Wednesday, July 20

Today is Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Spent last night, watching the fireflies sparkle in the evening sky. The sparkle still lingers.

A quote by Andrew Matthews, “Always speak well of yourself and consistently visualize your life working out as you want it.”

Photo by: tomertu

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.  Sharing your dreams and visions with others offers a chance to make the vision more believable to you, helps you clarify your vision, and build feelings of support for your vision.

    • Be open with friends, family, and colleagues about some or all of your vision
    • Host a party with the theme based on your vision
    • Journal about your vision
    • Visualize your vision in action

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 

Friday, May 14

Today is Friday, May 14, 2021. The grass is lush and the trees are filling in with leaves. Spring provides fresh perspectives.

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 will look at before bed routines.

Once we get into the bed, we want to have a calming routine as well…

    • Visualize peaceful scenes; think calming thoughts.
    • Try progressive muscle relaxation starting from the top of your head and work your way down the body.
      • Slowly tense one group of muscles while you inhale for the count of 5.
      • Hold the tension for 5 seconds, then release with a slow exhale.
      • Focus on relaxing that muscle group for 10 seconds.
      • Move to the next muscle group and repeat working your way down the body.

Photo by: Sonika Agarwal

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 Elie Wiesel.  “Don’t fight with the pillow, but lay down your head, and kick every worriment out of the bed.”

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 that you are hearing: laughter, birds, cars, music….
    • Take another deep breath and continue on.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, May 12

Today is Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Walking along the pond, noticing the ducks go with the flow. They are so present.

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 will look at before bed routines.  

Get a head start for the next day:

    • Prepare your “To Do” list for tomorrow and include what you are most looking forward to.
    • Do some of your typical morning chores the day before: organize your lunch, set out your clothes.
    • Pack your school or work bag.
    • Visualize a successful day.

Photo by: Nathan Anderson

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.”

An Irish Proverb. “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.”

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 that you are hearing: laughter, birds, cars, music….
    • Take another deep breath and continue on.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP