MSI Press Blog

  The cross‑legged posture — known as the lotus position (padmāsana) — is not just a pose; it’s a symbol of inner balance and awakening . 🌿 Rooted in Meditation When the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, he was seated in this very posture. The position stabilizes the body, allowing long hours of meditation without movement. It represents groundedness — the body anchored to the earth while the mind rises toward insight. 🔶 Symbol of Harmony Each leg folded over the other forms a natural symmetry, expressing the union of opposites : Earth and sky Body and spirit Action and stillness The hands resting in the lap (the dhyāna mudra ) complete the circle of calm concentration. 🕊️ A Visual Metaphor Artists across centuries have used the cross‑legged Buddha to show that enlightenment is not escape but centered presence . The posture says: Peace begins when the body is still and the heart is awake. 🌸 In Essence The Buddha sits cross‑legged because the pose itself em...

  Recently, Spiritually Homeless (Girrell), reached #93 in faith and spirituality. #117 in mysticism and spirituality, and #235 in spiritual growth. Book description: Many have walked away from organized religion not out of apathy, but out of honesty. Still the spiritual hunger remains; the longing for community and a place called home persists. Spiritually Homeless offers a deeply compassionate and practical guide for those navigating spiritual life beyond church walls. Whether you left organized religion years ago or never belonged to some sect to begin with, this book will meet you right where you are. Through stories, reflection, and decades of experience in spiritual leadership and psychological insight, Spiritually Homelesss explores how we find belonging, create ritual, face the dark night, and rediscover awe—without needing to return to doctrines that no longer fit. keywords: spiritual hunger; spiritual seekers; leaving organized religion; life beyond church; spiritual...

  When you are preparing for childbirth, you quickly discover that the delivery room can feel crowded with professionals—OB‑GYNs, midwives, nurses, anesthesiologists. And then someone asks, “Are you getting a doula?” If you have never worked with one, the word itself can feel mysterious. But a doula is simply a trained support person whose entire focus is you —your comfort, your confidence, your emotional steadiness, and your sense of being seen and heard during labor. A doula is not a medical provider. She does not replace your doctor or midwife. Instead, she fills the gap that medical staff often cannot fill because they are busy monitoring fetal heart tones, charting, managing medications, and watching for complications. A doula stays with you continuously, offering the kind of steady presence that can make labor feel less frightening and more manageable. What a Doula Can Do 1. Provide continuous emotional support Labor can be long, unpredictable, and overwhelming. A doula s...