MSI Press Blog

  Grief arrives in many costumes. Sometimes it looks like the death of someone we love. Sometimes it’s the quiet ending of a friendship, the loss of a dream, the collapse of a season of life, or the slow erosion of a version of ourselves we thought would last forever. Whatever form it takes, grief is a universal human experience—and yet it never feels universal when you’re inside it. It feels personal, disorienting, and strangely private. Healing from grief isn’t about “getting over” anything. It’s about learning to live with what changed, and discovering who you are now. Here are some ways people can begin that process, no matter the type of loss. 1. Name the Loss Clearly Grief becomes heavier when it’s vague. Naming the exact thing you lost— the role you played, the future you imagined, the daily rhythm that disappeared —helps your mind understand what it’s trying to heal. Often the grief isn’t only about the event; it’s about the identity tied to it. 2. Let Your Body Participate...

“My grace is enough for you, For in weakness power reaches perfection.” --St. Paul   I’m in the business of compassionate healing. As a psychologist, my patients come to me in emotional and mental pain. They feel broken and want to be whole. They want relief from their suffering--their depression, anxiety, tempers, compulsions, and disturbing obsessions. Coming to me, they ask me to witness their suffering and bring them relief. Two questions often haunt them: “Why is this happening to me? How can I fix it?” In their desperation, they look for answers from me, whom they consider “the expert.” Contrary to their expectations, I direct those questions back to themselves and assure them, “You have the answers, but don’t know it yet.” I invite them to pay close attention to their own experience, to listen to the subtle voices speaking within, and to engage in open and honest dialogue with themselves. For many, that is a new experience. These voices have been drowned out by the...

  Today, October 18th, marks Dhanteras , the first day of the five-day Diwali festival celebrated across Hindu communities. It’s a day of light, healing, and preparation — not just for festivities, but for resilience. Traditionally, families honor Lord Dhanvantari , the deity of health and Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi , who brings prosperity and clarity. Homes are cleaned, lamps are lit, and symbolic items — from gold coins to humble brooms — are purchased to sweep away poverty and invite renewal. But in 2025, Dhanteras feels especially poignant. The world is aching for healing — physical, economic, spiritual. And this day reminds us that ritual is infrastructure . Lighting a lamp isn’t just tradition; it’s a declaration of hope. Buying a broom isn’t just custom; it’s a gesture of stewardship. In our own interfaith household, where Franciscan hospitality meets practical caregiving, Dhanteras becomes a quiet invitation: to honor the tools that sustain us, to bless the systems w...