Tag: delights

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, December 20

Today is Monday, December 20, 2021. Appreciating the beauty and light from December’s Cold Moon (full moon).

A quote by Angie Weiland-Crosby. “As the full moon finds its place in the darkest skies, Love will uplift despair.”

Photo by: Kym MacKinnon

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

Start a new hobby or return to a favorite hobby.

    • Baking or cooking
    • Playing a musical instrument
    • Jigsaw puzzles
    • Crossword puzzles
    • Painting
    • Fishing
    • Knitting/sewing

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, December 13

Today is Monday, December 13, 2021. Appreciating restorative rest feeling ready to embrace another opportunity to be AWESOME!

A quote from Thomas Dekker. “Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.”

Photo by: Robson Hatsukami Morgan

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

Prioritizing sleep to boost our mood and health.

  • Create a sleep routine or try a new routine.
    • Prioritize your sleep by scheduling at least 7-8 hours of time for sleep.
    • Keep your phone out of your bedroom.
    • Stop using electronics at least one hour before bed.
    • Journal your daily reflections and visualize your dream future.
    • Take a warm bath.
    • Practice meditation before bed.

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 quieting meditation before sleep, include Box breathing.
    • Continuing to Belly breath, inhale for the count of 4; hold your breath for the count of 4.
    • Then, exhale for the count of 4; and again, hold your breath for a count of 4.
    • Continue to repeat this pattern at least 4 times or until you are feeling more relaxed and ready for sleep.

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 1

Today is Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Appreciating the beauty and joy of the birds sitting outside my window.

A quote from Eleanor Roosevelt. “Friendship with oneself is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.”

Photo by Nicole Siparsky, MD: Wicker Park Fall

December Delights returns. This December lets focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

You can use positive affirmations throughout the day to honor your life’s path.

  • Post positive affirmations on sticky notes and place them where you will see them often: on your computer, the refrigerator, the mirror; in your car, your wallet, your calendar.
    • I believe in myself.
    • I deserve to be happy.
    • Everything is temporary.
    • I accept all of me with Love.
    • I am growing wiser each day.
    • I honor my life’s path.

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, December 30

Today is Wednesday, December 30, 2020.  Midweek, remembering all those who reached out and connected in the past year, deeply grateful to be a part of a global community of love.

Delights in December. Use the Daily Gift of Vitality, to allow a moment to pause and connect with what delights you. We share prompts and ideas along the way.

As we approach the last of 2020, take some time to reflect on what delight means to you. In the past year,

    1. What delighted you?
    2. When or where did you experience the most delight in your life?
    3. Who added to or shared in the delight in your life?
    4. What adds or increases delight to life?
    5. How can you generate delightful moments for yourself and others?

An inspirational quote by Mark Victor Hansen. “Dedicate yourself to the good you deserve and desire for yourself. Give yourself peace of mind. You deserve to be happy. You deserve delight.”

Photo by Alonso Reyes

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am aware of myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

Return to the Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

  • 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 Energy & Blossom.
    1. Take a deep breath in, feeling your lungs expand.
    2. When you breath out, smile and say out loud, “Aaaaah.” Feel the vibrations in your body.
    3. Repeat 2 times and notice those vibrations are different when you are smiling.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, December 18

Today is Friday, December 18, 2020.  In December 1903, Wilbur Wright flew the first airplane for 59 seconds over is distance of 852 feet

Delights in December. This month use the Daily Gift of Vitality, to allow a moment to pause and connect with what delights you. We will provide prompts and ideas along the way.

Have a solo or virtual dance party.  Explore different genres of music to dance to: Latin, Jazz, House, Disco, Rock and Roll.  Remember, “Dance like no one is watching” and have fun!

An inspirational quote by Sharon Salzberg “You can explore the universe looking for somebody who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and you will not find that person anywhere.”

Photo by: David Clode

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am human. My mind, my body, and my spirit are connected, and I am a part of a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. As humans, we can create positive energy together.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

    • 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.
    • Flex and release your calf muscles, seated or standing.
    • Lift your heels off the ground and feel your feet stretch and your calves tighten.
    • Slowly release and flex your feet by bringing your toes up towards your shins. Feel the stretch in the calves. Then release and shake out each foot.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, December 11

Today is Friday, December 11, 2020. Leading into the last 20 days of the year, it is a good time to reflect to close out this year stronger and wiser than when it started.

