Covid-19 has changed so much at a time — and in a world — that already had plenty of change and uncertainty. And yet, change is not always bad.  It can, in fact, lead us to make better choices for our lives with long-term, positive results.   A recent eMeetinghouse blog post by contributor, Etta Hornstein, gave some great ideas of things we can do as we pursue wellbeing.

Introducing a Blog Series

The team at Friends Life Care Partners is taking this advice to heart.  This is the first post in a series we’re bringing to you.  The series highlights wellness, connecting, mindfulness and imagination.  We encourage you to try new things, or restart things, you may have enjoyed in the past.

We hope you enjoy these posts.  They are all done by individuals from the Friends Life Care team– just for you – our members and friends.

Mindful Walking

The mindfulness series that Friends Life Care has recently been sharing with members and friends reminded me to really pay attention as I go about my daily activities. I have been taking afternoon walks.  And I am noticing the beautiful show that Mother Nature is now providing. I am savoring the tulips that are popping, the beautiful, budding trees, the bright green grass and the blooming daffodils.  I’ve been paying close attention to the variety of colors and shapes of the spring buds and flowers.

Walking through my neighborhood is a totally different experience now. I notice the families that are walking together, the absence of cars on the road, the singing of the birds and the sound of my footsteps on the pavement.

While it has long been known that walking is a great physical activity, my mindful walks have also been very good for my soul. The peace and serenity and wonder that I have experienced have given me an added appreciation for experiencing life in the present moment.

This is a perfect time to notice the beauty of our surroundings. As you enjoy the splendor of spring, try taking a moment to really notice its wonder.  Practice mindfulness!

Gail Tomarchio, MA, LPC, BCC

Director of Wellness Initiatives

Gail is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Board Certified Coach, and a certified yoga instructor. She is passionate about health and wellness and about helping others overcome their self-perceived limitations in order to live their most authentic life. Her expertise comes from years of studying human behavior, the Dimensions of Wellness, positive psychology, mindfulness and habit change and integrating this information into every aspect of her work. In addition to program development, counseling and coaching, Gail has presented workshops on various wellness topics, written articles for wellness newsletters and an article on the positive role of mindfulness in the workplace, published in CDHC Solutions, a magazine for employee health professionals. She formerly hosted a radio show on B101 Philadelphia, discussing health related issues.