Tag: learning

Friday, October 15

Today is Friday, October 15, 2021. Using the middle of the month as a reminder to stop and see the beauty all around.

A quote from Aristotle, “In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous.”

Photo by: Joey Huang

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.

Identify one thing that you can do that can improve your understanding of the world around you. For example:

    • In a moment of strong emotion, pause and reflect on what is causing that strong emotion within.
    • When someone has a different answer or makes a different decision than you would, be curious. Deepen your wisdom by asking “why?”
    • When you encounter a new experience, capture what you can learn from it.
    • Be touched by other people’s experiences by reading, observing, listening, and sharing.

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.
  • Continuing the belly breathing, scan your body for tense areas that you can release on each exhalation.
  • On each breath cycle, allow that area to release tension as you allow those areas to refresh.

*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 

Wednesday, September 29

Today is Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Reflecting on the past and all the successful transitions we have completed.

A quote from Alan Watts “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, and join the dance.”

Photo by: Dave Hoefler

For many, September highlights the transitions of seasons and focus. Transitions offer opportunities for growth and learning. Focusing on the positive outcomes resulting from change may help smooth the transition.

Consider these journaling prompts to assist in adjusting to transition.

    • List 3 positive outcomes that may result from this change
    • I welcome this change because…
    • What about (this change) is important to me?

*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.”

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 remain anchored to your breath, use your senses for a gratitude practice
      • Bring your mind to a sight you are grateful for.
      • Next, bring your mind to a scent you appreciate.
      • Now, think about sounds.
      • Move on to textures that soothe you.
  • Continue to stay anchored to your breath and smile with gratitude.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, September 27

Today is Monday, September 27, 2021. Appreciating learning opportunities all around me.

A quote from Lin Pernille “Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.”

Photo by: Arthur Hickinbotham

For many, September highlights the transitions of seasons and focus. Transitions are opportunities to uncover the undiscovered world. Consider the below strategies to enhance learning.

    • Do a “brain dump”, write down all your ideas or possible answers to a question.
    • Have a discussion with someone you know who has a differing opinion than you.
    • Get adequate sleep and stay well hydrated.
    • Arrange to teach someone else what you are trying to learn.

*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.”

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 remain anchored to your breath, use your senses for a gratitude practice
      • Bring your mind to a sight you are grateful for.
      • Next, bring your mind to a scent you appreciate.
      • Now, think about sounds.
      • Move on to textures that soothe you.
  • Continue to stay anchored to your breath and smile with gratitude.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, February 5

Today is Friday, February 5, 2021. Being present. Gazing across the pond. Seeing a few brown leaves hanging from the branches. A robust squirrel scurried by.

An inspirational quote by Martin Luther King Jr. “Intelligence plus character, that is the true goal of education.”

February Feelings. While this month can – at times – feel cold in places where it is winter, inside, we can be glowing with warmth.

Human beings naturally learn and seeing progress is satisfying. Anytime today or this weekend, identify one thing you want to learn more about or learn to do better this month. You may already have started your learning plan. The list of options is extensive: history, cooking, kitting, coding, drawing, playing an instrument, dancing, working out, meditation, happiness, writing, organizing, cleaning, nutrition, etc.

Choose one thing and make dates with yourself to spend some time advancing your learning. To enjoy your progress, mark it someplace where you can see it. It could be hash marks for each time you spend some time on it, it could be logging it in a journal or crossing it off on the calendar, or you could add a bead or stone to a jar and see it filling up over time.

Photo by Charles Folscher

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.
    • Roll your shoulders back and lace your fingers behind you-like you are holding your own hands behind you. Let your chest puff out and take a deep breath in.
    • As you breathe out, bring your chin down gently and feel the release in the back of the neck and shoulders. Take another long breath in and out.
    • Release your hands, bring your head back to neutral, and smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am doing what I can. I am open to myself and others, and I belong to a global community. I appreciate 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 including me. We are all connected. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP