Tag: joy

Wednesday, June 22

Today is Wednesday, June 22, 2022.  Watching the birds playing in the trees.

A quote by Danielle LaPorte, “Joy is the most magnetic force in the universe.”

Photo by Nicole Siparsky, MD. Rainbow Falls, Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina (2022).

Finding Joy in June.  As we start the second half of the year let’s focus on ways we can find joy.

Practice seeing and appreciating progress for your efforts towards an aspiration or goal. This builds opportunities for experiencing joy. Examples:

    • Track the word count and watch it increase as you write something to share.
    • Mark on the calendar everyday that you take action towards your goal & relish the increasing number of days you are taking action.
    • Add a photo or other memento in a scrapbook of each mini-milestone.
    • Review your activity monitor and notice when you increase steps, distance, calories, speed, intensity, frequency of activity.
    • Appreciate every course assignment or project you complete towards a degree or certificate.
    • Celebrate every day that you stay true to your intentions.

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.
    • Repeat positive affirmations throughout your day, while smiling:
      • My mind is peaceful.
      • I choose to act and react peacefully.
      • I illuminate peace around me.

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, June 20

Today is Monday, June 20, 2022.  Starting the week with the joyful thoughts of a great week ahead.

A quote by Cassia Leo. “Once you see the good in someone, it’s hard not to notice the good in everyone.”

Photo by johan63

Finding Joy in June.  As we start the second half of the year let’s focus on ways we can find joy.

Seek the good in others, and notice the effect it has on you when you focus on the good.

    • Look for the good with everyone you come in contact with, even if you are having a difficult interaction. Some qualities you might notice are:
      • Creativity
      • Kindness
      • Humor
      • Intelligence
    • Enjoy your interactions with others.

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.
    • Repeat positive affirmations throughout your day, while smiling.
      • My mind is peaceful.
      • I choose to act and react peacefully.
      • I illuminate peace around me.

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 

Friday, June 17

Today is Friday, June 17, 2022.  Tapping into the excitement of a Friday.

A quote by Albert Einstein, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”

Photo by Dan Deziel

Finding Joy in June.  As we start the second half of the year let’s focus on ways we can find joy.

Move joyfully!

    • Put on your favorite music and dance!
    • Take a walk or ride with a partner, friend, family member.
    • Engage in an invigorating exercise class.
    • Hike or bike with a group.
    • Engage in a water sport on a sunny day.
    • Work in the Community Garden or on a farm.
    • Train for a charity walk/run/bike event.
    • Build or paint something large that requires physical movement.
    • Go horseback riding.
    • Explore the outdoors with your dog.
    • Swim laps meditatively.

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.
    • Choose a centering word that is neutral to you and simple. You might choose “now” or “joy” or “peace.”
      • As you exhale, say your chosen word. Focus on the vibration of the word as you hear it. Repeat.
      • As you exhale and say your word, imagine dropping a smooth pebble in clear water and watch it settle gently on the bottom, relaxed and comfortable.
      • Finally, as you continue your deep belly breaths, notice that the ripples on the water are gently gliding out. Repeat your word on every exhale until the ripples have settled.

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, June 15

Today is Wednesday, June 15, 2022.  Being open to seeing the beauty and joy in unexpected places.

A quote by Henri J.M. Nouwen “At every moment of our life we have an opportunity to choose joy.”

Photo by: ABGlavin

Finding Joy in June.  As we start the second half of the year let’s focus on ways we can find joy.

Organizing your home or workspace can help lower stress, clear your mind, and promote positive energy.

    • Donate old books and clothes to benefit others
    • Reduce electronic use to calm the number of brain inputs
    • Go through “old papers” and scan/file/toss
    • Organize your favorite photos and artwork in a pleasing display
    • Arrange your fashion accessories for easy access
    • Limit the number of piles in a single room
    • Put similar items together and eliminate any unnecessary excess

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.
    • Choose a centering word that is neutral to you and simple. You might choose “now” or “joy” or “peace.”
      • As you exhale, say your chosen word. Focus on the vibration of the word as you hear it. Repeat.
      • As you exhale and say your word, imagine dropping a smooth pebble in clear water and watch it settle gently on the bottom, relaxed and comfortable.
      • Finally, as you continue your deep belly breaths, notice that the ripples on the water are gently gliding out. Repeat your word on every exhale until the ripples have settled.

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, June 13

Today is Monday, June 13, 2022.  Walking through the neighborhood enjoying the smells of fresh cut grass, flowers, fresh rain.  What smells of Spring and Summer do you enjoy?

A quote by Diane Ackerman.  “Nothing is more memorable than a smell.  One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains.”

Photo by: Lisette Coullard

Finding Joy in June.  As we start the second half of the year let’s focus on ways we can find joy.

