What April Showers May Bring...

We’re all familiar with the phrase “April showers bring May flowers.” It’s that playful reminder that we must often, quite literally, endure a period of storms and rain before arriving at the sunshine and warmth of summer, and its beauties that ensues. But if we look deeper, there is also a message about growth that feels especially relevant to our lives, as well as our practice.

Rain is often uncomfortable and unpleasant. It can feel inconvenient, messy, disruptive, even unlucky. And yet, without it, nothing would bloom. In order to enjoy the beauty of nature that spring and summer deliver, we must weather the rain. In many ways, growth follows the same pattern. We often experience periods of uncomfortable change while personal gains are being made.

The “rain showers” in our lives might look like stress or anxiety, change, transitioning seasons in our lives, discomfort in the body, or simply the challenge of starting something new. In yoga, it can be a moment you experience tightness or stiffness you didn’t expect, notice your mind wandering away from your breath again, or the frustration of feeling less flexible or strong than you’d like. These experiences might not always be comfortable—but they are often where awareness begins. And awareness is where change grows, and growth flourishes.

Rather than trying to avoid those moments, yoga invites us to embrace them gently. It encourages us to stay present with a sensation, to soften around resistance, to release judgement of imperfection, and to breathe through discomfort instead of turning back. Over time, these small, caring choices create space and foster growth—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Just as the effects of the rain aren't immediate, you might not notice drastic changes at first. But something is happening beneath the surface.

Strength is building. Tension is releasing. Resilience is taking root.

For many of us—especially as our bodies begin to experience aging anatomy—this kind of patient, supportive approach is what allows us to treat ourselves with kindness, gently ride the shifts within us, and feel more at home in ourselves.

So this season, when things feel uncomfortable or uncertain, consider the possibility that you’re in a period of quiet growth. That what feels like a “rainy day” might actually be nourishing something important that is preparing to break through the surface. A change in the direction of your best self. Keep showing up. Keep breathing. Keep being kind to yourself. The flowers will come.