Welcome to our Marriage War and Peace blog for April!

April is the month for peace. Together, we’ll explore some old favorites and discover new ways to cultivate peace and serenity that will enrich your life, fostering balance and harmony in your everyday experiences.

Remember when we were children and our mother’s made us lay out our clothes the night before? Our mothers were clever! They orchestrated these preparations for our benefit and to ensure smooth sailing the next morning for themselves.

As I've gotten older, I realize that shaping a serene tomorrow begins with a peaceful day's closure. Whether through meditative practices, intentional rituals, or quiet reflection, nurturing peace at night sets the stage for a serene tomorrow.

In this month’s article, we’ll focus on:

• My evening ritual

• 5 evening rituals to prepare for peace

• The Art of Simple Living 

• Mary Magdalene Revealed
  

Self-Baptism to Release and Renew

Are you familiar with the fascinating story of Thecla? 

Found in the New Testament Apocrypha "Acts of Paul and Thecla," she is celebrated as a devoted disciple of the Apostle Paul, renowned for her unique act of self-baptism.

Thecla's story in Mary Magdalene Revealed resonated with me. It echoes a nightly ritual I've cherished for years and forges a profound connection between Thecla's act of faith and my spiritual journey.

My Evening Ritual

In the evening, I take a shower. 

Before stepping in, I prepare by lighting incense or burning sage to release any lingering negativity from the day. I dry brush my body with mindful strokes, shedding the weight of stress and tension.

As I shower, I intentionally let go of the day's worries, allowing the flowing water to cleanse and rejuvenate my body and spirit. Emerging refreshed, I lavish my skin with lotion.

Sometimes, I indulge in a full buffet of aromatherapy, bath salts, and music. I diffuse essential oils and listen to my favorite collection of Diva Premal. Even when can’t take a shower, I wash my feet and dry brush my body with frankincense.

This evening ritual, which I've lovingly dubbed my self-baptism, anchors in peace and sets me up for a serene tomorrow.

Five Evening Rituals to Prepare for Peace

Here are five rituals you can incorporate into your evening routine to prepare for a peaceful and serene tomorrow:

1. Reflective Journaling
   
   Take a few moments to reflect on the day's events, jotting down any highlights, challenges, or moments of gratitude. This practice can help you gain perspective and release lingering thoughts or emotions before bedtime.

2. Mindfulness Meditation
   
   Engage in a short meditation session to quiet the mind and promote relaxation. Focus on your breath to help you unwind and prepare for restful sleep.

3. Gratitude Practice
   
   Cultivate gratitude by reflecting on three things you're thankful for each night. This simple practice will shift your focus toward positivity and enhance your well-being.

4. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
   
   Practice progressive muscle relaxation techniques to release tension and promote relaxation. Starting from your toes and working your way up to your head, tense and then relax each muscle group for a deep sense of calm.

5. Setting Intentions
   
   Set intentions for the following day by visualizing how you want to feel and what you hope to accomplish. This can help you start the day with clarity and purpose.

Incorporating these rituals into your evening routine will help you prepare your mind and body for a peaceful and serene tomorrow.

Helpful Resources

If you're interested in creating peaceful, intentional daily rituals, I recommend Shunmyo Masuno's The Art of Simple Living: 100 Daily Practices from a Japanese Zen Monk for a Lifetime of Calm and Joy.

And if you’d like to read more about Thecla, I highly recommend Meggan Waterson’s book:  Mary Magdalene Revealed: The First Apostle, Her Feminist Gospel & the Christianity We Haven't Tried Yet.

Share Your Stories 

I'd love to hear about your evening rituals for mindfully creating a peaceful and serene tomorrow. Whether you sip a cup of herbal tea to unwind, practice gentle stretches to release tension, or simply take a few moments for quiet reflection to center your thoughts, your rituals and practices are valuable reminders of the power of mindfulness and intention.

Feel free to share your rituals in the comments below. Or, email veronica@relationshiprestart.net.

Your contributions enrich our community and inspire others seeking to nurture a peaceful and serene tomorrow.

May your April be a month filled with peace and serenity!