Tag: culture

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, July 4

Today is Monday, July 4, 2022.  Enjoying the warm breeze and spending the day with family and friends.

A quote by Robert Alan.  “Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity.”

Photo by: Dovapi

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 our culture.  We can appreciate a culture by exploring its cuisine.

    • Research the history of a culture’s cuisine
    • Select a few recipes that you would like to experience
    • Visit a grocery store that specializes in ethnic foods
    • Host a dinner sharing the new recipes

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 buttock 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 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