Tag: loving kindness

Wednesday, May 26

Today is Wednesday, May 26, 2021. Noticing floral scents of plants in bloom.

During the month of May, we are focusing on routines.  Routines can anchor us, decrease stress, foster creativity, prioritize self-care, and allow time to pursue our passions!  This week we look at routines to foster our relationships.  Let’s be curious about our work relationships, family, and friend relationships.

Family routines can help open more time for fun activities and decrease stress.

    • Listen fully.
    • Do a brain dump to help prioritize your families’ activities.
    • Organize a family game night.
    • Make time for family walks.
    • Keep a family notepad and write fun notes for each other to see.
    • Share a weekly “Show and Tell” about the week.

Photo by Tobin Rogers

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by: Mike Murdock. “The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.”

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.
    • With each exhale, use a low pitch voice and hum, “Om.”
    • Feel the vibration of your voice. Repeat 3 or more times.
    • End with a smile.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday May 7

Today is Friday May 7, 2021. When the sun rises it fills the morning sky with new vibrant colors.

During the month of May, we are focusing on routines.  Routines can anchor us, decrease stress, foster creativity, prioritize self-care, and allow time to pursue our passions!  For the first week we will look at our wake- up routine. 

    • Keep a dream journal.
    • Repeat positive affirmations:
      • I am open.
      • I can do this.
      • I am not alone and I am connected to loving kindness of others.

Photos by: Jani Harris. Above, Sedona, Arizona. Below, Saguaro Lake, Scottsdale, Arizona.

Jani HarrisRecharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Maya Angelou, “This is a wonderful day.  I’ve never seen this one before.”

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.
    • Wherever you are, pause, and notice everything in your favorite color.
    • Take another deep breath and continue on.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, May 5

Today is Wednesday, May 5, 2021. The winds are blowing fostering a change in weather.

During the month of May, we are focusing on routines.  Routines can anchor us, decrease stress, foster creativity, prioritize self-care, and allow time to pursue our passions!  For the first week we will look at our wake- up routine.

After waking and drinking water, take a moment to orient your mind and visualize a successful day.

      • What do you appreciate? Keep a running list.
      • What are the 3 most important things you want to accomplish today? Write them down.
      • Think of at least 3 specific people to send out your loving kindness to.

Photo by: Dan Deziel, “May Day”

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Thich Nhat Hanh.  “Waking up this morning, I smile. 24 brand new hours are before me.  I vow to live fully in each moment.”

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.
    • Wherever you are, pause, and notice everything in your favorite color.
    • Take another deep breath and continue on.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday May 3

Today is Monday May 3, 2021. Lily of the Valley is the birth flower for May.  It represents the return to happiness and sweetness.

During the month of May, we will focus on routines.  Routines can anchor us, decrease stress, foster creativity, prioritize self-care, and allow time to pursue our passions!  For the first week we will look at our wake- up routine, beginning today with water. 

    • During sleep we are not able to hydrate, so it’s important to rehydrate with water soon after we wake.
    • Adequate hydration is essential for concentration and focus. Grab a cup or reusable water bottle to make it easy to stay hydrated all day long.
    • Consider a cooler shower, it will energize you and get your ready for the day.

Photo by: Jeffrey Hamilton

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”

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.   
    • Wherever you are, pause, and notice everything in your favorite color.
    • Take another deep breath and continue on.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, April 28

Today is Wednesday, April 28, 2021. The days continue to get longer in the north and it seems to be adding more uplifting moments.

Ascending through April. Share something special- that you have created- with those you interact with often.

    • Prepare a family recipe and share it with your group at work, school, or home.
    • Draw or paint or sculpt something meaningful and put it out on display in a common area.
    • Share a video or audio recording you have created.
    • Send a copy of something you have written.
    • Knit, crochet, or sew an item for the group.

Photo by: Gonzalo Facello

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. We share our humaneness. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Erma Bombeck, “It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else.”

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.
    • If you want to release tension, try the STOP technique taught in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses.
      • Stop
      • Take a Breath
      • Open and Observe
      • Proceed

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, April 26

Today is Monday, April 26, 2021. Birds can be so free and they choose to stay connected with each other.

