Tag: inspiration

Friday, April 22

Today is Friday, April 22, 2022. Relishing the longer days.

A quote by Venus Williams, “Some people say I have attitude – maybe I do…but I think you have to. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does – that makes you a winner right there.”

Photo taken by Dan Deziel, Sunset Moon

April is about Springing forward.  Let’s take some time to explore strategies and activities for continued growth. Identify the people, places and things that inspire you, remind you and reconnect you with your best self. Engage with them regularly. Examples may be:

    • Role models, mentors, teachers, spiritual guides, counselors, children, family, friends, colleagues, pets, etc.
    • Gardens, outdoors in nature, spa, farm, home, school, work, library, charity, museum, theatre, etc.
    • Journal entries, mission statement, inspirational quotes, photo album, art, book, music, poem, etc.

Use 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.
    • Continue to belly breath. As you breath in, open your arms wide and lift your chest; as you breath out, wrap your arms around the body bringing the chin towards the heart. Notice the sense of flow; we can choose to open AND close.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the Love 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, January 21

Today is Friday, January 21, 2022.  Watching a duck diving in Lake Michigan, oblivious of the chill.

A quote by a Lupita Nyong’o, “What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion, for yourself and those around you.”

Photo of Lake Michigan Sand Dunes and Coastal Marsh in Winter by Nicole Siparsky, MD

With the launch of the New Year, for the month of January, we focus on clarifying and connecting with our vision for 2022. 

A vision that shows you the future you want, can recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it.  It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. This month, we enhance our vision for our personal life and our relationships.

For those challenging moments, return to a library of inspiration.

    • Collect and add to a list of inspirational quotes.
    • Create a scrapbook of photos that remind you of your vision.
    • Keep a record of moments that count towards your vision to remind yourself of your progress.
    • Organize an activating music playlist.
    • Make a commitment to your vision and share it with a trusted person to share the journey with.

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.
      • When you inhale breath in your vision.
      • When you exhale, exhale out the obstacles to your vision.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, 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, January 3

Today is Monday, January 3, 2022.  For many, today is the first work day of the new year, feeling energized for the opportunities ahead.

A quote by Munia Khan: “New Years is the glittering light to brighten the dream-lined pathway of future.”

Photo by: yanikap

As we start the New Year, let’s reflect on our individual visions for 2022. 

A vision that shows you the future you want, can recharge your hope and excitement when you tap into it.  It can provide you with encouragement to achieve goals, offer something to cling to when you experience fear, and provide a sense of pride when you see your vision manifest. Let’s take some time this month to explore our vision for our personal life and our relationships.

Let’s begin this first week reflecting on your vision for 2022. Consider the following journal prompts.

Ask yourself:

    • What am I inspired to do?
    • What would I want to do more than anything else even if I was never paid for it?
    • What do I love so much that I could forget to eat or sleep?
    • What is the idea that never leaves me?
    • What does my desired future look like, feel like?

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 breathe picture your vision.
    • Smile to yourself.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, 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, January 8

Today is Friday, January 8, 2021. Focusing on the boost from walking outdoors even in colder weather. Accepting the weather as it comes and adjusting plans accordingly.

An inspirational quote by Rosa Parks. “Each person must live their life as a model for others.”

The Joy of January. This is a symbolic month to launch a new year to lay the foundation for a brighter future. 

Fridays can be days for reflection and releasing. Pause and review the past week. What did you feel good about? When did you smile? Who added laughter into your life?

Photo by Casey Horner

Use this Mindfulness Activity to calm 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.
    • Breathe in Energy & Generate vibrations.
      1. Take a deep breath in, feeling your lungs expand.
      2. When you breath out, smile and hum loudly. Feel the vibrations in your neck.
      3. Repeat 2 times and notice those vibrations rippling outward. Smile to yourself.

Recharge yourself and spread love 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.”

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 

Monday, December 7

Today is Monday, December 7, 2020. It is International Civil Aviation Day, a day to thank all those who make it possible for us to fly.

Delights in December. 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.

After allowing moments of quiet, close out the moment with a smile & put your arms outstretched, overhead. Think about and recognize a gift of kindness from someone. It can be a stranger or someone you know.