Delights in December. This month use the Daily Gift of Vitality, to allow a moment to pause and connect with what delights you. We will provide prompts and ideas along the way.

Allow quiet. Relax your eyes and close your eyes if it feels comfortable. Be present with yourself. Shift your thoughts to the word “Delight.” What images come to your mind? Think of times when you felt delight. What comes to mind? Are there people, places, things, or times of the year that are associated with delight for you? Jot down some notes that you can return to in the future when you want to reconnect with those thoughts of delight. Consider ways to add moments of delight for you or others this weekend.

An inspirational quote by George Henry Lewes, “Books have become our dearest companions, yielding exquisite delights and inspiring lofty aims.”

Photo by: Lester Salmins

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am human. My mind, my body, and my spirit are connected, and I am a part of a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. We are all human. We can create positive energy together.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

    • 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.
    • Relax your jaw. Gently bring your chin down to your chest, release your jaw muscles. Your mouth may open slightly.
    • Lift your head back up, leaving your jaw muscles loose and down towards your chest. Your mouth may open further.
    • Gently, lift your jaw up to close your lips and let your jaw stay relaxed. Smile and let your calm jaw muscles rest a bit more.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, December 9

Today is Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Middle of the week reminder to allow some quiet space for thoughts.

December Delights. This month use the Daily Gift of Vitality, to allow a moment to pause and connect with what delights you. We will provide prompts and ideas along the way.

Create a space of delight.

    • Create a way to experience visual delight whenever you want. It might be a photo collage, scrapbook or posterity box filled with memories or things that delight you and cheer you up to see it.
    • Consider preparing options for aromatherapy using scented delights such as a scented candle, essential oils, potpourri or put favorite fragrances in hot water like a bath or boiling water.
    • Find ways to incorporate sensory delights for the skin. Silky undergarments or pajamas. Furry blankets or fuzzy slippers. Soft and fluffy scarves, earmuffs and socks are lovely too.
    • Surround yourself with delightful sounds. Create a playlist of your favorite uplifting pieces, record yourself or someone you love, singing or serenading you, capture the delight of a baby’s or small child’s peals of uncontrolled laughter.
    • Draw or write down thoughts and images that delight you and collect them in your journal over time.

An inspirational quote by Lisa Lieberman-Wang, “When life brings big winds of change that almost blow you over, close your eyes, hold on tight, and believe.”

Photo by: Yuiizaa September

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am human. My mind, my body, and my spirit are connected, and I am a part of a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. We are all human. We can create positive energy together.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

    • 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.
    • Relax your jaw. Gently bring your chin down to your chest, release your jaw muscles. Your mouth may open slightly.
    • Lift your head back up, leaving your jaw muscles loose and down towards your chest. Your mouth may open further.
    • Gently, lift your jaw up to close your lips and let your jaw stay relaxed. Smile and let your calm jaw muscles rest a bit more.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, December 2

Today is Wednesday, December 2, 2020. The “Forest Man of India,” Jadav Payeng (1963-) has been planting trees for over 40 years since he was a teenager and he has created a forest of over 1,360 acres on once barren land. Tigers, elephants, rhinos, monkeys, deer, birds, and various other animals now call Molai forest “home.”

Delights in December. This month, use the Daily Gift of Vitality, to allow a moment to pause and connect with what delights you. We will provide prompts and ideas along the way.

Do something that makes you giggle. Here are some ideas to get started:

    • Spend time with a young child.
    • Play with a loving pet.
    • Talk to your funny friend, family or coworker.
    • Listen to a favorite comedian, funny podcast or audiobook.
    • Check out the “Humor” sections of websites that have fun visual posts like Pinterest.
    • Watch a movie or show that is listed in the “Comedy” genre.
    • Watch a baby or child giggling uncontrollably; there are many clips online.

An inspirational quote by Heidi Wills, “We can choose to be affected by the world or we can choose to affect the world.”

Photo by: Trevor Pye

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am human. My mind, my body, and my spirit are connected, and I am a part of a global community. I love myself and others because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people. We are all human. We can create positive energy together.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

    • 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.
    • Open hands and rotate palms out and shake out and shimmy your shoulders. Smile.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP