The Sacred Pause
Welcome to my monthly newsletter, Attunement!
Each month we “tune into” a theme related to mindfulness and
explore a creative practice and tune based on this theme!
This month of May we’re TUNING INTO the frequency of:
THE SACRED PAUSE.
In a moment of stopping, we break the spell between past result and automatic reaction. When we pause, we can notice the actual experience, the pain or pleasure, fear or excitement. In the stillness before our habits arise, we become free to act wisely. -Jack Kornfield
Slowing down doesn’t come naturally to me.
I’ve always tended to move quickly—walking fast, talking fast, even eating fast. I can be impatient, and I often find myself finishing other people’s sentences, especially my husband's (he'd probably appreciate me admitting that!). It's a pace that can be energizing, but not always sustainable—or thoughtful.
I’m especially unskilled at pausing when I’m anxious. When my nervous system perceives a threat it shifts into protection mode, which triggers a reactive response (driven by my brain’s survival wiring). I might snap, avoid, overthink, people-please, shut down, or rush into action without clarity, instead of pausing to ask: What’s actually needed here?
Mindfulness is a behavioral skill that interrupts this neural hijacking.
Mindfulness (curious, present-moment awareness) cues me to notice what’s really happening — both inside and around me — not just what my anxiety is projecting. It helps me stay with discomfort just long enough to access the clarity required to choose my next step with intention.
Being "in the mindfulness business" reminds me to keep practicing the skill of pausing. Whether I’m meditating, facilitating a sound bath, guiding a forest bathing walk, giving a mindfulness presentation, or leading a creative workshop, I’m regularly immersed in what I think of as “the sacred pause.”
These mindfulness-based experiences strengthen my ability to pause—not just in calm, structured settings, but in real-life moments of stress, uncertainty, or overwhelm.
With regular practice, the pause becomes more accessible, even when it’s hardest to find.
And why is that important?
Because mindful pausing offers meaningful, real-world benefits, including:
💗 Creating space for wise choice
In the pause, you access the clarity to respond skillfully. That moment of choice can reshape your relationships, your work, and how you move through the world.🌍 Modeling a different way of being
When you slow down, others feel that spaciousness too. Your grounded presence gives others permission to reflect, soften, and connect more authentically.🕊️ Supporting collective healing
Each time you respond mindfully rather than reactively, you're contributing to a more conscious, connected, and humane world.Your sacred pause is not just for your peace.
It’s for the benefit of all beings.That's great motivation for me to keep practicing. How about you?!
Creative Mindfulness Practice: Sacred Listening
Take a sacred pause by listening to "Clearing the Path", my 5-minute sound bath designed to support your wellbeing.
You might place your feet on the ground and rest your hands in your lap. Then press 'play', close your eyes if that feels okay for you, and let the sound do the rest.
Whether you’re beginning your day, shifting gears between tasks, or simply seeking a few moments of clarity, this brief sound bath offers you a mindful reset—helping clear mental and emotional clutter so you can return to your center with a little more spaciousness and calm.
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My May Events:
Breathwork & Sound Bath, Wed. 5/7, 6:30-8pm @ The Be Sanctuary, UA
This Breathwork and Sound Bath event (co-facilitated by Tiffany of Breathworx614) is designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Harness the power of your breath to release stress, find emotional clarity, and ignite a profound sense of well-being and a deeper connection to yourself. A meditative, restorative crystal singing bowl sound bath will accompany your breathwork journey in this unique self-care experience.
Exploring Mindfulness w/SoulCollage®, Wed. 5/14, 6:30-8:30pm, The Be Sanctuary
In this creative and reflective workshop, mindfulness meets SoulCollage®. Together, we’ll explore and create 'The Witness' card, a powerful Transpersonal SoulCollage® card that represents deep presence and nonjudgmental awareness. Through guided mindfulness practice and card-making, you’ll cultivate the ability to observe your thoughts and emotions with greater clarity and compassion. Backed by (a mountain of) research, mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, enhance emotional resilience, and promote overall well-being.
SoulCollage® & Art Journaling Open Studio, Tues. 5/27, 7-8:30pm, The Be Sanctuary*
This is an informal gathering time to create SoulCollage® cards and Gratitude Art Journal pages and enjoy the company of kindred spirits! *NOTE: Open Studios are reserved for those individuals who have already attended a SoulCollage® or Gratitude Art Journaling Workshop.
This Month’s Tune 🎵:
Each month I share a tune that resonates with the newsletter theme.
For this month’s theme of THE SACRED PAUSE, I've chosen "Vienna" by Billy Joel. Here are some of the most relevant lyrics for me:
Slow down, you crazy child
You're so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you're so smart
Tell me why are you still so afraid? Mm
Where's the fire, what's the hurry about?
You'd better cool it off before you burn it out
Wishing you a mindful May!