    • Holding the door open.
    • Letting you go ahead in line.
    • Sending you a note of gratitude.
    • Picking up something you dropped.
    • Cooking or sharing a hot beverage with you.
    • Forwarding a funny meme or cartoon.
    • Texting or calling you to check in and see how you are doing.

Focusing on how others share kindness can generate more random acts of kindness towards someone else.

An inspirational quote by Maya Angelou, “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”

Photo by: Vitaly Sacred

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 

Monday, November 16

Today is Monday, November 16, 2020. Many connected around the world in creative ways to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This is a season to tap into love, joy and warm wishes.

November is for nesting, nourishing, and nurturing.

While the winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, nature reminds us to slow down and recharge in more quiet ways. As animals hibernate or move to warmer climates, we invite you to explore nourishing activities for your mind and body.

We begin today with a series of prompts that can be used to create your personal list of activities that shift your energy and are relaxing or calming for you. You can organize the list by location or amount of time it works best in. Keeping this list easily accessible (i.e. in your planner, notes app or as a photo on your phone) for those moments you may need it. We will keep adding to it.

Today, we focus on creating a list of physical activities. Organize the list in order of easiest to do anywhere or shortest amount of time to longest amount of time required. That way, when you need a quick burst to reset you, it will be the first thing you see.

Here are some examples that you may put on your list: shake out your whole body, walk, take the stairs, run, hold plank pose, practice Sun Salutations (yoga), dance, air boxing, gardening, dribble a ball, kick a hacky sack, pump out a workout from an app, lift weights, practice tai chi or martial arts, play with kids or pet, jumping jacks, burpees, squats, lunges, push ups, ab crunches, stretches, jump rope, hula hoop, swim, practice sports moves, rowing, biking, skating, pilates, etc.

An inspirational Quote from Carol Welch, “Movement is medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states.”

Photo by: Aswathy N

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.
  • Now reach up both arms, outstretched, raise your chin and breathe in fresh energy, smile and breathe out with a sigh, “ahhh…”
  • Repeat 2 more times, then lower your arms and release your shoulders.
  • Smile inside and carry your sense of calm with you.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, November 13

Today is Friday, November 13, 2020. Today is World Kindness Day. It is a day to spread and promote kindness.

November is for nesting, nourishing, and nurturing.

While the winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, nature reminds us to slow down and recharge in more quiet ways. As animals hibernate or move to warmer climates, we invite you to explore nourishing activities for your mind and body.

Different teas can have various health benefits and can be soothing or refreshing. Today, or this weekend is the perfect time to try a new kind of tea or add a new flavor to your tea.

For a tea with caffeine, try cinnamon or cardamom with a black tea, or add ginger or lemongrass or mint with a green tea. Oolong and white teas are less commonly available and offer unique flavor experiences worth trying.

For a caffeine-free tea, explore rooibos with vanilla or chai spices or consider herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile, which both can be infused with lavender or lemon.

Teas can be perfectly warming or iced for refreshment. Sharing tea with others can also be a way to spread and promote kindness.

An inspirational Quote Kevin Heath, “Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference.”

Photo by: Annie Spratt

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.
    • Release your eye muscles with 3 breaths, allowing your eyes to rest.
    • Loosen your jaw muscles and let your mouth and lips rest. Allow 3 breaths.
    • Let your hands gently rest. Be present with yourself and enjoy this pause to refresh.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, October 2

Today is Friday, October 2, 2020.  Fridays are for family, friends and fun.

For the month of October, we invite you to our first Fun & Friendly Fridays.

Take a moment to reach out to (at least) one friend and send a warm note or set up a time to connect. Letting someone know you are thinking of them creates positive energy that is welcome and often just what is needed at the end of the week.

An inspirational Quote from Audrey Hepburn. “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.

Photo by: Hudson Hintze

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and learning every day. I am part of the global community. I love myself 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 out to all people. We are all connected. We can be resilient 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.
    • Now reach up as high as possible and then bend forward as if folding in half, knees soft or bent. Release your shoulders and take 3 cleansing breaths.
    • Roll up gently, keeping shoulders loose.
    • Look ahead and smile.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP