April Theme 2026
April. A month of fresh starts and lighter days.
By Mary Garvey
April can feel like a gateway month, having passed the Spring Equinox, a day with equal hours of light and darkness and now the clocks have changed, and we have sprung into Spring there is a sense of moving forward. We can feel the change in the season, the weather and maybe within ourselves. We become aware of the extra light and notice a quickening in our gardens and all around us as we enter a time of reawakening and liveliness. The time of hibernation and rest is over, and life just seems to get busier, the longer days and extra light allow us to notice the call and pull towards the garden, and all things that need our time and attention especially outside.
April can also feel like a month of confusions. The weather can have us regarding our summer clothes with an air of renewed acquaintance with a long-lost friend and uneasiness as to whether we should cast off our winter layers just yet. One day its all short sleeves, sandals and blue skies and the next our winter coat is back on duty and we are looking out of the window at sleet and hailstones. This changeability can be seen mirrored in the origins in the name of the month itself. Various theories abound, maybe April has its roots in the Latin verb Aperire, to open or uncover and borrowed for the second month of the Roman calender ,Aprilis. Perhaps it comes from the Etruscan civilisation in early Italy and the word Apru and linked with the Greek goddess Aphrodite, associated with love and fertility. In Anglo Saxon times April was called Oestre Monath, Oestre (Ostara) is the goddess of Spring, dawn and fertility. This name also connects us to the Christian festival of Easter with its themes of resurrection,hope and new life. In all a common theme of growth unfolding, renewal and fertility.
The themes of renewal, hope, rebirth, new life, vitality, optimism and new beginnings are very much part of April. All that potential for a fresh start, and springing into action. Light allows us to see with clarity, and it is essential for things to thrive. The rising temperatures, daylight and improving weather (hopefully) gives us an opportunity to renew our connection with our gardens, nature and the great outdoors. The colours of spring start to unfold all around us. A fresh start could mean simply that we connect to the extra light and start to notice what is happening, see the beds of daffodils in their vibrancy or notice the cherry blossom trees contrasted against blue skies. Like the seed and plants, the gardeners among us are drawn to this month, we ourselves may need to consider the conditions that allow us to thrive, some needing some extra tender, loving care and attention.
The 30 days of April can be an opportunity to make a fresh start, an intention of considering what it is that will help us thrive and revitalize without getting caught up in the frenetic energy of overactivity. Pausing however briefly to consider the conditions that help you to thrive and grow in the present moment. A useful breath practice to bring light into dark spaces and invigorate, with a gentle pause if accessible at the end of the inhale may also prove a useful tool.
The Practice
Sitting comfortably, using props as required, connecting to your body.
Connecting to you breath and reacquainting yourself with your inhale and exhale
Start to notice the pauses /Khumbaka at the end of your inhale and exhale, if they are present, knowing you will use the pause at the end of your inhale ,if it is accessible as you progress in the practice. Avoid the pause if you have high blood pressure.
Arms/hands rest comfortably at sides or on thighs
Inhale, raising arms straight out in front of your body, easy hands and fingers
Either in the pause or very end of your Inhale, allow your arms to move sideways
Exhale, make fists
Inhale, release fists/ open fingers
Exhale release arms back down to your sides/ thighs
Repeat several times, keeping everything light, soft and gentle
Pause quietly and reflect before you move on
The kumbhaka,allows the mind to still, may connect to a sense of full energy being held and breathing and moving this way may deepen the breath, and gently revitalize.
Happy April all!