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Yoga that kindly guides us towards rest,
nurturing a more intentional, present, less frazzled way of being.

Mama Yoga (BYOB)

to Connect, Rest & Restore

Tuesdays 10.30 - 11.45am

St Werburghs Community Centre, Bristol

A supportive space for new mothers to nurture body-mind through inclusive yoga, and feel uplifted by a sense of community, sharing the bumpy journey of early motherhood.

Join Courses Here

Mother's Circle

The Strength and Support of community and mindfulness

First Sunday of every month

Westbury Wildlife Park / Bristol

For mothers craving authentic connection and true self-care, this monthly Mother's Circle gathering offers a sanctuary of presence, rest and joy.

Join our Club

GLOW

An uplifting Summer retreat for Women

June 2025 / Hampshire

Step back to spacious simplicity, ease into mindful days, let time slow down and be. A weekend of deep rest, and connection - for women ready to feel grounded, inspired, and truly restored.

Retreat and Glow Here

Sign up to receive Rest Mail
Grounding and calming reminders to rest, science and yoga wisdom inspiration,

and early-bird offers, especially for you.

"Carolyn’s gentle, effective approach has helped me to restore confidence, balance and a positive connection with my postnatal body and mind"

Olivia

Carolyn’s yoga classes have been incredible. I have found myself able to release tension and rest even after the most challenging days. I have learnt so much about myself and my yoga practice,

Hannah

Carolyn is a wonderful teacher. Her kindness and warmth helps me settle into rest even when my mind is feeling scattered. I would really recommend Carolyn and her classes and retreats to anyone.

Claire

Just another thank you for last weekend's retreat. It was truly, profoundly healing. I hadn't realised how depleted I was, and I just I can’t believe how loose and at ease my body feels now, as does my soul. I cannot wait until the next one!

Heather

Hi, i'm Carolyn.

I want to live a more intentional present and less frazzled life, and support others to enjoy the same.

Recognizing the importance of self-connection and intentional rest, in a world that often drives productivity at all costs - and deeply craving more time and energy to enjoy being a Mother—I left the corporate world in 2018. I embarked on Yoga Teacher Training and I've been sharing, studying, and exploring this vast, fascinating practice of yoga and mindfulness ever since.

Inspired by nervous system science, yoga wisdom, and mindfulness, I share inclusive yoga that kindly guides tired people towards restorative rest, with space for inner curiosity, self reflection and care.

Whether in community classes, workplaces, private 1:1 sessions, or weekend retreats, this is yoga for the whole person, not just the poses. Space to feel welcome just as we are, take the practice you need, learn ho to nurture presence, and feel uplifted by community.

In our speedy world, taking space to slow down and kindly look after our whole self is a gift—not only to ourselves, but also to each other.

I also support children's wellbeing, teaching playful yoga in Bristol primary schools. I am excited to be working with The Calm Club to share Children’s Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training 2025

Thank you for being here, and for being you.

With love,

Carolyn.

I got out of the habit of put rest on ‘the list’.

This month I’m making an effort to put spacious, nourishing pauses back in the picture.

Quiet pauses to balance the noise, to come home to me, to unplug from technology and plug back into awareness, intention, and soft (and mighty strong) inner strengths.

For me, Sometimes rest feels like movement in and around yoga asana, a restorative yoga shape with blankets and bolster, or a short journal, mindfulness meditation or yoga Nidra or walking and daydreaming (without my phone).

Monthly cycles of energy call for different pockets of peace too, so I’ll keep it pick n mix styles and schedule micro 5minute and macro 30+ minute spaces across the week. Knowing that when I do this, I can show up for myself, and the peeps around me, a more steady, grounded, present version of me too.

Perhaps scheduling rest also feels contradictory. And there doesn’t need to be a goal.

BUT ALSO work, parenting, adulting… all still has to happen. And that’s all ok. But when we remember to rest, our tired nervous system energy has space to settle back to base line, we remind our inner Self we are worthy of this care, we can show up with more inner strength, sustaining energy, grounded patience.

✨How are you getting intentional REST on the list today/ this week / this April? ✨

#rest #restore #iamenough #restorativeyoga #mindfulness #relax #yogateacher #pause #being #april

I can’t believe this November will bring the 5th edition of The Rested Mother Retreat. JOY!

I’d wondered if this offering had come to a close. Maybe it had run its cycle. As things naturally do.

And then a few asked for it. They’d been recommended, and Mums from my classes, and some who felt this had become their annual true selfcare ritual were keen to return.

They told me how much how much a guided restorative, slow down and intentional rest and reset to close the year would mean to them. How much they valued A chance to connect with other mothers in a friendly community, sharing truthful stories, about the challenges and joys, to feel cared for when they’re often the ones doing the caring and holding.

I was reminded how important it is to practice slowing down when life is so full and fast, to nurture energy and set Winter intentions of useful and realistic self care. And so the decision was made!

For all those who identify as a Mother, of any stripe, or phase or age, this space is for YOU.

⭕️ The Rested Mother Retreat ⭕️
Nov 21-23
@holwellholisticretreat / North Devon

⬇️

In celebration of ALL the incredible mothers and mother figures in our world, I’d love to share a little special gift with you :

❤️Receive £25 off The Rested Mother Retreat 2025 when booking by 6th April ❤️

If you don’t identify as a mother, please kindly accept this as a gift for you to share with others in your life. Thank you ❤️

Payment plans can be sorted to help spread the cost too.

Just DM me to discover more, and bag your gift!

Only 8 spaces still available. Twin or Private rooms.

#retreat #restretreat #yogaretrat #gentleyoga #innerselfcare #mothers #mums #mothersretreat #yogamum #therestedmother

I often think, in a noisy, busy, speedy world with no pause button, what could be more important than remembering to slow down?

Rest is radical.

There is so much strength in our softness.

What’s your favourite way of remembering to pause and be in the present moment? ⬇️

#Rest #be #restorativeyoga #svasana #softening #yogateacher #mindfulrest #mindfulness #reflection #slowdown #slowliving

The more anxiety I experience (hello perimenopause 🫣) the more I have found this anxiety sensitive approach to yoga , and the yoga I share, incredibly supportive. It doesn’t need a yoga mat or fancy clothes either tbh.

How ?

1. Begin with a shake out, move your body, bounce, swing

2. Slow it down - gradually be more mindful of movement, notice the pressure of feet on the ground, give yourself a squeeze or hug, sway perhaps

3. Maybe a slowing exhale, or just stay with feeling feet, slow down to sit, or lie down, if you choose.
A blanket or cushions might support. Pause for a minute or more. Whatever feels ok for you. Noticing breath come and go. OR noticing the ground supporting your body

The more anxious and stressed we’re feeling, the harder it is to go slow, be still, or relax because the nervous system is looking for ‘safety’ and is activating the body to be ready to get away.

So we meet this unregulated state intentionally, before we slow down mindfully.

It’s like we’re speaking to our brain from the ‘body up’, like saying I see you, we’re ok, follow me, we are safe, let’s relax.
❤️

🌳 ☀️ Looking for a relaxed women’s retreat where you’ll be welcomed just as you are? With no expectations to join in anything, with anxiety sensitive restorative practices, with mindfulness, calming nature connection, fires in the woods and delicious food?

✨GLOW June 20-22nd might just be for you. See link in bio. There are 4 spaces left I think. Or just message me any questions and let’s chat x

(Just to be clear, this is not an instant solution to anything. No wild BS promises. This is just a science backed approach - thanks @lauragilmoreyoga - that can feel supportive to help land in the body, and intelligently work with our incredible body-mind-brain wisdom )

#yogateacher #slowdown #regulate #restorativeyoga #anxiety #anxietysensitiveyoga #yogaforanxiety #rest #yogaretreat #retreatuk

Shout out to ALL the new Mums who are riding the waves 🌊 of incredible joy AND wild change that can feel overwhelming and amazing at the same time.

Practicing yoga, with gentle intentions to slow down, or rest, or mindfully notice each breath and feel present, to allow change, to learn and trust the value of taking time for YOU is golden self care - for yourself (and for the family)

If you’re in Bristol and need a space to feel a bit less discombobulated, a bit more grounded and connected to your inner strengths AND where you can make some friendly new mum mates, I’d love to share Mama Yoga with you.

3 spaces left this term ( 2 weeks left then new course starts 22nd April)

Mama Yoga (BYOB)
Open all who have a new babe in arms, no matter how they can into your life.

@stwerbscommunityc
Tuesdays 10.30-11.45
Term time only

> No yoga experience needed.

> Lots of options and for you to explore the yoga shapes, movements, intuition and rest that feel right for you - and your babe

> learn soothing breathing tools to support challenging moments, ease tension and that can support sleep

> Nurture achy, healing parts of you (no BS getting ‘back to’ pre baby you! You’re evolving, let’s connect to that strength)

> friendly and informal class, with the lovely @coffeeclubstwerburghs cafe to enjoy after class

> All crying, noises, rocking welcome (from anyone)

So if you’re looking for a relaxed class to enjoy with your baby, without nursery rhymes, with a focus on community and mindfully looking after YOU and YOUR wellbeing, come join us.

⭕️ please just email me too book or ask any questions

✉️ hello@yogawithcarolyn.co.uk

(❤️Thanks to all the mamas and babes in these pics - taken after class and shared with permission)

#motherhood #mumming #newmotheryoga #yogabristol #newmumsbristol #postnatalyogabristol #allnewmumsbristol #stwerburghsyoga

These words are not exactly what I’d say if I scripted this….but with done-not-perfect, allowing, and ‘letting be’ in mind…... (Because this perimenopausal, introverted , anxious being often wants to 🙈 hide)

And so we practice mindful allowing...

We keep showing up for ourselves, for our mind-body-being - and so for each other.

We practice Being with breath, just as it is, as we are, watching, allowing, letting be, trying not to control - nothing to fix, or change, or force

We practice being with sounds (sit or we walk, or lay down or move a little around yoga asana) notice sounds, far and near and all together, and the silence behind the sounds, coming and going, allowing, letting be. No need to label as things, just noticing, paying soft attention, letting be.

When self judgement comes up, or we critique how busy our mind is, how shit our focus is, we can practice Self compassionate inner talk too. What would your kindest Bestie say? Tell your self that. And listen to their wise words.

