Tag: simplify

Wednesday, August 31

Today is Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Noticing the birds splashing in the water while the fish fly through the air with each jump.

A quote by Timber Hawkeye, “You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.”

Photo by: Wendell Adreil

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace. 

End the month with a brain dump. Write down everything on your mind. Cross off the things you can let go of. Make a list of what you need to do. Highlight the things you want to remember to return to. And then release and allow some time engaging with nature.

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. 
  • Allow yourself to be curious, notice the sensation: is the air warm, are the shoulders relaxed, what are the sounds that you hear?  If your mind wanders away from your focus on breathing it is OK, simply note that and then return to your breaths.

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 

Monday, August 22

Today is Monday, August 22, 2022.  Starting the week with a morning walk.

A quote by: Pedro Calderon de la Barca.  “Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.”

Photo by: Eakarat Buanoi

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace.  Exposure to the color green is known to calm the body and mind. Find ways to incorporate exposure to green.

    • Schedule a daily walk, observe the leaves on the trees and plants
    • Put a green plant on your desk
    • Choose a picture of trees as your screen saver
    • Hang a picture of nature on your walls
    • Stand barefoot on some grass

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.
    • Choose a color and with each breath, notice the green in your surroundings.
    • Appreciate the brilliance of color all around you and smile.

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 

Monday, August 15

Today is Monday, August 15, 2022.  Lush green leaves, cucumbers, zucchini under bright red apples on the branches, blueberries are in the background.

A quote by Abraham Lincoln, “I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.”

Photo by Susan Chubinskaya, PhD

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace.

Simplify your refueling focus. For example: 

    • Hydration: Drink water soon after waking up, before any caffeine. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
    • Fiber: Plan to eat 2 handfuls vegetables daily.
    • Protein: Make a list of high-quality protein options that you like and be prepared to have at least 1 or 2 available to eat every 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:

    • 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.
    • Choose a centering word that is neutral to you and simple. You might choose “now” or “one”, “peace” or “simple”.
      • As you exhale, say your chosen word. Focus on the vibration of the word as you hear it. Repeat.
      • As you exhale and say your word, imagine dropping a smooth pebble in clear water and watch it gently settle gently on the bottom, relaxed and comfortable.
      • Finally, as you continue your deep belly breaths, notice the ripples on the water are gently gliding out. Repeat your word on every exhale until the ripples have settled.

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, August 10

Today is Wednesday, August 10, 2022. Taking some time midweek to check in with myself.

A quote by Bruce Lee, “Simplicity is the key to brilliance.”

Photo by: Dan Deziel, Summer Pastel

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace.

Create a list of positive affirmations

  • I can do this. (see below Recharge)
  • I am capable and I am strong.
  • I will allow myself grace when things don’t go as planned.
  • I listen to my body, mind, and heart and nourish them however serves them best.

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.
  • Picture yourself in a relaxed state. See yourself on your favorite walking path, a favorite vacation spot, sitting on a porch with a friend…
    • 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 

Friday, August 5

Today is Friday, August 5, 2022. Out the door, happy to start the day.

A quote by Emily Ley.  “A simplified life means that what has to get done will get done.  And when we pare down life to its simplest, most beautifully basic parts, we’re left with room to enjoy each other, to rest and to truly savor life with all our hearts minds and spirits.”

Photo by Harry Collins

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace.

Clear out some space. Choose a space you might be in regularly. Remove all the unnecessary items. Freshen the air. Make it pleasant to you. Ideas: the car, the desktop, the counter, the entrance way, your bedside table.

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.
    • For the next 5 breaths out, hum. Let the vibration settle your core even more. Smile.

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 

Monday, August 1

Today is Monday, August 1, 2022. Early morning hours, birds are active and feeling good!

A quote by Pema Chodron, “Something is going to come of this. Something new. This can end you up in a whole new place- a much more open place.”

Photo by Philip Myrtorp

This August is about simplifying to calm and restore inner peace.

Create a pocket of silence in your day. Find a daily routine, that could be done in silence for the month of August. Let your mind wander during that routine time.

    • Commute in silence.
    • Go through hygiene routines in silence.
    • Walk in nature in silence.
    • Garden, cook, or journal in silence.

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.
    • For the next 5 breaths out, hum. Let the vibration settle your core even more. Smile.

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