MSI Press Blog

  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 ...

    Excerpt from  108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas  by Julie Gentile -  Significance of 108 The number 108 is considered to be a sacred number in yoga and is often referenced to spiritual completion. The number has a connection to nature and the cosmos. You’ll often hear about yogis practicing 108 rounds of sun salutations and reciting a mantra 108 times on a mala—a string of 108 prayer beads. The following is a list of the 108 self-care practices in this book. They cover how to care for your mind, body, and spirit. 1.      Write About It: Dedicate an Intention for Your Self-Care Journey 2.      Practice It: Sukhasana (Easy Pose) with Hands in Anjali Mudra (Prayer Position) 3.      Write About It: Why Do You Care About Self-Care? 4.      Practice It: Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute) 5.      Write About It: Write Where You Need to Be ...

    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...