P.s. I was flippant to say the anxiety I felt was ‘fine’. I meant It felt manageable for me in that moment. Meditation is not a fix but self awareness can be supportive .
We never have to stay in meditation, if feelings or thoughts feel overwhelming, move a little, rub your face or hands, there’s so much compassion in forcing this - it’s not failure, it’s noticing - which is such a strength.

#Mindfulness #walking #real #presentnotperfect #yogateacher #allowing #lettinggo #lettingbe #awareness #selfreflection

This is now SOLD OUT
Please DM me for May waitlist ✨

There has been whisper of Spring 🌷 but as nature doesn’t rush to change seasons, maybe we can emerge gently and intentionally from winter too?

Something our busy, full lives and minds doesn’t often offer space for perhaps, so let’s practice treating ourselves with this grounding care and kindness, and notice how it feels.

This spacious, nurturing 3 hour retreat for women is here to support just this.

I’m super excited to be sharing this one at the uplifting new @fireicewellnessbristol space within @westburywildlifeparkfoundation .

RESTORE & REPLENISH
27.04.25 // 10.30-13.30

Rest and replenish with mindful yoga, grounding breathwork, and relaxation meditations, plus replenishing sauna and a wild cold swim (or brief invigorating dip!).

Come as you are. Tired/ exhausted/ stressed/ new to yoga / all welcome!

Our yoga will offer many options for you to take what feels right in that moment. Free from ideas of right or wrong this is about presence, not fixed poses, awareness over achievement, and compassion over correction.

Enjoy connecting with a small group of like minded women who also value taking the time and to nurture wellbeing with the simple joys in life - community, movement, rest and uplifting sauna and nature connection.

Teas and a sweet treat included, to nourish every part.

This is for a small group event for 8 women.

And at a special offer bargain of £32.00 pp to celebrate this beautiful new space - and celebrate YOU!

Only 3 spaces left having launched to my keen email community last week!

Pop to link in bio @yogawithcarolyn to book.

P.S. keen for another one of these in May, or shall we share a regular monthly meet up to slow down and sauna? Who’s IN? Join the Poll below 😀

#saunaandyoga #rest #regulate #fireicewellnessbristol #yogabristol #healthforwomen #bristolretreat #restorativeyoga #yogateacher

I wish more people knew that yoga asana (the physical/ embodied practice) doesn’t have to be complicated to be useful / enough / valid / worthy / relevant.

And I appreciate that this mini practice in the Reel ⬆️ might not feel accessible for all to. Chairs are great places to sit too. But it’s not these specific movements that are my point. Yoga can hold space and offer freedom for you to find your own way too. There’s empowerment there to be our own best teacher.

In a world that encourages
more, more, more...
Bigger = better…
Go bold, or go home
Extraordinary being THE goal

I can’t help thinking that it’s really bloody useful to practice slowing down, pausing, making space for ‘simplicity’, whatever that is for you, ‘doing’ less, and seeing if we notice any fleeting moments of presence in and around this too. 🌱 ✨

And of course often we won’t feel present, because adulting can feel hard, the world can feel like an f’ing mess, and a brief seated side bend and breath connection ain’t going to suddenly change this.

But over time, we might begin to pause little and often through our busy days. To intentionally move, breathe, rest and be, with kindness to how we’re doing in that moment.

We might begin to naturally notice the joy, the grace, the compassion and humility in the little things in life.

It’s not that we’re resisting what feels hard, that’s part of life too, but maybe we’ve grown a little more capacity, compassion, care and softness to let it all be there too.

Just maybe. 🙃

🌳 🌱⭕️
Last few spaces available on our GLOW women’s retreat June 20-22nd.

A spacious weekend to slow down and reconnect to feeling present with simple joys in life - mindfulness, nature, rest, journaling around a fire in the woods, creative fun and time to just BE.

See bio or DM me to ask for the link
🌱✨⭕️

#slow #simplethings #yogateacher #pause #slowdown #presentnotperfect #intention #beinghuman #yoga #bristolyoga

Allowing Friday to start again with a few soft breaths, a protein shake and a coffee in bed, and a beautiful book.

(As well as 6.30am online meditation, getting kid out to school on time, having a cry on my husband, cleaning the kitchen, text chat with my mum, planning blog, booking a sauna for this afternoon - and it’s only 8.48am 🙃)

How’s your miracle morning routine going 😂

#life #middleagedwomen #mum #real #true #yoga #perimenopause #morning #radiancesutras

Dear February. You have a bad rep. It’s not your fault. I have been trying to re-write my opinion of you for a while. Which is hard when everyone keeps talking about how crap February feels. 🫣

And so I am intentionally remembering all the gifts you gave me (even if your greyness felt challenging at times).

1. My monthly restorative Mother’s Circle ⭕️ started @westburywildlifeparkfoundation (next one Sunday 2nd March if you’d like to join us - see bio)

2. Wriggles, unwinding, sitting ☁️

3. Couple of uplifting saunas 🔥 & finalised plans for Sauna & Yoga morning @fireicewellnessbristol 27th April (DM me for booking link , only 7 spaces left) ✨

4. Messing around at home 🥰

5. Sharing kids yoga and mindfully decorating little heart boxes whilst chatting about love ❤️ and getting stuck into planning for teaching on @thecalm_club Kids Yoga Teacher Training 2025 with Tash (head to the calm club for more info)

6. London day tripping, quality time with an old friend

7. Half term family day tripping to Cheddar Gorge and Caves (excellent crazy golf too)

8. He loves climbing a good tree. Slow exhales help me watch!

9. An epic hike with @emily_wemove in 55mph winds and heavy rain. Starting to believe I’m more resilient than I give myself credit for.

