If you’ve been anywhere near social media lately, you’ve likely seen the Theravāda monks who are walking from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. — a journey of roughly 2,300 miles, undertaken as a living prayer for peace.

It’s a noble effort. A quiet, steady, embodied offering. And one that has touched the hearts of many, including my own.

I find myself checking their live map more often than I’d like to admit. Watching the miles accumulate, tracking their progress, silently hoping they’re safe and supported. Making sure they (and Aloka, their companion dog) are okay. I can’t watch a video of them without becoming emotional — a mix of joy, tenderness, concern, and deep gratitude all at once.

When the monks passed through Georgia, I had multiple opportunities to see them in person and sit during their welcoming hours. I chose not to go. Not out of disinterest, but because I was too full. Too aware of the emotions moving through me. I wasn’t quite ready to sit with all of that in a public space, and I honored that.

And still, I am profoundly grateful.

Grateful not only for their message of peace, but for the awareness they are bringing to mindfulness and meditation. They are introducing these practices to people who may have never encountered them otherwise. Not through lectures or think pieces, but through presence. Through consistency. Through embodied intention.

And then… social media entered the chat.

Suddenly there were “think pieces.” Hot takes. Commentaries questioning people’s motives for showing up. Accusations that folks only wanted to see the monks for clout or content. People being called “ghetto” — a word loaded with racist undertones that, unsurprisingly, only seemed to surface when the monks were in Metro Atlanta, a predominantly POC area.

And all of it felt painfully ironic.

Because kindness — gentleness, patience, compassion — is exactly what the monks have been speaking about since the first step of their journey.

What became clear to me is this: many people don’t actually know what peace is.

Peace isn’t the absence of disruption. It isn’t silence, sameness, or comfort. Peace exists in relationship with disruption. You can’t know one without the other. The work isn’t to eliminate contrast — it’s to find balance. To allow peace to hold a bit more weight, even when things feel messy or unfamiliar.

Part of peace is allowing people to explore new ideas, practices, and ways of living on their own terms — whether we personally understand or approve of them or not. As long as no one is being harmed.

And I say this as a blood-washed Christian.

Is it my responsibility to share the love of Christ? Yes.
Is it my responsibility to force my beliefs onto others, or label everything I don’t understand as demonic or an attack from “the enemy”? Absolutely not.

If I truly believe that God is sovereign — that He created everything and allows all things to unfold for a reason, then why would I limit the ways He can move? Why would I assume He can only work through people who look, think, or believe exactly like me?

Scripture itself gives us plenty of examples of God using non-Christians to carry out acts of service, justice, and compassion.

Let’s not lose the plot.

Peace requires humility. Curiosity. Restraint. And a willingness to sit with discomfort without rushing to control it.

If this walk has stirred something in you, curiosity, tenderness, reverence, even questions, that’s not something to fear. That’s awareness awakening.

And if you feel called to support the monks, they have shared that they are currently unable to accept additional physical donations due to space limitations in their companion vehicle. Monetary donations are preferred at this time to help sustain the journey.

I’ll include the donation link below for those who feel moved to contribute.

May we learn to recognize peace not just when it’s quiet and familiar, but when it challenges us to soften, expand, and listen more deeply.

xo, Serena Nicole

If you would like to support and view a live tracker of the journey, you can find that by clicking here.

Join me as we explore the power of each inhale and exhale, allowing the breath to guide us back to a place of peace.

The election results are in, and as we each process the outcome—whether it brings joy, frustration, or a mix of emotions—I want to remind you to give yourself permission to feel.

Let’s take a moment to manage our emotions mindfully and be gentle with our words and actions as we move forward.

And to my fellow Black women, it’s time we start prioritizing our well-being on every level. We deserve to be unapologetically selfish about our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Personal Update / What’s Going On

I’m exhausted 😅, but also heavily moving towards joy.

Recently, I watched Megan Thee Stallion's documentary, and I couldn’t help but feel it’s exactly what we need to see right now.

Her story of resilience, self-care, and unapologetic confidence is so fitting for the moment. It’s a powerful reminder to stay grounded in our worth and fiercely protective of our energy. This time, let’s all choose to honor ourselves just a bit more.

Radical Self-Care Through Feminine Energy

In times of change, the pull to push through, stay strong, and carry on is real—especially for Black women. But true feminine energy doesn’t mean powering through alone; it’s about nurturing, resting, and prioritizing our joy and peace. This week, let’s explore how we can tap into this energy:

• Physically: Make rest non-negotiable. Schedule downtime to rest and recharge. Try something gentle, like a walk, stretching, or dancing to a favorite song.

• Mentally: Establish boundaries that protect your peace. Unfollow, cut back on media consumption, say “no,” and distance yourself from anything that doesn’t serve you.

• Emotionally: Practice self-compassion. Allow yourself to feel what comes up without judgment, as a way of honoring your truth. Embrace all emotions as valid expressions of your experience.

• Spiritually: Carve out quiet moments for prayer, meditation, or simply being still with yourself.

