Alive in April: Open
A monthly offering of seasonal aliveness inspiration
“April is the kindest month. April gets you out of your head and out working in the garden.” - Marty Rubin
A Seasonal Attunement:
Greetings, April. Trees and plants that were brown and bare just weeks ago burst with color and texture, each taking their place in the steady onward march of the season. Spring’s brief, blink-and-you'll-miss-it show reminds us to notice and savor each day.
An Historical Tidbit:
Thought to be derived from the Latin aperire (“to open”), April includes a number of seasonal celebrations. The origin of April Fool’s Day, celebrated on the first day of the month, remains a mystery, though a less popular theory suggests the holiday is related to Mother Nature “fooling” us with shifting and unpredictable weather during this time of year.
Alive in April:
A few seasonal aliveness offerings for this month:
In body:
Find a quiet spot to listen to (or dance in) the rain. If it’s a passing shower, make sure to look for the rainbow.
Take your regular workout or exercise routine outside or try something new like pickleball.
In nature:
Head to the woods to look for edible spring treats like ramps or wild garlic.
Peep returning migratory birds on a nature walk.
In community:
Grab your favorite people, some portable snacks, and a blanket, and head to the park in honor of National Picnic Day (4/23).
Celebrate Arbor Day (4/24) by planting a tree or mulching and cleaning up around the trees in your neighborhood.
In creativity:
Pick wildflowers, press them in a book or flower press, and frame or use them in a creative art project.
Go for a walk and try to find items in nature that match every color of the rainbow.
In home:
Make a spring dessert, such as carrot cake or lemon bars.
Spring clean just one thing in your home - mop the floors, wash the windows, clean out your closet - your choice!
Take what’s useful, leave the rest, and let this new month meet you where you are.
-Kristen