10. Signs of Spring in my garden 🌺

11. A lush walk today with a relatively new friend. She told me I looked so lovely she wanted to take a photo. @light.up.hypnotherapy you are lovely. ☺️ (Bristol wellness folk , you can meet new friends @the.connected_somerset too)

12. So there’s no 12th pic, but many mornings meditation with @dan_peppiatt ‘s bb4 breakfast community have definitely supported me through Feb.
I’m teaching for bb4 Bedtime Weds 5th March. Head to Dan’s page to find out more.

With sooo much wellness advice / products / resources available, this wellbeing stuff can feel confusing 🫤 or just far out of reach.

But what if (just like the yogis suggested all those years ago) we have the inner-resources INSIDE of us?

What if we don’t have to keep outsourcing our wellbeing to the next shiny thing?!

What if there a ton of inner strength and joy to reconnect to, not by always doing and having more, but in pausing, practicing, and returning to presence?

Getting familiar with breathwork is useful….

3 Part Breath - or Dirga Pranayama - can be useful any time of day or night. It can support us to feel…

• Present & Calm - mindfully invites awareness to ‘unstick’ from the busy thinking mind, and settle back to the present moment through the breath

• Regulated & Resilient - through inviting a balanced inhale and exhale and stimulating a steady state through the nervous system

• Aware & connected - Over time, with regular practice, mindful breathwork and yoga can support us to become more familiar with conscious self connection. This awareness can positively impact on behaviours and habits too

🖐️
You can use your hands as described to invite the brain-body connection back ‘online’.
☁️
But also know that if hands-on isn’t an option for you, guiding awareness to these parts is just as valuable too.

P.s because this is IG, this is a speedy version of this practice. Gift yourself a minute or two to linger in each ‘part’, and notice how this feels.

P.p.s if breathwork makes you feel agitation or anxiety, remember it’s YOUR practice, and you never have to stay with anything that doesn’t feel ok.

⭕️Have an explore and let me know how it feels for you in the comments below ⬇️
#yogateacher #pranayama #breathwork #calm #present #emotionalregulation #steady #slowdown #pause #presence #being

Lost in a sea of overwhelming retreat options?

GLOW is the retreat you’ve been searching for—friendly, down-to-earth, and created for real women who crave authentic connection, creativity and restorative rest.

We had increased the prices from last year, but we’ve just decided this doesn’t feel right with our values.

⭕️So ALL rooms are now £495pp ⭕️

✨Only 6 spaces still available. Tag your retreat buddy or simply DM me ‘GLOW’ for details ✨

#GlowRetreat #WomensWellness #MindfulLiving #YogaRetreat #WomenWhoRest #SelfCareRetreat #mindfulnessretreat #restretreat #womensretreat

So many reasons I love teaching Kids Yoga—some might surprise you!

🌱They challenge me – Supporting big feelings with patience isn’t always easy, but it helps me practice and model the compassion yoga nurtures in us.

🌱It gives me balance – Teaching in schools during the day means I get to enjoy after-school time with my son and relaxed family evenings at home.

🌱It’s helped me better support kids in my life - Learning more about children’s emotions and nervous systems health has given me confidence as a Mum to help support my son’s wellbeing

🌱I get to play! – Adulting (and yoga) can all get a bit serious sometimes, but Kids Yoga keeps me moving, laughing, and embracing playfulness—it’s energizing for everyone.

🌱It’s fulfilling – Seeing kids discover yoga’s breathing tools and calming techniques, practicing rest and relaxation, and knowing they are learning skills for life, is the most rewarding part.

⭐️ This June and July, I’ll be joining Tash Neely @thecalm_club to help lead The Calm Club’s Kids Yoga Teacher Training. I feel so lucky to be able to share what I love, and I’m excited to help spread the message so it can be shared even further - maybe by you?!

🌱Curious about bringing trauma-sensitive, playful, and well-informed Kids Yoga into your work or community? This might just be your sign.

⭐️DM me or head to @thecalm_club to find out more!

#kidsyogatraining #kidsyogauk #kidsyogateacher #yogamum #yoga #childrensyoga #yogabristol

You’re a new Mum in Bristol…. (congratulations! 😘)

Being at home every day feels a bit lonely, you feel ready to venture out, and want to meet other new mums with an enjoyable regular class. ✨

Life has changed dramatically. You’re so tired from feeding all night. You have no time for yourself. You don’t feel like ‘a Mum’ yet. You’d love a supportive class to look after YOUR wellbeing, not just another place to sing more Twinkle Twinkle Little…. . ✨

You hear about Carolyn’s Mama Yoga courses and feel reassured to know that what you wear, or whether you’ve been to yoga before, doesn’t matter here.

You love the ideas that Learning to show up for yourself, just as you are, is going to become your superpower ✨

🌱Mama Yoga 🌱
Tuesdays 10.30-11.45am
@stwerbscommunityc

Learn the value of kindly looking after your evolving body and mind, whilst also connecting and resting with your baby, and feeling the uplifting support of community.

