Tag: novelty

Monday, November 29

Today is Monday, November 29, 2021. Reflecting on personal growth over the years.

An inspiring quote from Viktor Frankl, “The one thing you can’t take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.”

Photos by Dan Deziel: Autumn Shroud, Morning Sparkle

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Explore a new culture or religion.

    • Check out a library book.
    • Spend some time with someone from a different culture or religion.
    • Explore a new community or neighborhood—visit museums, parks and restaurants.
    • Try new spices and recipes.

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.
    • For a calming lift, try Bumble Bee Breathing.
      • Continuing to Belly breath, inhale through your nose, cover your ears with the palms of your hands.
      • Exhale making a bumble bee buzz, continue to exhale for as long as you can. Repeat this cycle for at least 3 breaths.
      • When done, check in with your body and notice the calming response.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my 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 

Friday, November 26

Today is Friday, November 26, 2021. Reflecting on special moments and their significance.

A quote from John F. Kennedy. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

Photos by: Fran Lee

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Create a time capsule to capture special moments in your life. In a special box or even a shoe box, place mementos that represent significant points in your life. Place the box in an out-of-the-way place for you to enjoy in the future.

    • Favorite music
    • Newspaper article
    • Favorite book
    • Favorite outfit
    • Sports equipment from enjoyed activities
    • Special award or recognition
    • Photos

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 continue your belly breaths focus on the inhale.
    • Next as you exhale try to extend your exhale for an extra second or two
    • Smile in appreciation for this moment of recharge.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my 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

Monday, November 22

Today is Monday, November 22, 2021. Appreciating the quiet moments during the day to recharge.

A quote from Eckhart Tolle. “In today’s rush we all think too much, seek too much, want too much and forget about the joy of just Being.”

Photos by: Debbie Voltz

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Have a go at creative writing. Some possible topics to consider:

    • What your pet is thinking?
    • Describe your “Happy Place”
    • Best meal ever and why.
    • Let me introduce myself…
    • Ten years from now I will be…..

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 continue your belly breaths focus on the inhale.
    • Next as you exhale try to extend your exhale for an extra second or two.
    • Smile in appreciation for this moment of recharge.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my 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 

Friday, November 19

Today is Friday, November 19, 2021. Just being. Seeing the world changing daily.  

A quote from Agnetha Faltskog, “My path has not been determined. I shall have more experiences and pass many more milestones.”

Photos by: Susan Chubinskaya

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Explore new ways to laugh and play.

    • Read a favorite comic series.
    • Gift & play funny board games.
    • Plan an outing at a comedy club.
    • Watch a hilarious movie with a friend.
    • Hang out with people who know how to laugh and play.
    • Spend time with a pet.
    • Start collecting funny stories, quotes, pictures that you can return to in the future.
    • Watch a baby or toddler who is laughing hysterically.
    • Look for funny photos.

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.   
    • Lengthen your neck and spine as you notice what part of your body is connecting you to the surface you are on, whether you are seated, laying down or standing.
    • Allow yourself to shift into a position that aligns your neck and spine in a neutral posture, releasing tension as you are fully supported.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*].  I can do this. As I connect to my 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 

 

 

 

Wednesday, November 17

Today is Wednesday, November 17, 2021. Determined to allow and appreciate the unknowns.

A quote from Theodore Roethke, “Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.”

Photos by: Dr. Susan Chubinskaya

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Trying something new.

    • Playing a new card game.
    • Rearranging the desktop.
    • Creating a new vegetable recipe.
    • Growing a new plant.
    • Joining a new group.
    • Volunteering in a new way.
    • Trying some new stretches.
    • Testing a new perfume or cologne.
    • Listening to a new musical artist.

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.
    • Lengthen your neck and spine as you notice what part of your body is connecting you to the surface you are on, whether you are seated, laying down or standing.
    • Allow yourself to shift into a position that aligns your neck and spine in a neutral posture, releasing tension as you are fully supported.

*Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*].  I can do this. As I connect to my 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 

Monday, November 15

Today is Monday, November 15, 2021. The chill in the air outside highlights the warmth inside.

A quote from Wangechi Mutu, “I believe art is a connection, like passing on a flame.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Explore art that is new to you.

    • Check out live, recorded and/or virtual theatre or concert performances. Check out the local schools, colleges, and universities to see the local talent.
    • Tour a museum in person or virtually. Guided tours or joining a tour group can expand your understanding of what you see.
    • Stroll through an art show, exhibit or fair. Let the artist share their story with you.
    • Take a pottery class and learn to throw clay on a wheel.
    • Explore dance. Take a class, watch a show, learn the corresponding music.