Filling your home or workplace with pleasant aromas can calm the nervous system and spark joy.

    • Burn a beautifully scented candle or incense
    • Buy flowers
    • Cook your favorite meal
    • Drink your favorite tea
    • Add cinnamon to your coffee

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.
    • Choose a centering word that is neutral to you and simple. You might choose “now” or “joy” or “peace.”
      • As you exhale, say your chosen word. Focus on the vibration of the word as you hear it. Repeat.
      • As you exhale and say your word, imagine dropping a smooth pebble in clear water and watch it settle gently on the bottom, relaxed and comfortable.
      • Finally, as you continue your deep belly breaths, notice that the ripples on the water are gently gliding out. Repeat your word on every exhale until the ripples have settled.

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, June 6

Today is Monday, June 6, 2022. Enjoying the sun rays shining through the tree branches.

A quote by Jonathan Lockwood Huie, “Joy blooms where minds and hearts are open.”

Photo by Fran Lee

Finding Joy in June.  For the second half of the year, let’s focus on ways we can find joy. Being joyful can extend your life, relieve stress, and pain, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Plan for Joy.  We plan for retirement, plan for health with health-promoting diet and exercise. Let’s think of ways we can plan for JOY.

    • Wake up ten minutes earlier to schedule some quite time to reflect
    • Savor the small things: the smell of tea or coffee in the morning, birds chirping, leaves gently waving in the breeze, fluffy clouds
    • Choose to think happy thoughts in the morning to start your day; end your day reflecting on all the good you experienced today
    • Journal about Joy
    • Start to plan your dream vacation

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.
    • As you continue to Belly breath, inhale past or current joyful moments, exhale difficult or challenging moments.

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 

Friday, June 3

Today is Friday, June 3, 2022. Thinking, “How can I share some joy today?”

A quote by Rumi.  “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”

Photo by Scott Carroll

Finding Joy in June.  For the second half of the year, let’s focus on ways we can find joy. Being joyful can extend your life, relieve stress, and pain, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Spreading joy brings joy to others and to you as well.

    • Say “Good Morning” to your coworkers
    • Hold the door open for someone
    • Send a nice email to a colleague
    • Smile and appreciate another
    • Help someone with their garden
    • Share an uplifting story
    • Plant a tree in honor of someone special

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.
    • Listen to your breath as you continue to breathe deeply. Allow yourself to pause your activity and just listen and feel your breath moving in and out of your body.

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, June 1

Today is Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Today is the start of the second half of 2022.

A quote by John Keates.  “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

Photo by Kedar Gadge

Finding Joy in June.  As we start the second half of the year, let’s focus on ways we can find joy. Being joyful can extend your life, relieve stress and pain, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Start your day with joy:

    • Put on your favorite outfit
    • Wear perfume or cologne
    • Try a new hair style
    • Wear jewelry—accessorize
    • Try a new shade of lipstick
    • Put on some fun socks

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.
    • Listen to your breath as you continue to breathe deeply. Allow yourself to pause your activity and just listen and feel your breath moving in and out of your body.

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    

Friday, April 8

Today is Friday, April 8, 2022. So excited, the bulbs are visible.

A quote by Janice Anderson, “Nature is one of the most underutilized treasures in life. It has the power to unburden hearts and reconnect to that inner place of peace.”

 Photo from Nicole Siparsky, MD, Crocus emerging in a Wicker Park garden

April is about Springing forward.  Let’s take some time to explore strategies and activities for continued growth.  Start your day with the intention to recognize moments of joy during the day.

    • Making spontaneous eye contact and smiling with acknowledgement of the other person.
    • Completing a task.
    • Enjoying reading.
    • Listening to favorite music.
    • Watching a child laugh, play, discover, persist at trying something, succeed.
    • Feeling proud of something you did well.
    • Sharing with a friend.
    • Engaging in warm conversation.

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.
    • As you continue to belly breathe, smile. Connect to the sensations on your face.  Notice how it feels to bring a gentle smile to your face.

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 

Wednesday, January 12

Today is Wednesday, January 12, 2022.  Midweek, getting in the groove.

A quote by astronaut Chris Hadfield, “Life is full of so many small, unexpected pleasures, not just in space but right here on Earth, and I think I see them more clearly now than I used to because microgravity insists you pay attention.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD, Boats off the coast of St. Martin at Sunset

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.

Let’s spend this week reflecting on our vision of health for 2022. Ask yourself:

    • What or who causes me to laugh out loud?
    • What or who makes me feel great about myself?
    • What or who is so special and holds a special place in my heart?
    • What or who do I appreciate?
    • What or who adds positivity in the world?

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.
      • Massage your left hand starting with your palms, then work your way to the ends of each finger.
      • Massage your right hand the same way.
      • Clasp your hands together, then release and shake out your hands and let your hands be loose.

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