Tag: creativity

Monday, October 3

Today is Monday, October 3, 2022. Beginning the week with pumpkins on the mind.

A quote by Anna Deavere Smith, “Friendship is a wildly underrated medication.”

Photo by: Eric Masur

October is the perfect time to engage your inner creative self. Start with a creative decorative change in a space at home. This might be some seasonal decorations for your front door area, your kitchen or your bedroom. Consider meaningful photos, scented candles, a seasonal plant, different color scheme or displaying your family’s artwork.

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 

Wednesday, July 6

Today is Wednesday, July 6, 2022.  Looking up to the sky, seeing all the possibilities.

A quote by Yo-Yo Ma.  “When you learn something from people or from a culture, you accept it as a gift, and it is your lifelong commitment to preserve it and build on it.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD

July is for sharing.  The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  For some, the first week of July is a holiday celebrated with friends and family.  For the beginning of July let’s explore ways to share culture.  Explore a culture through the arts.

    • Watch a movie from the country you are exploring
    • Visit a museum or cultural center
    • Listen to music
    • Check out a travel book

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:

    • 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.
    • Practice Physical grounding
      • When you are sitting in your chair take a few seconds to feel your feet on the ground, feel your buttocks on the seat, feel your back against the chair.
      • As your feet are grounded, with each deep belly breathe out, allow your shoulders to release and loosen.

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, 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, October 22

Today is Friday, October 22, 2021. Pumpkins look relaxed, hanging out in the field.

A quote from Buddha, “Each morning, we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”

Photo by: Dan Deziel, “October”

This October, the focus is on the integration of life experiences, staying equally connected to optimism, as to any other belief or attitude.

Optimism can be defined as cheerfulness or hopefulness about the future. Allowing time for optimism creates balance.

Spending time indulging creative joys can refresh the mood.

    • Write a poem or lyrics to a song.
    • Draw or paint with an open heart.
    • Rearrange some furniture.
    • Create a fresh wreath or flower arrangement.
    • Invent a new spice combination and recipe.
    • Choreograph new dance moves to favorite 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.
  • Look up to the sky.
  • Let your mind relax into the awareness of the infinite open space.
  • If you wish, release your worries into the vast openness of the universe.

*Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. As I connect to my courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to new ideas and change.  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