What I’m Into This Week

• Documentary: Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Own Words – If you haven’t seen this yet, it’s a must-watch! Her strength, joy, and unapologetic self-love are powerful reminders for us all.

• Summer Reading List: I finally found some time this summer to dive into some fiction, my favorite form of reading. Here are a few books that captivated me:

  • One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris: For this to be Terah’s first novel, ever, I am in awe! A story about love, forgiveness, and acceptance— I was captivated from beginning to end.

  • All The Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby: Chile… I had to stop myself from finishing this one in a day. One of my favorite genres are thrillers and this is a good one!

Your Love-Work for the Week

This week, let’s commit to being “unapologetically selfish” in one small way.

For your Love-Work, I encourage you to set aside time each day to do something that nurtures you. Whether that’s a moment of silence in the morning, a bath in the evening, or reading before bed, find your way to reconnect with yourself.

Something to Ponder 

Here’s a quote to carry with you this week: 

May this be your reminder to blossom into your fullest, most unapologetic self.

Thank you for joining me for this week’s Midweek Reset.

As always, I’d love to hear how you’re connecting with your feminine energy and making time for yourself. Feel free to reply with your thoughts, or share this newsletter with a friend who could use a reminder to prioritize her own wellbeing.

Until next time, 

Serena Nicole

Through the practice of loving-kindness, we learn to hold ourselves and others in compassion, softening reactions and creating a ripple of peace.

Join me as we navigate this time together, grounding in self-compassion and extending understanding to those around us.

Welcome to the first edition of The Midweek Reset here on With Serena Nicole! I’m so grateful you’re joining me on this journey. I’ve poured so much love into this space, and I hope it brings a moment of calm to your week.

As election day approaches, I’ve been reflecting on how mindfulness can help us manage emotions during intense times. Today, I’m sharing some tips that I hope will support and inspire you.

Personal Update: Navigating Election Season with Mindfulness

Lately, I’ve been focused on managing my emotions around the election cycle. Emotions run high during this time, and even though my friends and family share similar values, we often express them in different ways—especially in how we vote. This can make conversations about politics tricky, and I know many of us feel the strain.

One practice that’s helped me stay grounded is mindful media consumption. I usually listen to NPR on my way to and from the gym in the morning; and watch MSNBC as I get ready for my day. However, I have decided not to watch or listen to any news until the day of the election — to protect my mental.

By bringing awareness to my own feelings and taking intentional steps to stay centered, I’m finding more peace amid the noise. I hope these reflections resonate with you as we all navigate this intense season.

Heart-Centered Practice: Loving-Kindness Meditation

I’ve been leaning into loving-kindness meditation lately, and it’s truly a game changer. Extending kindness, even to those with differing views, has been challenging but also empowering. I even made a light-hearted TikTok and Instagram Reel on how people sometimes assume meditators are always calm and undisturbed—if only that were true, right? 😊

Here’s how you can try it yourself:

• Beginner: Start by focusing on yourself. Imagine a warm light surrounding you, and silently repeat, “May I be happy, may I be safe, may I be at ease.”

• Intermediate: Extend this kindness to someone you care about. Visualize them in a similar light and offer the same phrases of loving-kindness.

• Advanced: Bring to mind someone with whom you disagree. Extend these wishes to them, too. Notice any resistance that arises and observe it with compassion.

Practicing loving-kindness can be hard, but it’s a beautiful way to transform our reactions and nurture inner peace.

What I’m Into This Week

Here are a few things bringing me joy this week—maybe they’ll bring a spark to your life too!

• Show: The Smart Money Woman on YouTube. Based on The Smart Money Woman book by Arese Ugwu, this series is thoughtful and inspiring. It’s definitely a must-watch, and the book is next on my reading list.

• Podcast: 10% Happier with Dan Harris. I especially loved this episode with Ofusu Jones-Quartey and Cara Lai. They discuss how resisting difficult emotions only amplifies them—a perfect listen if election stress is weighing on you.

• Product: I’ve recently started incorporating The Ordinary’s Retinol into my skincare routine. With 40 around the corner (I still have a few years), I’m focusing on proactive aging care, and this product has already shown such great results.

Your Love-Work for the Week

Instead of “homework,” let’s call this Love-Work—something positive you can explore to support your well-being.

This week, I encourage you to try a short loving-kindness meditation. Set aside five minutes each day to send kind thoughts to yourself and others. Notice how this practice impacts your mood and interactions with others.

Something to Ponder

As we explore mindfulness, here’s a favorite poem to reflect on:

"Clearing" by Martha Postlethwaite

Do not try to save the whole world
or do anything grandiose.
Instead, create a clearing
in the dense forest of your life
and wait there patiently,
until the song that is your life
falls into your own cupped hands
and you recognize and greet it.
Only then will you know
how to give yourself
to this world
so worthy of rescue.

May this poem inspire you to create a quiet space within yourself during challenging times.

Thank you so much for joining me for the first installment of The Midweek Reset! I’d love to hear how these reflections and practices resonate with you—feel free to reply or leave a comment and share your thoughts. And if you know someone who might enjoy this little moment of calm, please share it with them too.

Until next time,
Serena Nicole

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