Mindful Pause Center

12/28/2025

Many people struggle with meditation because they believe their mindfulness practice should feel calm, inspiring, or peaceful. When meditation feels dull, disconnected, or imperfect, it’s easy to assume something is wrong. Perhaps imperfect meditation practice is not only normal, it’s deeply human.

A mindfulness reflection on imperfect meditation practice and learning to accept dull or disconnected moments with compassion.

12/26/2025

How are you relating to the darkness of winter? How would you like to be? In a culture like ours that doesn't slow its demands to align with the season, darkness can present challenges. We can meet that challenge by taking time to reflect on what's available to us in the darkness—and to prepare for the return of light.

New mediation available on my Insight Timer profile:
https://insighttimer.com/AllisonSchuette/guided-meditations/relating-to-the-darkness-winter-solstice-meditation

12/15/2025

IN PERSON SESSION | SUN DEC 21st, 4-6pm @ SOURCE YOGA

How are you relating to the darkness of winter? How would you like to be?

In a culture like ours that doesn't slow its demands to align with the season, darkness can present challenges. We can meet that challenge by taking time apart, in the company of others, to reflect on what's available to us in the darkness—and to prepare for the return of light.

Join me this Sunday in a collaboration with Source Yoga for the magic of winter solstice through movement, music, and meditation. Spots are limited and pre-registration through Source is required - https://bit.ly/4qdbbF7

Winter Solstice Candlelit Yoga and Live Music with Erin Joosse and Nick Rogers
Dec 21st, 4-6pm | Source Yoga | 2712 N 21st St., Tacoma, WA

12/11/2025

TONIGHT YOU'RE INVITED! — LOCAL IN-PERSON SESSION

Join us for a Mindful + Creative Reset Retreat
THURSDAY, DEC 11 | 6 - 8pm
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, 950 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA

Hosted by SPACEWORKS
Led by Spaceworks Alumni Allison Schuette of Mindful Pause Center and Elisabeth of Elisabeth Grace Studio
Art + Meditation Exercises to Calm the Mind and Reset Your Nervous System

All are welcome!

Bring a small dish or treat to share and a comfort item such as a blanket or stuffed animal.

FREE | No RSVP required - feel free to reach out with any questions.

11/29/2025

LET'S OPEN PRESENCE: MINDFUL GIFTS AT THE HOLIDAYS
What do we need by way of support right now? How can we find it in the company of others? Join me in these 45-minute, online sessions to discover what happens when we bring mindfulness into this very moment. Sign up for individual sessions or the series.

Weds Dec 3, 10, 17 | 5:30-6:15pm PST / 7:30-8:15pm CST
REGISTRATION open - https://forms.gle/rAdh8seBH1oTcaN59

photo credit: Liz Wuerffel - https://www.instagram.com/wuerfie/

11/24/2025

November was a time for exploring at Mindful Pause Center. Dr Kristin Neff defines self compassion as occurring when 1) we're mindful that pain is present, 2) we recognize others have also experienced this pain, and 3) we respond with kindness. Explore embodying that kindness with this practice, offered freely though my Insight Timer page.

https://insighttimer.com/AllisonSchuette/guided-meditations/self-compassion-an-embodied-inquiry

11/17/2025

MINDFULLY RELATING TO CHRONIC PAIN: AN INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP
Sunday, Nov 23rd 11-12:30 PT | 1-2:30 CT - online via Zoom
Registration open - https://forms.gle/WC6zDC9Fs7y2a4977

The term, chronic, means ongoing or recurring. For those of us who have experienced chronic conditions, we might also add unrelenting and unforgiving. These judgments point to the stories we tell about our pain, stories that arise naturally out of our dislike and even fear of pain. Mindfulness helps us see that pain is not as solid as we think it is and that our stories don’t deserve all the credit we lend them. In this 90-minute workshop, learn practical tools for relating to your pain in a way that helps you mobilize inner resources.

11/07/2025

There's so much value in bringing our mindfulness practice to our political lives. I've appreciated Karen Harding's facilitation style—the preparation, the instruction, the reflection—so I imagine this workshop will bring a wealth of wisdom to its participants.

10/27/2025

WHEN LOVE MEETS PAIN: MINDFUL COMPASSION PRACTICES
All beings everywhere long for happiness and flee from suffering. Nothing could be more natural. But humans well know that pleasure isn’t always at hand, and pain is not always avoidable. In these difficult moments, generating compassion for ourselves and others supports and carries us through. Compassion prepares us to act wisely when conditions shift. In these 60-minute, online sessions, practice basic tools to generate compassion that can be used on and off the cushion. Great for beginners or those deepening their practice.

WEDNESDAYS 5:30-6:30pm PST / 7:30-8:30pm CST
Nov 5, 12, 19 - online via Zoom
REGISTER NOW — https://forms.gle/mF4fyFjWMSoKh1fT6

10/21/2025

Are You Ready for the Holidays? Nov sessions are here to help!

Honestly, how does one get ready for the holidays? Sure, there's the practical tasks to check off, but how about some equanimity or peace of mind? Maybe instead of getting the holiday perfect or perfecting ourselves and our loved ones, we can cultivate grace instead. Invest some time in mindfulness this holiday season, and you will be surprised by what is returned: a chance to see humor in habits, to sense your capacity for joy in the midst of stress, to be fully present to your life as it unfolds.

I challenge you to carve out some time in this busy season: a single 60-minute session, the full Wednesday night series, or a 90-minute workshop. Of course, there is so much to do; there will always be so much to do. The question is with what quality of life do you want to do your doing.

When Love Meets Pain:Mindful Compassion Practices
Wednesdays: Nov 5, 12, 19
5:30-6:30pm PST / 7:30-8:30pm CST
Sign up for sessions or the series — https://forms.gle/5Xu8uR77YTNNXmve9

Mindfully Relating to Chronic Pain: An Introductory Workshop
Sunday, Nov 23
11am-12:30pm PT | 1-2:30pm CT
Registration open - https://forms.gle/AhKcTgiPVQfZTV6T9

10/05/2025

In a world of increasing chaos, distraction, chronic stress, and burnout: mindfulness establishes ground, increases attention, offers self regulation, and fosters resilience.

But knowing and doing aren't the same thing as anyone can tell you who's set a New Years' intention. What would it take to help you bridge that divide? How do you actually need to be supported in these times? Does mindfulness have a role? If so, what does that role look like?

I'd love your help to better understand what's needed. https://forms.gle/rRSXYuwaCQ5czywL7

09/22/2025

Are you grieving a loss? Losing someone—a beloved, a pet, an identity, a landscape, an ability—brings vulnerability right to the surface. We sense at a visceral level how we can’t have life the way we want it. That can feel dangerous. It did for me. Mindfulness helped. Learn more and practice with me now on Insight Timer with this 4.5 minute short - https://bit.ly/4nN1LyR