MSI Press Blog

  Pregnancy reshapes the body in ways that are both astonishing and unpredictable. Muscles stretch, balance shifts, energy rises and falls in waves. In the middle of all that change, movement can become one of the most stabilizing forms of self‑care— not as a performance metric, but as a way of staying connected to your own strength. Staying active during pregnancy is generally encouraged, but every pregnancy is different. A healthcare professional who knows your medical history is the best person to help you understand what’s appropriate for you. Within that boundary, there is a wide landscape of ways to move that support comfort, stamina, and emotional steadiness. Why Movement Matters During Pregnancy Circulation improves , helping reduce swelling and stiffness. Core and back muscles stay engaged , which can ease the postural strain of a growing belly. Mood stabilizes , thanks to the endorphin lift that even gentle activity can bring. Sleep quality often improves , especi...

  The following guest post was buried in the Christmas mail, but it is still worth reading: ONE BIG BREATH “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” --Luke 1: 35   I just started participating in yoga classes. I wanted to breathe a little more life into my old, slow, stiff body. The instructor from India invites us to assume many seemingly unnatural positions with our bodies, which I think of as “pretzel poses.” We stretch like rubber bands, hoping not to snap. She asks us to hold those poses for several minutes and breathe slowly and deeply. She instructs us to be aware of our bodies and breathe into the physical sensations we experience. I experience mostly pain, which she tells me is “just discomfort.” She says, “Just follow your breath. It is your life energy,” which she assures us will bring relief. Each session ends with one big breath and the exchange of a solemn greeting, “Namaste” (Bow to you.). The classes h...

    excerpt from  How to Stay Calm in Chaos by Julie Gentile Introduction How are you? Really, how are you doing? How are you feeling emotionally, physically, spiritually? At the time of this writing, we are living history. Most of the world is under some level of a stay-at-home mandate and/or physical distancing due to a global crisis that has swept the planet. As my 4-year-old daughter has reminded me almost daily since this began, “Everything is closed.” She’s right. These days are different. Parks, schools, libraries, and restaurants are closed. Who would have thought you would have to be aware of how many people will be outside at the same time as you when you go for a walk around the block? The uncertainty during these unusual times can make you feel a range of emotions in the span of a few moments—from helpless and hopeless to overwhelmed and exhausted to disappointed and frustrated to joyful and hopeful—but definitely not calm. This situation is new for everyone...

  Julie Gentile, author of  108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas  and  How to Stay Calm in Chaos , recently conducted a workshop on Health and Wellness at the Laker Leadership Conference. Interested? You can watch the presentation  HERE . For more posts about Julie and her books, click  HERE . Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .   Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC? Check out information on  how to submit a proposal . Interested in receiving a free copy of this or any MSI Press LLC book  in exchange for  reviewing  a current or forthcoming MSI Press LLC book? Contact editor@msipress.com. Want an  author-signed copy  of this book? Purchase the book at 25% discount (use coupon code FF25) and concurrently send a written request to orders@msipress.com.

  Today's daily excerpt comes from 108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas by Julie Gentile: Meditate. Breathe. Repeat.  Meditation is magical. At first, I was hesitant to sit with scattered thoughts, but after attending many classes and workshops, meditation began to grow on me until it blossomed into a beautiful practice. It isn’t about completely clearing your mind of your thoughts. Meditation is sitting with your thoughts, without judging them, and noticing what feelings and sensations arise. Although traditionally practiced seated, you can meditate anywhere, any time. The more you meditate, the more you benefit. Reduced stress and anxiety, better concentration, and a better sense of clarity are just a few perks of a regular meditation practice. Where does the magic come in? Meditation helps uncover your true self—your genuine wants, needs, hopes, and desires. If there is an important decision you need to make, meditate. If you’re looking to find you’re ...

  Recently, Julie Gentile's article "Journal Your Way to Wellness," was the featured article in the December 31  YOGA + Life®  newsletter, and it was published in the print version of the Winter + Spring 2021-22 issue of  CO YOGA + Life® Magazine .   Also, Julie just launched a series of YouTube video #shorts,  A Second for Yourself . Every Self-Care Sunday for the next 52 weeks, she will be highlighting one relatable, motivational mantra in video format. These mantras are little seeds of affirmations that can help listeners achieve their goals and dreams this year. Readers can subscribe to her  Stand Up for Your Self-Care YouTube Channel   to view the videos as soon as they are published. Read more posts about Julie and her books HERE . Read more posts about authors in the news HERE . Julie's book, 108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas , is on sale at the MSI Press webstore for $5 while inventory lasts. A 25% discount w...

  " The author's wisdom and experience shine through to inspire and motivate with accessible and straightforward practices that can provide calm in the chaos. She exudes kindness and boundless hope for staying connected in mind, body, and spirit no matter how trying life becomes amid a pandemic and beyond. Her simple but powerful guide can serve as an effective launching point for managing stress by acquiring self-care practices that can be adapted into daily routines." Read the rest of the review HERE . Julie's book received a RECOMMENDED rating. For more posts about this book, click HERE . For posts about Julie and her books (yes, she has more than one), click HERE .

 Just out from US Review of Books, the verdict is: This book is a must-have companion for those seeking a guide that will help them re-center and re-focus. It is easily accessible for readers of all backgrounds and ages, and it will make them look forward to incorporating the book's message into their daily lives. Read the entire review HERE . For more information about Julie and her books, click HERE . For more posts about and by Julie and her yoga and self-care topics, click HERE . Read about Julie's other book, How to Stay Calm in Chaos , HERE . Julie's books are available at  Amazon Barnes & Noble MSI Press (coupon code FF25 will give you 25% discount)

  Julie Gentile, author of 108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas and How to Stay Calm in Chaos was recently interviewed about her books and issues of self by the following: Relentless Pursuit Podcast "Everyday Self-Care" an Interview with Julie Gentile  (February 17, 2021) The Teaching and Learning  Podcast Self-Care for Teachers  (March 29, 2021)  To read more  posts about Julie and her books, click HERE .

Yoga instructor and MSI Press author, Julie Gentile, is a busy bee -- busy with information and activities really helpful for busy mothers working in today's stressful situations. Her March 11 Youtube video (see below) is just the latest of a long list of activities, some of which are among the following: Self-Care  Programs Schaumburg Township District Library YouTube Channel Yoga and Self-Care in the Midst of Chaos  (September 15, 2020) Indian Prairie Public Library YouTube Channel Yoga and Self-Care to Help You Stay Calm in Chaos  (October 13, 2020) Gail Borden Public Library District YouTube Channel   Yoga and Self-Care to Help You Stay Calm in Chaos  (December 10, 2020) Elmhurst Public Library YouTube Channel Yoga and Self-Care to Help You Stay Calm in Chaos  (March 11, 2021) Press December 2020 Village of Bloomingdale  Almanac  Julie Gentile - How to Stay Calm in Chaos \ For more posts about Julie and her books, click HERE . ...