MSI Press Blog

  You don’t need a meditation app. You don’t need incense. You don’t need to sit cross-legged and try to “clear your mind.” That’s not mindfulness. That’s branding. Mindfulness is simply the practice of noticing—your breath, your body, your thoughts, your reactions—without immediately judging or trying to fix them. It’s the art of paying attention to your own life as it’s happening. And yes, it can support longevity. Not because it’s mystical, but because it helps your nervous system stop bracing for impact. It lowers stress hormones. It improves sleep. It makes you less reactive and more resilient. It helps you stay in your body, in your relationships, in your choices—even as things change. So how do you start? You start small. You start real. You notice your breath while brushing your teeth. You feel your feet on the ground while waiting for the microwave. You take three slow breaths before answering a difficult email. You scan your body for tension before bed and soften ...

    excerpt from  How to Stay Calm in Chaos  by Julie Gentile Wednesday Stay Realistic You’ve reached the point of the week. Do you have realistic expectations for how your day and the rest of the week will go? As a recovering perfectionist, there are still some days I think I can get more things done than I realistically can. I accept that. Although my schedule can be unpredictable and I usually want to resolve everything I can as quickly as I can, I’m learning to be more realistic and to give myself grace when the things I think should get done don’t.   You can’t expect yourself to do it all, even if you think you should, so please don’t hold yourself to your pre-crisis standards. Accept what you can do today and let that be enough. The least important to-dos will have to wait. Like me, you’re likely not able to accomplish things in the way you’re used to, so be a rebel and set your own standards and boundaries.   To stay realistic, I anticipate a few thi...

   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 meditat...