is the perfect time to engage your inner creative self.  Consider exploring different museums.  While there, be curious and wonder “what if…”  Explore museums in different neighborhoods and with various themes: science, art, music, fashion, trains, cultural…

Practice 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.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 
  • While standing or sitting, feel your feet on the ground, feel the support of the earth underneath you.  Once you feel the support of the earth move up the body, your, calves, knees, thighs…Appreciate the stillness and strength of the earth and you!

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. 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, October 5

Today is Wednesday, October 5, 2022.  Noticing the Autumn aromas filling the air.

A quote by Bill Moyers. “Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous.”

Photo by: mantaphoto

October is the perfect time to engage your inner creative self.  Document all the new scenes from a leisurely walk or ride.  Consider trying a new way to capture those memories:

  • Take photos
  • Write a descriptive journal entry
  • Write a poem about how you felt while walking
  • Sketch or paint the scenery

Practice 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.

Establishing a regular practice of pausing makes it easier to reset when you need it the most. You can start your practice at any time, even now.

  • 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. 
  • Keep it simple and let barriers go; breath in positive healing energy, breathe out and release that which holds you back.

Recharge yourself, tap into your strength and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. This is temporary. I have successfully handled difficult challenges in the past. 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