The thing about anxiety. It really believes it is protecting you. When it fires up to full on force it’s like “What the hell - THREAT’ These threats can be real, “a car is going to hit me and kill me” or imagined threats from past learned responses and narratives deeply buried from childhood or unpleasant relationship experiences etc, these manifest in thoughts like ”I’m doing such a terrible job at being a person” Triggers are words that others can say to you which will trigger these buried narratives, and anthropological biological responses to threat, and erupt in anxiety or panic responses ..read more

Basic info: Name: Jackie Heffer-Cooke Occupation: Explorer! Mission: Searching for meaningful answers to big questions, I guess you could call it Truth, and promoting changing the world one breath at a time. Where are you based: Deep in the big skies of Norfolk Where do you teach: Everywhere What style of yoga do you teach: Hatha, Pranayama, Meditation, Prenatal, Antenatal, Children’s, Teens, Family. From a tradition of Raja Yoga, yet happy to hang out in Karma, Bhakti and Jnana yoga too. What made you take your first yoga class? Curiosity and need. I was 30 when I entered my first yoga class ..read more

Here, Norfolk’s ZenMuma Baby Yoga Teacher Bec, discusses the science behind why Baby Yoga is good for bonding. Throughout pregnancy and in the early days of motherhood, many people talk about how much you will love your baby instantly and infinitely which of course, for many is true. However, some mothers can find it difficult to bond with their babies, and for those who don’t, they still need time to get to know this new little person whom they are responsible for. Baby and Postnatal Yoga classes are an amazing way to provide this time for bonding, to get to know one another as mum and baby ..read more

As I write this my youngest child has just turned 2. It seems a fitting time to reflect on my postnatal “recovery”, or as I prefer “discovery”. It is not really a return to what was before, but a new mother version of me. I want to talk about the physical and emotional changes, in so much as I can remember. Let me briefly tell you about my first baby. She is now 4 and a half, so for the past 5 years I have been on this perinatal journey.  When she was born I had a natural vaginal birth with a small tear. I had a sore coccyx for a while, and rib flare for many months (which I didn’t actual ..read more

ZenMuma Amber teaches Hypnobirthing, Pregnancy Yoga, Baby Postnatal Yoga and Children’s Yoga in Norwich, Norfolk.  This is a blog, inspired by Amber’s four year old daughter :-) Location. When you need to do a poo where would you go? Ideally a quiet bathroom, or at a push (excuse the pun!) behind a tree? Have you ever been interrupted by children or found yourself backed up on a holiday with friends? There is something about needing a quiet space so you can take your time without pressure. If we feel stressed at all our digestive system just won’t let go – literally. Would you want someo ..read more

In these unprecedented times it’s probable that pregnant couples will feel even more anxious than normal. But labour is labour whether we are in lockdown or not and there is no reason why your birth should be any different to how it would be ‘normally’. For now, in-person antenatal classes are no longer an option, but there is plenty of help online for birthing couples including ‘The Birthing Tool Kit’ antenatal workshop on ZOOM with birthing expert Jackie Heffer-Cooke. This ZOOM workshop is a 5-hour version of the SIMPLE Hypnobirthing method, by the award winning hypnobirthing teacher trainin ..read more

Today is winter solstice. ❄️ As we hang in the stillness of the shortest light of the year it’s a perfect time for meditation on the year past and reflection on what’s next. As tomorrow is the beginning of our lunar new year, it’s also the perfect time for Sankalpa, which is intention setting. I’m going to state my intentions here, write them down, and send them out, it all helps communication and connective adventure! It’s how #magichappens So here we go… let us know how YOU want to get involved :-) 1. ZenMuma - Our ZenMuma teachers family has now grown to 12 ZenMuma practitioners around ..read more

1 in 4 women in the UK will be induced for a variety of different reasons. Hopefully by the time you’ve come to read this blog you’ve already done your research and you’re aware that an induction can be a long and uncomfortable process. If you’ve made the decision to have an induction hopefully this guide will help you make your birth your own and have the very best experience. 1.       Knowledge is power! Know that an induction is totally your choice, a caesarean section could also be an option Use your BRAIN (benefits, risks, alternatives, instincts, nothing) Re ..read more

Weekly Pregnancy Yoga practice is a great way to get to know your body better, it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with your body and your baby. Exercising during pregnancy also increases your strength and stamina which can help you maintain an upright position and keep active for longer during labour. Being able to work with and have control over our bodies is key for a positive birth experience, we call this Active Birth. Active Birth is instinctive, left to our own devices (with no external influence) women are unlikely to choose to lie down during birth, the practise of lying on our ba ..read more

With the endless stresses and pressure children are put under in today’s society, yoga and mindfulness are JUST what our kids need right now. It’s so good for both mental and physical health. That’s why we’re so proud to offer our ZenKids children’s yoga teacher training. Train with us, and support children’s mental and physical health in your school or local community. Written by yoga seniors, occupational therapists and teachers, this inspirational ‘Imagination Central’ kids yoga course covers everything you’ll require! We will teach you everything you need to begin, and enjoy, a successful ..read more