⭕️You click on the link in this bio and book on, and feel a ping of excitement knowing you have this to look forward to starting 25th Feb!

⭕️OR you DM Carolyn and say, I need to pay in two installments please, and she makes this happen.

#mamayoga #yogabristol #postnatalyogabristol #newmumsbristol #motherthemother #community
#rest #yogateacher

I was wrong. I had bought into the patriarchal BS narrative that we have to fill our cup only SO we have a full cup to pour from.

Yeah that’s great too. Of course compassion, and working towards breaking generational cycles with kind care-giving is INCREDIBLE (to even attempt),

BUT ALSO…

Women, mothers, sharers of love, we can regularly and intentionally fill our cup because our cup deserves to be filled. For us to feel full, and whole and strong, we also need to practice choosing ourself.

And also know that sometimes our cup won’t feel tip-top. That’s ok too. We don’t need to keep trying to fix our cup. That can be exhausting too. Self compassion is a beautiful thing too.

I’ve learned over the years to put myself on the list. Guilt free. In the shared GoogleCal, at the top of my to-do’s - whether walks with friends or solo, daytime yoga Nidra, early morning meditation group online, strength training at the gym. I have learned to love kindly showing myself I matter. The ‘being’ before the mother, the wife, the roles we fulfill.

We are not here just to self-lessly pour, and pour, and pour…into burnout.

❤️ How are you gonna fill your cup for YOU today. (Not just for this V Day of love. But for life )

✨✨✨
For Bristol Mums, join me for
The Mothers Circle⭕️
02.03.24 / 7-9pm
@westburywildlifeparkfoundation
To show the love to every part of you ❤️

#Love #selflove #yoga #selfcompassion #selfcare #fillyourcup #mother #yogateacher #ahimsa #be #selfcare #yogamum

Restoratove yoga feel out of reach without all the fancy Schmancy props? No probs!

This month, or in emotionally challenging times in life, or during our menstrual cycle, or for us sensitive souls (hiya 🙃) in this loud fast world…. we might naturally feel like ‘wintering’.

Intentionally Slowing down, early nights, turning inwards, quietening, nurturing and kind inner self-care. ❤️

Kids / pets / work demands/ jangly feelings… may well have other ideas though. I hear you. So small achievable pockets of rest, at a time of day that feels realistic for you life, are so valuable. And Restorative Yoga can be your friend here.

A slow, relatively still practice, supporting the body kindly, allowing ease in breath to find you, developing the capacity for resilience to ‘be’ with what is.

I’ll drop some more Restorative Yoga shape ideas here soon, but first up you’ll need a few props.

And you might have more DIY props at home than you think. You can rest and restore well using :

• a couple of blankets
• Pillows - rolled long ways with a blanket or towel make a yoga bolster
• Sofa cushions
• Rolled towels
• Duvet
• Sock (clean 😝) as an eye pillow
• Beanie - in the winter for a snug warm head
• yoga mat / rug / carpet / floor / sofa / bed
• Kitchen chair

There are MANY Restorative yoga shapes to explore , your way, with props too.

In the Reel I find my way into reclined bound angle - Supta Baddha Konasana - with pillows stacked behind / a pillow ‘bolster’ length of spine / rolled towels under outer hips / option for bottom of feet together or soften it with crossed legs. If elbows are hanging away from the ground. Pop a cushion under each.

A folded pillow under back of head will bring length through back of neck and support nervous system rest response too. Had I been staying there, an eye pillow or covering and a warm blanket over my body wouldn’t have been missed!

#Homeyoga #restorativeyoga #rest #nervoussystem #pause #wintering #slowdown #yogaprops #relaxtime #yogateacher

Did you know (just like all the inclusive mind-body-creative-nature-goodness we dive into on retreat) , the hot 🔥 / 🥶 immersion from saunas can help us feel great, and naturally nurture our health and wellbeing?

Benefits of sauna ( and yoga) can include :
Better sleep quality
Improving our experience of pain
Nervous system regulation
Reduced emotional stress
Mental health benefits

Seeing as our GLOW retreat is already 50% sold out, and we didn’t want to start charging you extra now, we’ve decided to pop the Sauna sessions on the schedule for FREE! ⭐️ (you’re welcome.)

⭕️ ⭕️ ⭕️

- GLOW : An Uplifting Summer Women’s Retreat
- June 20-22nd 2025
- Eco-Retreat Centre (near Salisbury, Hampshire)

⭕️ Twin rooms from only £495 ✨Private room options too.

⭕️ This includes £25 off for the next three women to book , before the end of Feb

Beginners to yoga and first time retreaters more than welcome here.

✨Link in bio to find out more or simply DM me a nice note and let’s chat human to human :)

Ps if composting loos, 70 acres of ancient woodland, no wi-fi, and simple rustic charm isn’t your vibe, this one isn’t for you 😘

#Yogaretreatuk #restretreat #creativeretreat #hampshireyoga #salisburyyoga #yogateacher #retreat #ukretreat #woodlandretreat #mindfulnessretreat #slowdown

Is this just a weird yoga teacher thing?! My goofy face at the end tho 😂

Anyhoo. This isn’t what I guided this morning, not exactly anyway. Peeps had their own mat, there was a rough sequence as a container to explore from, guided with the intention of allowing personal agency.

