Tag: music

Sunday, July 23

Today is Sunday, July 23, 2023. Waking up to the birds.

DGoV (Daily Gift of Vitality) Activity: What sounds cheer you up? What music lifts your spirits? What noise is comforting? Whose voice is associated with happy thoughts. How can you create a space that is filled with the auditory positive associations for you?

A quote by Milan Kundera, “The sound of laughter is like the vaulted dome of a temple of happiness.”

Thank you to Rohan Gupta for sharing this photo.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, October 31

Today is Monday, October 31, 2022.  The leaves crunching, the excitement in the air, outfits ready.

A quote by Bono, “Music can change the world because it can change people.”

Photo by Dan Deziel, Orange Splendor

October is the perfect time to engage your inner creative self.  This is the perfect time to create a new playlist to set the mood! Choose music that is uplifting, cheerful or inspires movement. Select pieces that make it fun to cook in the kitchen or boosts that loving feeling! Choose what you love.

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. 
  • Breathe in getting taller, stretching the spine.
  • Breathe out, hum and smile.

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, July 18

Today is Monday, July 18, 2022. Energized for a great day.

A quote by Albert Einstein, “Art is standing with one hand extended into the universe and one hand extended into the world, and letting ourselves be a conduit for passing energy.”

Photo by: Clément Rémond

July is for sharing.  The act of sharing offers many health benefits.  When we give to others it has a positive effect on our brain.  Sharing allows us to connect more meaningfully and strengthens social connections.  Share different perspectives and experiences of similar activities. Examples:

    • Join or establish a book club and read the same book and then talk about it together.
    • Walk through an art exhibit with a friend and discuss the various pieces or share the back stories behind the pieces.
    • Attend a musical or performing art show and get together after to talk about what you experienced.
    • Take a course with others and share what you are learning.
    • Participate in a meditation retreat with others.
    • Engage in an exercise class or play sports with

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:

    • 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 peace and joy as your belly rises.
    • Breathe out the unwanted feelings as your stomach releases.

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, May 25

Today is Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Riding on wheels during the week- feels great to be moving forward.

A quote by Herbie Hancock, “Music is the tool to express life, and all that makes a difference.”

Photo by Bastien Plu

Continuing a Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others. Music can elicit happiness and soothe the brain.

    • Create playlists that elicit certain moods and feelings. Upbeat and activating. Relaxing and calming. Cheerful and associated with happy memories.
    • Play an instrument. Return to an instrument you know how to play. Learn a new instrument by taking lessons online or in in person class and make new friends.
    • Sing in a choir or to your favorite music in the shower, with a karaoke machine or even in the car.
    • Serenade a loved one or sing a lullaby to a child.
    • Listen to musicians performing for an audience.
    • Enjoy your favorite music while immersing yourself in the garden or park.

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.
    • Breathe in fresh air, allow the energy to flow throughout the body.
    • Exhale the unnecessary, feel the body reset.
    • Repeat several more times and smile to yourself.

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 2

Today is Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Beautiful planters on doorsteps. Lots of new landscapes.

Try something new in June. Start with new musical sounds:

    • Explore a new music genre.
    • Listen to a new musical release.
    • Create a new playlist.
    • Share playlists with others.
    • Play new music for your instrument.
    • Learn to sing new songs.
    • Write new lyrics.
    • Try a new instrument.
    • Watch a musical.

Photo by Sudhith Xavier

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 Beethoven, “Music can change 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.
    • Clasp your hands, palms together, fingers intertwined and squeeze your hands tight and hold for a count of three and then release.
    • Stretch out your fingers and hands and wiggle them.
    • Massage your palms and hands. Smile internally.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP