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Peace: Cultivating Serenity in Your Life

April 02, 20244 min read

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!

Veronica's Signature

marriage war and peace blogtruth in the name of LoveMary Magdalene Revealedself-baptismpeace and serenityArt of Simple Living
Our Marriage War and Peace blog is your go-to resource for keeping you and your marriage strong and healthy by providing information and resources as you navigate the ups and downs of your marriage. And inspiration and hope if you’re battle-weary and ready to throw in the towel. 

As an attorney, family law mediator, and relationship restart specialist, I bring a unique perspective to the conversation on marriage because I’ve “been there, done that” and understand the challenges faced by those struggling in their marriages.

Veronica L. Nabizadeh, Esq., NBC-HWC

Our Marriage War and Peace blog is your go-to resource for keeping you and your marriage strong and healthy by providing information and resources as you navigate the ups and downs of your marriage. And inspiration and hope if you’re battle-weary and ready to throw in the towel. As an attorney, family law mediator, and relationship restart specialist, I bring a unique perspective to the conversation on marriage because I’ve “been there, done that” and understand the challenges faced by those struggling in their marriages.

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DEEPER HEALING, REAL PROGRESS

"Before working with Veronica my husband and I had spoken to other relationship therapists and did “talk” therapy. At the conclusion of each session we walked away with little insight and rarely forward momentum. After working with Veronica, I see that we are going deeper and hitting the crux of our challenges. Our sessions are practical and we have had positive impact and we’ve made true progress. Veronica helped us identify the unsustainable patterns that we unknowingly got ourselves stuck in and had been causing us very uneven happiness and closeness. After nearly 20 years of marriage, we have hope and look forward to our next 20 years."

-M & S, New York

SAVED OUR MARRIAGE, HEALED OUR HEARTS

"On the brink of divorce, we had tried therapy and it didn’t work. Our marriage was a roller coaster and I felt emotionally drained every day. When I got pregnant I had to do something because I didn’t want to bring my baby into our hot mess. Veronica diagnosed was was going on in our first session! My husband and I have helped each other heal so much in our sessions with Veronica. We are a team now and it feels so good to have our son being born into a peaceful home."

-K & M, Washington

NO MORE ANXIETY ATTACKS

"As a result of working with Veronica, I live in peace without anxiety or panic. I love where I live, and I work out and have taken pride in the healthy meals I prepare for myself. Veronica is the only person who has helped me achieve any lasting results. It’s been nearly 2 years since our first session and I am feeling so stable and at-peace. I cannot recommend her enough, as she changed my life."

-JR, Virginia

FROM ROCK BOTTOM TO FAMILY HAPPINESS

"My marriage was in shambles and I felt like I had hit rock bottom. I was desperate for a solution that didn't involve medication. My husband refused to go to therapy with me, which left me feeling hopeless. We were constantly fighting and didn't know how to break the cycle. Since Veronica came into my life, my family is in a much better place. I no longer take my husband's behavior personally, and we're able to enjoy each other's company. I hear my kids giggle every day, and it fills me with joy. I'm forever grateful for Veronica's guidance and support."

-SF, Louisiana

EDUCATIONAL AND EMPOWERING

"Veronica's approach was unique: she aimed to assist 'conscious couples' like us who wanted a harmonious, child-focused resolution. We found her process educational and empowering; she shattered our notion that divorce has to be a battlefield. Her skillful facilitation accommodated our hectic lives, making continuous progress seem effortless."

-M & D, Florida

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