Tag: mindfulness

Friday, December 30

Today is Friday, December 30, 2022. Snuggled up ready for a brisk walk outside.

A quote by Ryunosuke Satoro, “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”

Photo by: Birger Strahl

This last week of the year, another year to set up for continued progress. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. As you reflect back on your accomplishments for the past year, were there times that you allowed yourself grace in dealing with challenging situations.  How did that feel?

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. 
    • Visualize your healing breath.
      • As you breathe in and feel your lungs inflate, visualize that flow of oxygen reach all parts of your body & revitalize all of your cells.
      • As you breathe out, feel your body settle.
      • With each breath, feel how you are recharging your body.
      • Remember, you were designed to heal.

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, December 28

Today is Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Reading a good book, with a warm cup of tea, feeling relaxed.

A quote Anne Lamott, “I do not at all understand the mystery of grace – only that is meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.”

Photo by: Oleg Elkov

This last week of the year, another year to set up for continued progress. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. We often make lists of things we want, consider reflecting on the things you have.

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. 
  • Visualize your healing breath.
    • As you breathe in and feel your lungs inflate, visualize that flow of oxygen reach all parts of your body & revitalize all of your cells.
    • As you breathe out, feel your body settle.
    • With each breath, feel how you are recharging your body.
    • Remember, you were designed to heal.

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 

Monday, December 26

Today is Monday, December 26, 2022. Cool brisk air to energize the soul.

A quote Tom Clancy, “The good old days are now.”

Photo by: Tammi Mild

This last week of the year, another year to set up for continued progress. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Things change. Reflect on what’s different from this time last year? What have you learned?

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. 
    • Visualize your healing breath.
      • As you breathe in and feel your lungs inflate, visualize that flow of oxygen reach all parts of your body & revitalize all of your cells.
      • As you breathe out, feel your body settle.
      • With each breath, feel how you are recharging your body.
      • Remember, you were designed to heal.

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 

Friday, December 23

Today is Friday, December 23, 2022. The lively music inspires a more energetic workout. Feeling SO GOOD!

A quote by Arthur Clarke, “The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.”

Photo by: Drepicter

December marks the end of another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Do an activity log of how you spend your days.  Note if your activities bringing joy or some anxiety.  Are there some adjustments you can make to bring more joy and peace to your day?

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. 
  • Focus your attention on your right great toe. Tap it up and down.
  • Shift your focus to your right elbow and notice where your elbow is.
  • Glide your focus to the center of your chest and breathe in peace and breathe out what you no longer need.
  • Continue to breathe in peace and breathe out what you no longer need, for as long as you like.
  • Smile when you are ready to move forward.

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, December 21

Today is Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Cheerful chimes responding to the wind, feeling alive as my hair goes wild.

A quote by Voltaire, “The ear is the avenue to the heart.”

Photo by: Jen Tepp

December marks the progress of another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Consider offering yourself a pause, in the end-of-the-year celebrations and obligations, to provide yourself what you may be needing.

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. 
  • Focus your attention on your right great toe. Tap it up and down.
  • Shift your focus to your right elbow and notice where your elbow is.
  • Glide your focus to the center of your chest and breathe in peace and breathe out what you no longer need.
  • Continue to breathe in peace and breathe out what you no longer need, for as long as you like.
  • Smile when you are ready to move forward.

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 

Monday, December 19

Today is Monday, December 19, 2022. Noticing that the birdhouse is occupied.

A quote by Ernest Hemingway, “Courage is grace under pressure.”

Photo by: Stefania Tolin

December marks progress through another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Start the week reflecting on those people or events that may have rekindled your spark.  Consider reaching out to those who have re-energized you and share with them your appreciation.

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. 
  • Focus your attention on your right great toe. Tap it up and down.
  • Shift your focus to your right elbow and notice where your elbow is.
  • Glide your focus to the center of your chest and breathe in peace and breathe out what you no longer need.
  • Continue to breathe in peace and breathe out what you no longer need, for as long as you like.
  • Smile when you are ready to move forward.

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 

Friday, December 16

Today is Friday, December 16, 2022. Starting the day humming today. Preparing for a day focusing on love and joy.

A quote by Victor Hugo, “when grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. There is an unspeakable dawn in happy old age.”

Photo by: Anastasia Nelen

December marks the end of another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace.

Giving yourself grace allows you the space to take a step back if needed to reassess your expectations.  Are there any changes you would like to make; do you need to step back and adjust your goals?

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. 

Experience an Affirmation meditation:

  • Find a comfortable position in bed, 
  • Repeat your affirmation: My body is calm, my mind is at ease, I breathe in goodness, I exhale peace [or choose your own affirmation].

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, December 14

Today is Wednesday, December 14, 2022. Enjoying seeing people out and about, running into friends more often.

A quote by Elie Wiesel, “For me, every hour is grace. And I feel gratitude in my heart each time I can meet someone and look at his or her smile”

Photo by: Suradeach Saetang

December marks the end of another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Simply showing gratitude is another way to show yourself grace.  Focus on some positives.  Maybe make a gratitude jar and write down what you are grateful for and at the end of the week go through your notes.  Keep a gratitude journal.

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. 

Experience an Affirmation meditation:

  • Find a comfortable position in bed, 
  • Repeat your affirmation: My body is calm, my mind is at ease, I breathe in goodness, I exhale peace [or choose your own affirmation].

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 

Monday, December 12

Today is Monday, December 12, 2022. Finding the “missing” cinnamon that was absentmindedly placed in the fridge.

A quote by Denis Waitley, “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.”

Photo by: Jonny Gios

December marks the end of another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Consider the routine ways that you care for your physical body: brushing your teeth, dressing for the weather, stretching and moving your body, protecting your skin, choosing health-promoting foods, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and so on.

Are some routines more easily disrupted, and sometimes hard to get restarted? Practice acknowledging those times of disruption with grace towards yourself and make it easier to resume your self-care routines when the time is right.

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. 

Experience an Affirmation meditation:

  • Find a comfortable position in bed, 
  • Repeat your affirmation: My body is calm, my mind is at ease, I breathe in goodness, I exhale peace [or choose your own affirmation].

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 

Friday, December 9

Today is Friday, December 9, 2022. Basking in the quiet before the day starts.

A quote by Alexandra Stoddard, “The world is extremely interesting to a joyful soul.”

Photo by: Iuliu Illes

December marks the end of another year. This is a time for reflection, appreciation, and grace. Remember a time when you accepted a difficult or challenging situation and you experienced growth, kindness, joy, and/or relief. Keep that memory for the times you need that reminder.

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. 
  • 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.

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