Say what? 🤯

We pondered (in a short meditation) how and what and where do I feel these feelings, right now? …

What’s coming and going, or feels stuck?…

What practice is this energy drawn to?…

Not to try to make anything perfect. That’s not so useful to resist or cling onto. But for every one in the space to get curious about practicing in a way they felt drawn to, without preconceptions of right/ wrong/ expectations getting in our own way.

❤️Practicing yoga more intuitively can nurture:

Being ok with change Self esteem
Compassion/ self kindness
A Sense of knowing ourselves
Mindfulness / presence
Feelings as passing experience
True Self care
A sense of rest, in movement and stillness

All pretty useful life skills, rather than me just telling you to do Warrior 2. Don’t you think? 🤷‍♀️

(Although, sometimes I love just being told what to do on the mat cos there are too many choices in life 😂 )

#NOWstudio #yogateacher #yogaguide #bristolyoga #findyourflow #moveyourway #courage #bristol #intuition #selfconnection

There are so many different styles, names, types and labels of yoga now. All trying so hard to catch our attention, and bring us into their gang.

Why so much segregation, for a practice about unity?!

Perhaps there isn’t one ‘right’ way though.

And maybe rather than trying to fit a mould, it’s sometimes more useful, easeful and mindful to just pause on our mat, before we rush into habit, and kindly ask ourselves (you could journal these too)

1. How / What am I feeling and thinking right now?

2. How / Where do I feel this in my body?

3. How do I feel drawn to explore yoga right now to be kind to these feelings?
(and by Yoga, mean breathwork, meditation, asana, movement, stillness, awareness...)

I find if I just start moving, or breathing intentionally a little from here, with this intention, the stillness, or strength, play, or softness that I need, often finds me.

Might Sound a bit woo woo I know, and it takes practice, but it’s so much kinder, authentic, and aware than just ticking yoga off the lists.

There is no wrong way to explore an intuitive practice either, just lean in to feelings as much as feels ok for you.

P.S im covering Yoga 10am @nowstudiobristol Fri 31st Jan & 2nd Feb. Maybe see you there to explore YOUR practice ❤️

#Yoga #youryoga #yogateacher #strength #ease #selfcompassion #intuition #bristolyoga #bristol #yogapractice

I wish I’d known sooner, that meditation wasn’t about stopping thoughts,or learning to be chill all the time. Or Maybe they did and I hadn’t understood.

I thought my busy mind made me 💩 at it, and so that often became another way to criticise myself. Relate?!

SO much inner dialogue / story to notice. And then learn to soften around, like practice being kind to, let come and go. Noticing what im trying to cling on to or push away. THIS is the power of meditation. Amongst much more.

The acknowledging the wave (of emotion, or thought, or inner ‘stuff) but remembering we are the ocean.

BUT ALSO it’s also useful to let go of any goal, in this goal orientated world, and know the practice of pausing, and being just as we are, is enough WITHOUT a goal too.

I’m definitely still working on all this (for the rest of my life - ha!), but Mental Rest, in the form of Meditation and Mindfulness have really helped my mental health over the last few years. I love supporting others on this wild ride of allowing ourselves and each other to be wonderfully imperfect, messy and kind human beings too.

Working regularly with a trusted teacher, (thanks @dan_peppiatt 🙏🏽), in a group community, all supporting each other to keep showing up, all really helps consistency and commitment too.

⭕️⭕️⭕️ COMIN SOON!! ⭕️⭕️⭕️
I am gathering a few folk to start a Messy Meditation Club where we can all be imperfectly human together and explore some of this stuff. NO experience needed.

It’s still taking shape but likely a week night 8-8.30pm for the parents and peeps who work late, and anyone else who like to join us!

⭕️Just message me here and I will keep you in the loo

#onlinemeditation #meditate #mindfulnessgroup #messymind #realwellness #yogateacher #slowdown #innerselfcare #truth #meditationgroup #community

Anyone else feeling like these squares (mostly) only show yoga and rest and self connection as a 5 ⭐️ luxury-sexy-glossy-photshootready-kinda gig?!

Don’t get me wrong, if you wanna offer me a teaching job in the Maldives (anyone…) I’d probs be packing 🙃 BUT do we always need to be so focussed on how pretty everything looks, or cool 😎, or branded, and shiny. I find myself getting sucked in sometimes, and really I just wanna keep it real.

Super luxury environments can feel incredibly comfortable. But I often just feel anxious I’m drop or break something 🫠 And Yes, I know our nervous systems and brains respond to our environment, and so the feel of spaces matter.

But also…

Isn’t yoga somewhat more about learning to be present with whatever is arising and passing, in ourselves, experience or environment. About learning to be with ourselves and each other with awareness, compassion and care?

So perhaps simple, natural, imperfect, or any space, is just as useful - if not more so - to help us learn to be with what is?

And perhaps we can learn that less is so often more.

That simple, rustic, natural, basic, can feel spacious too.

That less luxury (or less budget for wellness) does not mean ‘lesser than’ anything. YOU are enough.

That little and often practices at home, such as taking 15 minutes for self connection to move, breathe and rest, after hanging the washing, before opening the laptop, can our most powerful teacher after all (laundry non essential for the practice ;)

Oh and can we normalise yoga in warm slippers is ok too please?!

