Between birth and becoming.

It is said that a mother is born alongside her baby; stepping into a new world both tender and wild. I have learned that motherhood completely reshapes us; body, mind, and soul. As society has put it, women are plagued with the notion of
“returning to our old selves” or “getting back to normal after pregnancy”.
In the midst of these postpartum notions, I pondered to myself:
would my old self handle this transition and load? Most probably not.

The poem below is a gentle whisper to every mother navigating the postpartum journey. A reminder that you are seen and never alone.


Oh, But Darling...

Your old self ceased to exist,
in fact, many moons ago.
When you were none the wiser,
chosen by this little soul.

There is no “normal” to hurry back to,
only a new you to unfold.
Fear not that you are lost, my dear,
your arms were made to hold.

Breathe, my love— there’s no need to rush.
Your weariness is sacred.
Be tender, quiet —pause and hush,
identity stripped, lay naked.

The dishes can wait, as can the world.
It’s you this little soul looks upon.
Be fully there, tuned in, aware—
for tears at midnight and the quiet dawn.

So, darling, be gentle in this space,
hold yourself as you do your child.
Dance through the chaos with reverence and grace.
In your softness, you are still wild.

Written by Amy Broderick - June 2025

Yoga & mental health.

As modern science is finally catching on, yoga is more than just a physical practice—it’s a powerful tool for emotional well-being. By combining movement, breath and mindfulness practices, the ancient system of yoga offers endless benefits for our modern world’s mental health. So what exactly does yoga do -
beyond giving you a fit & agile body?

1. Reduces stress, anxiety & other mental imbalances.
Yoga helps calm the mind by activating the body’s relaxation response (or the parasympathetic nervous system AKA rest and digest mode). Deep and conscious breathing techniques lower stress hormones and promote a sense of calm.

2. Improves mood and emotional balance
Certain yoga poses can help release stored tension, boost mood and encourage the release of endorphins - the body’s natural mood enhancers. Regular practice has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and increase feelings of happiness.

3. Self awareness.
Yoga teaches mindfulness, which helps you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions without judgment. This increased awareness allows you to better understand your mental patterns, empowering you to respond to situations with greater clarity and calm.

4. Builds Resilience
The mental focus required in yoga cultivates resilience. Learning to stay present in uncomfortable practices and situations can translate to staying calm during life’s challenges. Yoga encourages patience, perseverance, and the ability to adapt, all of which strengthen emotional resilience.

5. Fosters Connection and Community
Yoga connects you not only with yourself but also with others. Whether practicing in a studio or virtually, the shared experience fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for mental well-being.

By embracing yoga, you are nurturing a deeper connection to your body, mind and emotions - and so, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced life. Make time for your practice - your future self will thank you!

Yoga for back pain.

Back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide, often stemming from various factors such as poor posture, sedentary lifestyles, muscular or energetic imbalances. While medication and conventional treatments can provide temporary relief, many seek other methods to alleviate discomfort and improve overall well-being. One such method we’ll zone in on here is yoga—a holistic practice that combines physical postures, breathwork, and mindfulness to promote healing and relaxation to the entire framework of the body. Yoga offers a gentle yet effective approach to addressing back pain by targeting both the physical and emotional aspects of discomfort.

One of the primary benefits of yoga for back pain is its emphasis on spinal alignment and core stabilization. Poses such as Cat-Cow, Downward-Facing Dog, and Cobra gently stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, promoting greater flexibility and relieving tension along the way. Additionally, yoga helps improve posture by encouraging awareness of body alignment and proper positioning, reducing strain on the spine and supporting structures.

To add to this, yoga promotes relaxation and stress reduction—an essential component of managing chronic pain. By incorporating breathwork and mindfulness techniques into practice, yoga helps calm the nervous system, reduce muscle tension, alleviate any psychological stressors that can exacerbate back pain and fostering a healthier, healing environment for body and mind.

When practicing yoga for back pain, it's essential to listen to your body and work within your limitations. This is something I always emphasise with students on the mat. Beginners or those with acute pain may benefit from starting with gentle, restorative poses and gradually progressing to more invigorating variations.

Whether you're seeking relief from occasional discomfort or managing chronic back pain, yoga provides a versatile and accessible tool for promoting healing and restoring balance to the body and mind.

(If you’re struggling with back pain, feel free to reach out here for massage enquiries).

Finding light in darkness.

In life, we all encounter moments of darkness—times when we feel lost, overwhelmed, or consumed by despair. Yet, amongst the shadows, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to be discovered. It is in these moments of darkness that we have the opportunity to really find our inner strength, resilience, and capacity for growth.

Finding light in the darkness begins with acknowledging and accepting our struggles. It's okay to feel overwhelmed or uncertain; these emotions are a natural part of the human experience. However, it's important not to let them define us.

Perhaps one of the most powerful ways to find solace can be through self-reflection and self-care. Taking the time to nurture our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being can help us build resilience and come home to our place of inner peace. Whether it's through meditation, journaling, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones, finding moments of solace and rejuvenation can help us navigate even the trickiest of times.

Finding light in the darkness often involves reaching out for support and connection. Whether it's through therapy, support groups, or simply talking to your friends or family member, sharing our struggles can help us feel less alone and more supported on our journey.

By reframing our challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, we can cultivate a sense of resilience and empowerment. Every setback, failure, or hardship has the potential to teach us valuable lessons and help us become stronger, more compassionate individuals.

Finding light in the darkness is a journey—one that requires courage, resilience, and unwavering faith in ourselves and the world around us. As we navigate life's twists and turns, let us remember that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to guide us forward. By embracing our struggles, nurturing our well-being, and seeking support and connection, we can find hope, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Light cannot see inside things.
That is what the dark is for:
Minding the interior,
Nurturing the draw of growth
Through places where death
In its own way turns into life.

- extract from John O Donohue “For Light”