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.
    • Lengthen your neck and spine as you notice what part of your body is connecting you to the surface you are on, whether you are seated, laying down or standing.
    • Allow yourself to shift into a position that aligns your neck and spine in a neutral posture, releasing tension as you are fully supported.

*Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my 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 

Friday, November 12

Today is Friday, November 12, 2021. Unwinding while humming and organizing my bag.

A quote from Yakov Smirnoff, “Everybody laughs the same in every language because laughter is a universal connection.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Consider trying something new to increase connection with another.

    • Update your greeting or salutation in your emails to include something personal, a fun quote, some warmth or cheer.
    • Send a quick message to someone letting them know you are thinking of them.
    • Coordinate a gathering, in person or virtually, for people you work with or have class with, but may not see outside of work or school.
    • Invite someone for an outing – schedule nature time, go to a show, share a meal, sip tea or coffee.

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.
  • Practice gently releasing the muscle tension in your neck.
      1. Gently roll your neck side to side, slowly. Repeat 3 times, each direction.
      2. Gently and slowly tilt your chin down and release your shoulders. Take 3 deep, slow breaths. Bring your chin to neutral.
      3. Roll your shoulders forwards and then backwards. Smile as you allow renewed energy.

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, November 10

Today is Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Journaling to refocus the mind. Reset.

A quote from Kalpana Chawla, “The path from dreams to success does exist. May have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Explore learning and thinking about new ideas.

    • Engage in open conversations with someone who has a different perspective than you. Seek to learn about their perspectives.
    • Read a biography of someone you admire or someone you know little about. Be curious about their life experiences that shaped them.
    • Take a course online or at a local college for the purpose of expanding your mind, learning something new and interesting. History and philosophy departments may be a novel starting place.
    • Engage in an art or music experiences that tap into creative minds and the various forms of expression. Notice what inspires you.

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.
  • Practice gently releasing the muscle tension in your neck.
      1. Gently roll your neck side to side, slowly. Repeat 3 times, each direction.
      2. Gently and slowly tilt your chin down and release your shoulders. Take 3 deep, slow breaths. Bring your chin to neutral.
      3. Roll your shoulders forwards and then backwards. Smile as you allow renewed energy.

*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 

Monday, November 8

Today is Monday, November 8, 2021. Fresh air during the morning stroll, setting up for the week.

A quote from Charles W. Eliot, “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”

Photo, “This morning,” by: Dan Deziel, MD

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Enjoy reading. Find a new book to dive into.

    • Reconnect with a library, in person or virtually. Explore a section to find an interesting new book to read.
    • Find a recommended reading list online or at a local bookstore and see if there’s one that interests you.
    • Consider starting a neighborhood or building lending library and exchange good books with neighbors.
    • Join or create a book club and discuss chosen readings with a group.
    • Keep a log of books you read with a one line summary and review what you are learning or engaged with over time.

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.   
  • Practice gently releasing the muscle tension in your neck.
      1. Gently roll your neck side to side, slowly. Repeat 3 times, each direction.
      2. Gently and slowly tilt your chin down and release your shoulders. Take 3 deep, slow breaths. Bring your chin to neutral.
      3. Roll your shoulders forwards and then backwards. Smile as you allow renewed energy.

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 

 

Friday, November 5

Today is Friday, November 5, 2021. Silence in the morning, ready for the sounds of the day.

A quote from Arthur Wing Pinero, “Where there’s tea there’s hope.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD

This November, we focus on exploring Novel activities.  Experiencing novel activities fosters personal growth and confidence.  It can provide opportunities to interact with new people, and a time to get to know ourselves better.

Enjoy tea, made in a new way:

    • Trade favorite teas with a friend or neighbor.
    • Cold brew tea: Fill a pitcher of fresh water and add tea bags or loose tea and set it aside for up to 12 hours in the fridge. When ready to drink it, dilute it to the flavor level desired. Good hot or cold.
    • Milk tea: add any kind of milk with tea.
    • Chai tea latte: combine some or all of these spices to make a chai mix: cardamom and cinnamon +/- cloves/nutmeg. Steep with your favorite black tea. Heat any kind of milk and froth with a whisk, blender or frother (dairy, oat milk, coconut milk and soy milk froth the best).

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.
  • After taking 3 belly breaths reposition your body.
  • Now shake your entire body and say to yourself, “I am letting go of…”
  • Picture the thoughts falling off while shaking your body.
  • Take 3 more belly breaths and smile to yourself for your courage to let go.

*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