Mantra: ““I am unfolding and opening to the light.””

Topic 1 – The Courage to Bloom (Refined)

Reflection:
Spring doesn’t knock. It doesn’t ask the flower, “Are you ready?” It simply arrives—and the petals begin to open. In the same way, growth often begins before we feel ready. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be fully healed, fully confident, or fully prepared to begin again. You just need a little courage—a little willingness to unfold, even if you still feel unsure.

Self-love means honoring where you are right now—not some perfected future version. It means choosing to show up, messy and beautiful, in this moment. And it means believing that even your unseen, quiet efforts to be kinder to yourself—those tiny, invisible changes—are sacred.

We often think of blooming as a dramatic moment. But sometimes, blooming is a quiet decision made in the dark. A decision to keep going. A decision to believe you are enough, even as you’re becoming.

Metaphor – The Quilt from Scraps:
Imagine an old quilt stitched together from forgotten bits of fabric—some torn, some stained, some bright. Alone, each scrap might seem like nothing. But together, they become something warm, whole, and meaningful. The quiltmaker works quietly, stitch by stitch, often in solitude. Our healing is like that—assembling the forgotten parts of ourselves into something beautiful and new.

Quotes:
“Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she became a butterfly.”
“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck where you don’t belong.”
“The tiny seed knew that in order to grow, it had to be dropped in dirt, buried in darkness, and struggle toward the light.”
“You are loved. You are safe. You are eternal. You are transforming. Do not be afraid.” – Trisha Lynn
“You don’t have to bloom all at once. You just have to be willing to open.”

Call to Action:
Let yourself be exactly where you are. In today’s practice, speak to yourself as you would to something just starting to bloom—with patience, with hope, with love. You are unfolding, moment by moment.

Topic 2 – Molting the Old Self

Reflection:
In nature, animals shed their winter coats to prepare for warmer days. We, too, must learn to molt—physically, emotionally, spiritually. This shedding isn’t always pretty. Sometimes, it looks like chaos. But it’s necessary. Self-love means being willing to release the parts of ourselves that once protected us but now hold us back.

Metaphor – The Snake and the Shed Skin:
The snake does not mourn its old skin. It simply leaves it behind. It has grown too large for what it once needed. Imagine the relief of slipping out of what no longer fits, and stepping freely into what’s next.

Quotes:
“Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again.” – Buddha
“You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” – Michael McMillan
“She was never quite ready. But she was brave. And the universe listens to brave.” – Rebecca Ray
“Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are.” – Brené Brown
“Don’t grieve the shedding. What you leave behind was only ever meant to carry you this far.” – Brianna Wiest
“If you’re always trying to be who you were, you’ll never see who you’re becoming.”
“The habits you created to survive will no longer serve you when it’s time to thrive.”

Call to Action:
In each pose today, imagine releasing a layer—of fear, of doubt, of the past. You are not what you’ve outgrown.

Topic 3 – The Arctic Hare Within

Reflection:
The Arctic hare changes its coat with the seasons, adapting to its surroundings not just for survival but as part of its nature. We, too, are designed for transformation. But adaptation doesn’t mean abandoning yourself—it means honoring your truth in new ways. Transformation requires trust, flexibility, and self-love.

Metaphor – The Shifting Coat of the Arctic Hare:
Imagine if the hare refused to change colors. It would become exposed, vulnerable. But it doesn’t resist. It transforms with grace, because it’s attuned to the world and its own nature. Can you allow yourself to change like that—gracefully, naturally, wisely?

Quotes:
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin
“Although no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending.” —Carl Bard
“Life is about change. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes it’s beautiful. Most of the time, it’s both.” —Kristin Kreuk
“You cannot save or fix people, but you can support them as they save themselves.” – David Scott

Call to Action:
Let today’s practice be a gentle adaptation. Where in your life can you flow instead of fight?

Topic 4 – Embracing the Mess of Becoming

Reflection:
Change can feel chaotic—like brushing out your dog’s winter coat and finding fur everywhere. But in that mess is movement. In that shedding is becoming. Self-love doesn’t mean having it all together. It means accepting the in-between, the molting, the mid-transformation self.

Metaphor – The Feathers on the Breeze:
Picture brushing a dog outdoors, tufts of hair flying into the wind. It looks wild. But that shedding makes room for comfort, for coolness, for play. What are you releasing into the wind today?

Quotes:
“Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actually be falling into place.”
“You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness already within.” —Eckhart Tolle
“At any given moment, you have the power to say: This is not how the story is going to end.” – Christine Mason Miller
“We are made of all those who have built and broken us.” – Atticus

Call to Action:
Be present with your process. Don’t rush to sweep up the mess. Let it be part of the beauty.

Topic 5 – Opening to the Light

Reflection:
April means “to open.” Like spring blossoms, we’re invited to soften, receive, and grow. But before anything blooms, there must be a willingness—a readiness to stretch, to turn toward something unfamiliar. Transformation rarely begins with certainty; it begins with a simple choice to be open.

There’s an old parable about two travelers, both immigrants to a new land. One expects the world to conform to their language and customs. Frustrated when it doesn’t, they remain isolated. The other listens, adapts, and learns the rhythms of this new world—not by losing themselves, but by expanding who they are. And they thrive.

In life, we’re always entering new seasons—new roles, new relationships, new selves. We can resist the unfamiliar, or we can adapt with grace. Adaptability isn’t about abandoning your truth; it’s about staying rooted while reaching toward what’s next.

Metaphor – The Sunflower Turning:
A sunflower doesn’t bloom all at once. Long before it opens, it turns its face toward the light. It doesn’t force the sun to shine—it simply turns in the right direction. Like the wise traveler, it doesn’t demand the world change for it. It responds, humbly and wisely, to what is.

Quotes:
“Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open?” – Rumi
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin
“Adaptability is about the powerful difference between adapting to cope and adapting to win.” – Max McKeown
“I welcome new paths, new energy, new experiences. I am ready for a new beginning.” – Idil Ahmed

Call to Action:
What are you resisting because it feels unfamiliar? In today’s practice, see if you can turn gently toward it—with curiosity instead of fear. Ask yourself: Am I the traveler demanding change, or the one willing to grow?

April, derived from the Latin word meaning ‘to open,’ beautifully captures the essence of spring as nature begins to unfold around us. This season heralds a time of magical transformation—much like the trees that blossom and open, welcoming the newness that spring brings. As we witness this change, remember that transformation can often be a chaotic process. Consider the scene where you might be brushing your dog, and hair scatters everywhere—this mess is natural and part of the process.

In nature, spring is a time for animals to molt, shedding their heavy winter coats to prepare for the lighter, warmer days ahead. However, shedding isn’t always about what’s visible. It often involves letting go of things hidden beneath the surface, unseen to the eyes. Transformation is about such shedding; it’s a sign of deep, significant change.

As we embrace the transformative energy of spring, let’s consider the Arctic hare, a remarkable creature known for its seasonal change in color. During the winter, its coat is as white as the snow, camouflaging it against predators. But as the seasons shift, so does its fur, transitioning to a darker shade to blend with the earth and rocks of the thawing landscape. This change is not just for protection; it’s a natural adaptation to the environment, a profound transformation that is both necessary and beautiful.

In our yoga practice today, let us draw inspiration from the Arctic hare. Just as it changes its outer layer to reflect its changing surroundings, we too are invited to undergo our own transformations. Spring is a powerful time not only for external changes but for internal renewals as well. As we move through each pose, imagine shedding what no longer serves you, not just on the surface but deep within your being. Let this be a time to lighten your spirit, to refine your inner self, and to prepare for the new growth that lies ahead.

You Are Loved – Trisha Lynn

“You are loved. You are safe. You are eternal. You are transforming. Do not be afraid. You are never alone

“We come from the earth, we return to the earth and in between we garden. Don’t ever save anything for a special occasion, being alive is a special occasion.”

“Never go in search of love, go in search of life, and life will find you the love you seek.” – Atticus

“We are made of all those who have built and broken us.” Atticus

“We are all born free and spend a lifetime becoming slaves to our own false truths.” Atticus

“Life is about change, sometimes it’s painful, sometimes it’s beautiful, but most of the time it’s both.” —Kristin Kreuk

“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” —Carl Bard

“As we grow older and wiser, we begin to realize what we need and what we need to leave behind. Sometimes there are things in our lives that aren’t meant to stay. Sometimes the changes we don’t want are the changes we need to grow. And sometimes walking away is a step forward.” —Unknown

“I welcome a new path, new energy, new connections, new experiences, new thoughts, and new ideas. I am open to all things new, different, and adventurous. I am ready for a new beginning.” – Idil Ahmed

“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come.” —Joseph Campbell

“Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she became a butterfly.”

“When the roots grow deep, there is no reason the fear the wind.”

“You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness that is already within you.” —Eckhart Tolle

We can’t let go of thinking; it’s just part of being human. But we can choose not to get caught up in our thoughts. When we allow our thoughts to flow through us without attaching to them or analyzing them, we create space for peace and clarity.

It is all that I have lost that has set me free.

“Not every day is a good day, live anyway. Not all you love will love you back, love anyway. Not everyone will tell you the truth, be honest anyway. Not all deals are fair, play fair anyway.”

“While being uncomfortable and vulnerable is not an easy path, it’s the most direct route to becoming stronger and wiser.” – Robert Biswas-Diener

“Life comes with twists and turns. I try my best to embrace what comes my way with openness, curiosity, and kindness because I trust it is all part of my path. I want to live it ALL – the ups and the downs – with integrity, faith, and joyful energy” – Alison Kate

“Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open. You were born with wings, why do you prefer to crawl through life?” – Rumi

We are held back in life not because of who we are, but who we think we are, who we have been told we are. Our self-beliefs develop during our maturity into adulthood. Maybe we were bullied, maybe our parents were not supportive or missing in action; maybe teachers told you that you would amount to much.

We can become imprisoned by our beliefs, if we allow the beliefs of other’s people’s opinions, to define us. Enslaved by this mental bondage, we do not realize the potential within each of us.

“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”

“You have two choices, settle for what is comfortable or have the courage to grow into the unknown, you cannot have both.”

“It’s funny how we outgrow what we once thought we couldn’t live without, and then we fall in love with what we didn’t even know we wanted. Life keeps leading us on journeys we would never go on if it were up to us. Don’t be afraid. Have faith. Find the lessons. Trust the journey.” MarcandAngel

“We waste our time waiting for the ideal path to appear. But it never does. Because we forget that paths are made by walking, not waiting. And no, you should not feel more confident before you take the next step. Taking the next step is what gradually builds your confidence.” MarcandAngel

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” —J. Pierpont Morgan

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” —Lao Tzu

“It is the irritation in the oyster that creates the pearl.” David Scott

“All beings are flowers, blossoming, in a blossoming universe.” – Soen Nakagawa

“Your desire to change must be greater than your desire to stay the same.”

The tiny seed knew that in order to blossom and grow, It needed to be dropped in dirt, covered in darkness and struggle to reach the light.

“At any given moment, you have the power to say: This is not how the story is going to end.” -Christine Mason Miller

“If you want light to come into your life, you need to stand where it is shining.” – Guy Finley

Nothing is more beautiful than a smile that has struggled through tears.

“You can’t change what’s going on around you until you start changing what’s going on within you.”

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” ― Steve Maraboli

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. I used to pray that God would feed the hungry, or do this or that, but now I pray that he will guide me to do whatever I’m supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I’m praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us and we change things. — Mother Teresa

“Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.” ~Karen Kaiser Clark

“A door must be shut or a door must be open, if you try to chase two rabbits, you end up catching none.” David Scott

“When your past calls, don’t answer. It has nothing new to say.”

“The habits you created to survive will no longer serve you when it’s time to thrive. Get out of survivor mode. New habits, new life.”

“Sometimes when things are falling apart, you might realize it, but they may actually be falling into place.”

“At some point, you have to realize that some people can stay in your heart, but not in your life.”

“If you’re working on changing bad habits, unhealthy thought patterns, negative emotions, or toxic behaviors, know that you are healing a small part of the world by healing yourself. Everyone around you will benefit and they will be served by your wholeness…” ~Emily Maroutian

“The Warrior of the Light sometimes behaves like water, flowing around the obstacles he encounters. Occasionally, resistance might mean destruction, and so he adapts to the circumstances. He adapts, without complaint, that the stones in his path hinder his way through the mountains. Therein lies the strength of water: It cannot be touched by a hammer or ripped to shreds by a knife. The strongest sword in the world cannot scar its surface.

The River adapts itself to whatever route proves possible, but the river never forgets its one objective: the sea. So fragile at its source, it gradually gathers the strength of the other rivers in encounters. And, after a certain point, its power is absolute.” – Warrior Of The Lights ~ Paulo Coelho

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man. Heraclitus

“Nothing is forever except change.” – Buddha

“Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity.”–H. Jackson Brown Jr.”

“Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again.” – Buddha

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one more responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin (maybe)

“Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you’ll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others. You can’t save or fix people, but you can listen without judgment, hold their hand and support them as they save themselves.” – David Scott

The Scene of Transformation – By Joanna Stratford

I am facing things that I have run away from before. I am facing the challenges set before me only meant to make me stronger.

I am letting go of my past, and I am no longer in fear of the future.

I am standing up for myself. I am standing up for my beliefs and for my freedom.

I am a part of the scene of transformation. And here is the confidence that I never thought I had. And here is the beauty that I had a hard time seeing in that reflection. And here is the place where I am rising and thriving more than I ever have before.

I need to be in the place where I can thrive and not just survive. I am a part of this scene of transformation. I am thriving in this scene of transformation. This is the place I need to be in this scene of positive transformation.

This is the only place where I can feel free.