For the Community
Classes, Retreats
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For the Workplace
Programs, Trainings
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SUPPORTING MINDFULNESS NORTHWEST
Help us make mindfulness more accessible. We are a 501c(3) non-profit.
Upcoming Programs

Intro to Meeting Loss & Transition with Self-Compassion

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Fierce Compassion: Womenʹs Day Retreat
WHAT’S NEW
In Praise Of Uselessness
Article by Tim Burnett | September 2026
I was out on a bike ride in the Skagit Valley near the church camp we rent for our overnight retreats on Samish Island. I've really come to...
Four Ways to Work with Pain
Carolyn McCarthy - 30 minute audio
Here's a guided meditation, recorded live in one of our MBSR classes. This practice walks through four ways to work with physical or emotional pain....
R.A.I.N
Carolyn McCarthy - 20 minute audio
The R.A.I.N. practice is a 4-step process for meeting the challenges of life in a spacious, curious, reflective way. The four steps of rain are:...
Listening for the Bell
Article by Karen Schwisow | August 2026
Fifteen years ago, during a weeklong silent meditation retreat, our days were punctuated by the sound of a single bell. We moved between...
8-week Classes
Online & In-Person
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Retreats
Daylong, Weekend & 5-Day
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Workshops
Anxiety, Self-Compassion, Relationships
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Meet Our Teachers
What is Mindfulness?
For more than a decade, Mindfulness Northwest has offered caring, insightful instruction in mindfulness and compassion. We serve individuals, communities, and organizations in the Pacific Northwest and beyond with in-person and live online trainings.
Mindfulness practice has many benefits including increasing resilience, unlocking more joy, and reducing the risk of a long list of stress-related illnesses.
Please join us and see for yourself. We look forward to practicing with you.
MORE ABOUT MINDFULNESS
The root idea of mindfulness is simple: paying attention, in the present moment, with more acceptance and kindness. The practice of mindfulness translates this simple but powerful idea into action, but practice requires structure: instruction, protected time, and the company of like-minded others. Our programs provide this structure.
The results of this committed practice run deep: increased resilience under stress; learning how to hit pause and appreciate the good in life; and a sense of coming home to ourselves – remembering who we truly are and being able to access our inner resources more fully.
A growing body of evidence demonstrates how mindfulness can reduce the risk of a long list of stress-related illnesses. From heart disease to addictive patterns to the recurrence of depression, mindfulness can help.
Here at Mindfulness Northwest, we pair the increased awareness of mindfulness with the heart-opening potential of compassion. Knowing more fully what’s happening in each moment, we learn to meet both joys and sorrows with understanding, a wiser perspective, and a lot more kindness and patience with ourselves and others.
In addition to health improvements, mindfulness and compassion training has positive effects on interpersonal connection and relationships — including our relationship with ourselves! These practices can also reduce the implicit bias and depersonalization that underlies many of the social justice challenges our society faces today.
Contact
General Inquiries
p: (360) 830-6439 ext 0
e: office@mindfulnessnorthwest.com
Mailing Address
Mindfulness Northwest
214 N. Commercial Street #103
Bellingham, WA 98225
KEEP IN TOUCH
Events and Registration Information
For questions about current and past registrations in our classes, workshops, and retreats.
Programs & Outreach Coordinator
Kyle Kelly
office@mindfulnessnorthwest.com
(360) 830-6439 ext 0
(she/her)
Diversity & Inclusion
Mindfulness Northwest is committed to providing a welcoming space for all.
Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator
Carolyn McCarthy
carolyn@mindfulnessnorthwest.com
(360) 830-6439 ext 6
(she/her)
Professional Training Programs
For businesses and organizations Interested in offering mindfulness in the workplace; and inquiries about mindfulness teacher training.
Executive Director
Karen Schwisow
karen@mindfulnessnorthwest.com
(360) 830-6439 ext 4
(she/her)
Mindfulness Northwest is a 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Non-Profit.
Thank you for helping us increase access to mindfulness training.









Events and Registration Information
Diversity & Inclusion
Professional Training Programs