Ascending through April. Sharing creates deeper connections that can be health promoting. Exchange ideas, suggestions, resources that you have found add positively to your life.

    • Join or start a (gardening, book, robotics, cooking, exercise, etc.) club to expand your circle and get new ideas, learn new techniques, meet people with similar interests.
    • Collect a list of recommended books or podcasts in various categories.
    • Introduce someone to a hobby you enjoy – coloring, knitting, playing an instrument, coding, ballroom dancing, herb gardening.
    • Establish a recipe bank for everyone to chip into – favorites, types of food, meal types, etc.
    • Invite others to philanthropic events or charities or opportunities to volunteer.

Photo by: Alexander Schimmeck

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. We share our humaneness. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, “Love does not dominate, it cultivates.”

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.
    • If you want to release tension, try the STOP technique taught in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses.
      • Stop
      • Take a Breath
      • Open and Observe
      • Proceed

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, April 23

Today is Friday, April 23, 2021. Enjoying the seasonal transition, the birds are out and about chatting with each other.

Ascending through April. Being curious keeps the mind open to new possibilities.  Ways to foster curiosity include:

    • Ask lots of questions.
    • Avoid taking things for granted.
    • Be willing to be wrong.
    • Practice empathy to connect with others.
    • Read something new.

Photo by: Fran Lee

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. We share our humaneness. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Napoleon Hill “Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.”

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.
    • Bring your focus to your hands and release the muscles in your hands.
    • Next, bringing your hands together, gently squeeze each fingertip, one by one, until you have connected with each finger.
    • Being present, smile to yourself.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, April 21

Today is Wednesday, April 21, 2021. The birds are returning to the North to settle in for the summer.

Ascending through April. Changing your routine can enable you to view things differently.

    • Make dinner in the morning so you have more time to connect at the end of the day.
    • Use a different scented soap in the shower and see how it changes your senses.
    • Take a different walking route, maybe just on the other side of the street. Notice how this changes your perspective.
    • Try a new flavor of tea or put some lemon or lime in your water.

Photo by: Yoksel Zok

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. We share our humaneness. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Kakuzo Okakura.  “The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surrounding”.

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.
    • Bring your focus to your hands and release the muscles in your hands.
    • Next, bringing your hands together, gently squeeze each fingertip, one by one, until you have connected with each finger.
    • Being present, smile to yourself.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, April 19

Today is Monday, April 19, 2021. Every week, new blooms appear, wondering what new blooms have you seen?

Ascending through April.  A good night’s rest can help many things including: improved memory, boosting our mood and elevating athletic performance.  Consider the following to improve your sleep:

    • Consistent sleep and wake time.
    • Get exposure to natural sunlight during the day.
    • Turn off your electronics at least one hour before bedtime.
    • Consider a bedtime body scan meditation.

Photo by: Kazuo Ota

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. We share our humaneness. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Vincent van Gogh “I dream my painting and then I paint my 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.
    • Bring your focus to your hands and release the muscles in your hands.
    • Next, bringing your hands together, gently squeeze each fingertip, one by one, until you have connected with each finger.
    • Being present, smile to yourself.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, April 16

Today is Friday, April 16, 2021. Another weekend to refresh. Energized by all the new greenery.

Ascending through April. Personal growth can be fun, consider learning or incorporating a new hobby:

    • Gardening
    • Photography
    • Cooking
    • Kite flying
    • Riding a bike
    • Scrapbooking
    • Writing poetry
    • Woodworking
    • Music immersion

Photo by: Agnieszka Ziomek

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. We share our humaneness. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Robin Sharma. “The swiftest way to triple your success is to double your investment in personal development.”

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.
    • Breathe in and out deeply, calm your mind and say, “Calm mind.”
    • Breathe in and out deeply, let tension flow out your arms and say, “Peaceful body.”
    • Breathe in and out deeply, radiate kindness and say, “Kind heart.”
    • Smile and go forward.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP