Nurture Movement

My darling,

You were the storm that crashed against me
and took the shoreline with it.
The tide that rocked and soothed me.
The wind that had me mourning for the leaves you
kissed into autumn.
You were the fire that ignited mine when the darkness
took hold.
The sun showers that moved me in streams down my cheeks.
The warmth that breathed life into my core.
My roots grounded.
My heart soaring.
You were the seasons they spoke of.
Ever-changing and blooming.
For I thought I was growing you,
when you were growing me too.

So take a deep breath and know that when you let go, you’re making space for what comes next.

And chances are it might be something very wonderful. ✨
e.marie

Instead of asking ‘have I worked hard enough to deserve a rest?’, I’ve started asking, ‘have I rested enough to do my most loving, meaningful work?’

-

Where the sun stands still

A mantra for winter solstice -

‘I rest in peaceful darkness. I offer myself tenderness and compassion. I allow my innermost light to guide me through the seasons. I look forward to the seasons and opportunities to come.’ - unknown

Solstice marks an opportunity for us to surrender to a natural slowing of pace, guided by the seasonal rhythm of winter, to turn inward, seek stillness, rest and renewal, whilst welcoming the gradual return of the sun.

For most of us, myself included, the cold and moody weather of winter, can be a challenge to embrace. To gently shift our mindset toward honouring this seasonal change, it can be helpful to set winter rituals and intentions. Perhaps this looks like a daily walk to ground in nature, setting up a cosy and inviting meditation or reading space, brewing your favourite tea, eating slow-cooked warming meals, lighting candles, taking some long hot baths or, incorporating grounding breath-work, restorative postures and sun salutations into your yoga practice.

However you choose to embrace it, let the season be your guide and set a new pace. One that allows for rest and replenishment.

Our Postnatal Yoga Series commences next Wednesday 8th March at Sama Wellness Studio . See website for details and bookings https://www.samawellnessstudio.com.au/

When cleared for exercise by your doctor at 6-12 weeks postpartum, you should be intentional about the exercise you choose.

Your body took many months to grow and birth your baby. Your entire anatomy and physiology transforms, organs shift, expand and contract to accommodate your baby, muscles separate, connective tissues stretch, hormones fluctuate. Your brain cognition even changes! These changes are profound and your amazing postpartum body requires the same patience and love as you give your beautiful baby during this time. There really is no rush to do anything but care for you and your baby.

When you do feel ready to exercise - ease into it. Exercises that served you pre-baby may actually exacerbate postpartum symptoms, prolong recovery or make you more vulnerable to injury.

This also applies to new and avid yogis. While yoga is beneficial for postpartum recovery, for mummas still experiencing abdominal separation, diastasis recti, pelvic floor conditions, healing from caesarean or other procedures, postures should be chosen with caution and modified to suit.
Full expressions of common poses like cobra, upward dog and cat/cow for example, can potentially exacerbate abdominal separation or place stress on c-section scarring. In this case, skip cobra and try alternating between cat and table-top (i.e. avoiding cow pose) or try seated cat/cow, easy alternatives for finding a moderate front-body stretch while avoiding over extension of the midline and abdominals. Similarly, postures such as plank, chaturanga dandasana and navasana (boat pose) can place significant loading on the abdominals and pelvic floor, potentially compromising core function and stability. Lowering knees to floor for plank and chaturanga or opting for wall-based planks will still engage your core with far less abdominal loading.

Mummas, the point here is - be patient. Don’t leap back into advanced exercises. Instead, focus on resuming gently and progressively. You can still work on strength, stability and flexibility with modifications that are safe for your beautiful postpartum body.

Ultimately, let your body be your guide as to what feels right for you.

New mums looking for opportunities for some self-care & to bond with your baby?
The next postnatal yoga series commences 8th March at Sama Wellness Studio…

Welcome, new mamas!

Renae Michael from describes motherhood as many things.

“It can feel messy, joyful, exhausting, painful and heart bursting all at once."

Mothers know that the postnatal period can be challenging; adjusting to the demands of caring for a newborn.

“Our overwhelming sense of responsibility and selflessness means we often sacrifice a lot of ourselves to love and nurture our babies. The self-sacrifice and challenges experienced during the early postnatal period can be especially intense… That's why self-care is so important for mummas to recharge and reconnect with themselves and their bodies. When we prioritize our own well-being, we create space to be more receptive to the needs of our loved ones and ourselves”

At Sama Wellness Studio, we believe that yoga and mindfulness practices can be a gentle way for new mums to refill their self-care cup.

That's why we're thrilled to collaborate with Renae from Nurture Movement to offer Postnatal Yoga to mums and their bubs in a nurturing and supportive setting.

Renae will guide you through safe and effective exercises that will help you regain strength, flexibility, and promote relaxation.

You'll love the opportunity to bond with your baby and connect with other new mothers who are going through the same experience.

Join us and make self-care a priority in your postnatal journey. Our next 5 Week Series commences on Wednesday 8 March 11am -12pm. Bookings are essential and are made through our online & app based booking system.

Please reach out with any questions ✨

Welcome to Nurture Movement.

I’m Renae, a qualified yoga teacher specialising in postnatal, vinyasa and yin yoga.
Offering studio based classes as well as, private, workshop and corporate bookings.

I’m also a mumma of two and marine scientist. I’m a big fan of exploring nurturing styles of yoga and other wellness offerings both on and off the mat and integrating elements of these different approaches into my teaching. I especially enjoy gentler vinyasa flows, a juicy yin and a good soulful soak in a sound bath.

Personally, I practice yoga to shift my perspective. To cultivate space for self-reflection and move toward deeper connection with, and compassion for, myself and others.

Why do you yoga?