Friday, September 16

Today is Friday, September 16, 2022. Feeling the cool winds in the early hours.

A quote by Ella Fitzgerald, “Forgive me if I don’t have the words. Maybe I can sing it and you’ll understand.”

Photo by: Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

September, marks change and the final third of the year. It’s a great time of year to appreciate what you are doing so well. Think about all the ways you have learned, all the new experiences this year, how you and those around you have grown. Take some notes to record your progress. What will keep you moving towards your dreams, your aspirations, what’s important to you?

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. 
  • As you exhale, picture blowing out bubbles.
  • Exhale your gifts to the world in those bubbles.

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 20

Today is Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Spent last night, watching the fireflies sparkle in the evening sky. The sparkle still lingers.

A quote by Andrew Matthews, “Always speak well of yourself and consistently visualize your life working out as you want it.”

Photo by: tomertu

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.  Sharing your dreams and visions with others offers a chance to make the vision more believable to you, helps you clarify your vision, and build feelings of support for your vision.

    • Be open with friends, family, and colleagues about some or all of your vision
    • Host a party with the theme based on your vision
    • Journal about your vision
    • Visualize your vision in action

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.
    • Breathe in peace and joy as your belly rises.
    • Breathe out the unwanted feelings as your stomach releases.

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 

Wednesday, October 6

Today is Wednesday, October 6, 2021. Watching young squirrels frolic and chase each other, enjoying the warm fall day.

A quote from Harriet Tubman, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Photo by: Jeb Buchman

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. We can use optimism to achieve our dreams.

    1. Reflect on the progress you are making moving toward achieving your dreams.
    2. Journal your next steps toward reaching a dream.
    3. Visualize the positive outcomes you expect from achieving that dream.

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.
  • Stretch out your fingers and wiggle them.
  • Reach your hands forward, curve your upper back, bringing your chin down to your chest to feel a stretch for a full breath.
  • Release your arms to dangle by your side, palms forward, lifting your chin up and complete another full breath cycle.
  • Release your shoulders and neck back to neutral and smile.

*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