#Smallhabitsoften #pause #wfh #yogateacher #homeyoga #lessismore #simplify #rest #screenbreak #wellbeing #restore

New Mums in Bristol, of all stripes, I invite you to regroup, rest, and nurture, just as you (and your little one) need to.

This isn’t just about postnatal healing from childbirth, but also that can be part of your healing journey too.

No matter how your babe has made it into your arms. Whether you’re adopting, you’re a carer, or your babe has come through surrogacy, or you’ve carried through pregnancy - all are welcome in our circle. ⭕️

And I say ‘our’, because the breath work, movement, asana, and rest, with guiding intention, is just part of the class.

The sharing circle, the other mums, the community, the chats about all the bonkers baby stuff, over coffees and teas - EVERYONE showing up, exhausted, confused, overwhelmed, or joyful, is all the practice too. ❤️

NEW 6 WEEK BLOCK STARTS 7th JAN

⭕️Mama Yoga (BYOB)⭕️
Tuesdays
10.30-11.30 and 12-1pm
@stwerbscommunityc

Last few spaces available. Book via link in bio.

So if you identify as a new mother in Bristol, no matter how your special being has found you, please know you are so welcome to join us.

I have Two times you can to choose from this term, depending on what suits your rhythms. And so you can experience a small group for everyone to feel supported, seen and heard.

#bristolyoga #newmumsbristol #yogateacher #motherhoodyoga #motherscirclebristol #selfcare #bristolmums #bristolbabyclass

So here we are, January 1st 2025. A new year, or just another day?!

Just as an idea, what if there isn’t a big resolution this year. Take the pressure off.

How would this feel?...

After all, We don’t need to be fixed, Yoga teaches us we already are whole ❤️ sometimes I find this a tricky one to really feel, but also it’s a useful and empowering perspective when we’re feeling the ‘not-enoughness’ creep in.

Bringing some intentionality to our days is useful however to focus our mind and actions on what matters.

So What if, as a sustainable AND sustaining support for our inner Self Care, we simply ask ourselves one useful morning question...

What is the ONE most important thing I will do today to nurture my wellbeing ?

And then make sure you DO THE THING, at any time of day that works for your schedule.

What if this could reduce our inner sense of ‘busyness’, and increase a daily sense of daily fulfilment , just by gifting our Self this ONE act of self kindness, compassion and care.

The extra beauty is that we learn to listen to our energy and work with our ever shifting, cyclical and seasonal energy, giving ourselves the nourishment we intuitively desire. Not just an arbitrary goal.

10 minutes to sit and notice my breathing, walking whatever the weather, or turning my mobile off after 8pm to support sleep, are some of my current winter favourites.

What’s your ONE important act of self-nurture today?

Wishing you contentment, rest and resilience in 2025 😘

#Walking #rest #slowdown #selfcare #regulate #intention #dailymotivation #yogateacher #being #journal #pause

It’s a cliché, but they grow so fast! One minute he’s a 7 month old elf, the next he’s rapping Eminem, calling me ‘bro’ and sleeping in until gone 10am 😂

Wouldn’t change it all for the world, BUT also I kinda miss the little kiddy festive magic.

So to be as present as possible, for me and for them through the holidays , I’m going to get off these squares and my emails until Jan 6th.

Presence is the gift worth sharing ✨

Whatever the holidays hold for you, remember to make space for yourself to rest a little every day, in any way you need.

See ya in 2025.
X

Oh and Bristol Mums….
of all stripes, phases and ages, there’s still a few spaces to join
❤️The Rested Mother New Years Retreat Day ❤️
12.01.25 / 9.30-2pm
@sensatespaandstudios

✨Link in bio to book and find out more ✨

#Digitalrest #mumyoga #presence #rest #familytime #decemberrest #less #selfcare #being #yogateacher

I hope amidst the Christmas crazy, or the never-ending school admin, or broken sleep with babes in arms, or long work hours, or all the life stuff... you’re also simmering in a few glimmers of joy and moments of REST this December.

I am finding my moments to BE in warming soups, remembering silliness, mince pie taste testing (we have a spreadsheet :), and journaling about all the different pockets of community I’ve loved supported by this year.

If you’re struggling with capacity to rest, I hear ya. this is NOT our fault. The demands and emotions can run high in December.

I have found journaling really useful this year so I have included a few journaling prompts in my new blog post to support you, and remember my free Yoga Nidra are on my website too ✨

ALSO… I’ve finally written a new blog! My last Rest Mail Friday message was growing faster than Jack’s beanstalk, so I gave the words more space to breathe - which means even more Rest-inspiration for all. Hoorah! 🥳

❤️Link to blog in bio. ❤️

P.S My Rested Mother New Year’s Retreat Day at the peaceful @sensatespaandstudios is filling up.
Bristol Mums, of all stages, let’s start 2025 making space for the ‘being’ before the mother and inspire your new year rest-olutions. These is a small group event, with only 7 spaces still available.

P.P.S Mama Yoga (BYOB) tues / Jan Courses @stwerbscommunityc are booking now

And Radical Rest / Wednesdays 19.30
@stwerbscommunityc return on Jan 8th. Book now via website to bring SLOW wintering intentions into your 2025. ✨

#rest #bristolyoga #yogateacher #stwerburghs #blog #journal #laydown #restore #mumsbristol

Sometimes I say ‘no’ to social invites, simply to look after my energy, or prioritise family time, and other folk seem offended, and I feel guilty. Relate?

