MSI Press Blog

  In a world that rushes, mindfulness invites us to pause. It’s not a trend or a technique—it’s a way of being. A gentle return to the present moment, where breath meets awareness and thought softens into observation. Whether you're walking through a Mission garden, editing a tribute, or simply sipping tea beside a sleeping cat, mindfulness is the art of noticing without judgment. 🧘 What Is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention—on purpose, in the present moment, and without criticism. It’s not about emptying the mind but about witnessing it. Thoughts come and go like clouds across the sky. We don’t chase them or resist them. We simply notice. This practice has roots in Buddhist tradition, but it’s found in many spiritual paths, including Christian contemplative prayer and Franciscan simplicity. It’s also supported by modern science, shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and deepen emotional resilience. 🕯️ Everyday Mindfulness You don’t need a medita...

    excerpt from  How to Stay Calm in Chaos  by Julie Gentile Tuesday Stay Flexible Do you consider yourself flexible? I’ve been teaching yoga on Tuesdays for several years and ever since I began, Tuesdays have reminded me to stay flexible. Not just in the body but in the mind and in the heart.     When some people think about yoga, they think about the movement part of it, but yoga is more of a path than it is about the asanas (poses).  Our poses come to life with our breath, and we move so it’s more comfortable than sitting for meditation.  [MR1]     The flexibility you learn in yoga extends well beyond the mat. Being flexible in thought and mind can lead to creativity and innovation, helping you transform, reevaluate, and innovate daily routines. Although so many things are closed right now, new possibilities are available if you are open to them. This is the beauty of remaining flexible.   Staying flexible also helps you fi...

    excerpt from  How to Stay Calm in Chaos  by Julie Gentile Sunday Stay Present At the beginning of a new week, ask yourself, how will you stay present this week? Will you notice tightness in your shoulders or a deep sigh out through your mouth as you exhale?   Paying attention to these little details is an example of staying present. I notice them in me, too. Weekdays blending into weekends, soaring stress levels, anxious thoughts, feeling overwhelmed, scrutinizing every sneeze and sniffle, washing your hands more than you ever have, and going through multiple bottles of hand sanitizer would have anyone’s thoughts spinning. I’m living it, too. There have been a few nights where it took me hours to fall asleep (which hasn’t happened since becoming a mom, until now) because there is too much for my mind to process all at once.   A week before the stay-at-home mandate began where I live, I was driving to and from work, dropping off and picking up kids from...