I was invited out to a dinner ‘thing’ recently.

Part of me wanted to say ‘yes’. It would have been lush to see a mate I hadn’t seen in ages . BUT we’d been tag-teaming evenings at home for the last week and I was craving a family evening to reconnect before the weekly routines started again.

So I said no thanks. I noticed felt a bit guilty TBH. She isn’t in Bristol often. BUT I noticed the feeling, sent the girl in me some kind words who knows deep down she doesn’t have to make sure others always feel happy, and allowed myself JOMO. Sofa, Home Alone 2, soup, blankets…(Ok so I didn’t completely miss out :)

I get there is privilege in this. I’m v lucky I have a warm, loving home to hang out in. And turning down a dinner invitation is no big deal for some.

But for many of us, autopilot ‘yes’, peace making, always doing, running on empty, mid life hormones, feeling depleted for the family and work can become a normal place to hang out, and our female energy needs to be - and deserves to be protected, nourished and loved.

Let’s Spread the JOMO this silly season, and show our kids how to set social boundaries for self-care.

#joyofmjssingout #jomo #winterrest #selfcompassion
#selfcare #rest #midlife #mumyoga #parenting

If these squares have got you believing you need all the bolsters, blankets, eye pillows, massage balls, chimes, alters… etc etc… BEFORE you can practice rest…

Please know that , whilst I have a lot of love for bolsters , yoga bricks n blocks, weighted blankets etc specific props aren’t essential for a home practice of restorative yoga, or embodied rest, or whatever you want to call taking an intentional full body pause into non-doing.

Pillows from the bed
Duvets
Sofa cushions
Blankets
Jumper/ clean socks/ tshirt as an eye covering

These All make lovely soft supports to receive a sense of rest, self connection, and restoration from all that doing (and let’s be honest, December really needs us to practice more being, and less doing).

Yes there may well be other challenges too. Such as solo parenting, no spaces at home that feel safe, not a second in the day juggling multiple jobs, and caring for kids / aging parents or feelings of anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and neurodivergence - and more - that make stillness feel overwhelming. Or unapproachable. Please take it slow and do what you can. And know we will rest for you too. It is a collective energy practice after all.

When I’m feeling buzzy and over stimulated, a physical shake out, gentle stretch, or mindfulness of my environment by intentionally taking in sounds, objects and the space I am in , often feels useful to let the nervous system and brain connection begin to feel into a safe state so I can to settle more comfortably and naturally towards stillness.

#rest #slowdown #yogateacher #regulate #restorativeyoga #homepractice #letgo #less #embodiedrest

Whole retreat weekends away to rest and restore aren’t possible for all, so love sharing these retreat days in a calm space in the city for other Mum’s to enjoy.

The Rested Mother : New Year’s Retreat Day
Sunday 12th January 2025 | 9:30 AM - 2 PM
📍 @sensatespaandstudios

December can hold all the feelings. For us and the kids/ tweens / teens. Then dollop in the mental load of the additional job that is ‘Christmas’ - it’s a LOT right?

And let’s be honest—wintering in the darkness of Jan can feel meh.

But what if you started the year taking an uplifting space to pause, reconnect, and deeply care for you?

Space to reflect on a deep intention to make 2025 your year to honor restorative rest, with the support of community, as a foundation of wellness.

A space to remember the joy that wintering can offer too.

This day retreat is for Bristol mums at any stage of motherhood who are ready to:

✨ Connect and share with other mums who ‘get it.’
✨ Reset and regulate through soothing spa experiences (plunge barrel optional!).
✨ Unwind body-mind with gentle movement, breathwork and restorative yoga.
✨ Ground yourself with mindful meditation
✨ Set gentle, self compassionate intentions through journaling
✨ Ease the mental load through Yoga Nidra—a deeply restful practice.
✨ Nourish yourself with tasty vegan treats and teas.

This isn’t about fixing, or pushing into the new year with unrealistic expectations of self.

But creating an intentional pause to begin your year honouring you, and us all, with space to come back to presence (the best present there is)

So hands up mums. Who’s up for a New Year Res(t)olution?…

❤️Link In bio to book.

P.S I’m sorry but all the early bird tickets were snapped up by my email crew. Please join the community to be first in line next time!

#rest #bristolmums #bristolfamily #yogateacher #restorativeyoga #yoganidra #retreatday

The season of doing even more is upon us.

At the same time nature’s winter season is calling us to slowing down, hibernate and do less.

How confusing!

Yes. Sometimes the doing of things still has to be done. The paid work and unpaid work, the caring, organising, kids school parties and plays and pressies to source and wrap etc etc.

But let’s remember to also pause, slow down and regulate to rest.

Creating plans and boundaries around our needs is also self care.

It’s also amazing what a difference 10 mindful minutes a day can make to how we feel.

I am embracing JOMO this winter. You with me?…

#rest #slowdown #wintering #regulate #pause #selfcare #christmasselfcare #yogateacher #bristolyoga #jomo

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Connection and community

@yogawithcarolyn

Yoga that kindly guides us towards rest, nurturing a more intentional, present, less frazzled way of being.