WELCOME TO THRIVE WITH MINDFULNESS

Slow living.

Real connection.

Meaningful language.


Thrive With Mindfulness is a space to reconnect — with yourself, others, and the world around you. Whether you're learning English, attending a garden event, or exploring mindfulness, you’re invited to grow at your own pace.


My Mission



I believe that life isn’t meant to be rushed through. It's meant to be lived — with intention, connection, and care.


My mission is to create a welcoming space where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves and others, and experience language as a bridge — not just to communication, but to understanding and belonging.


I bring together mindfulness, nature-based creativity, and heart-centered English coaching to support your growth — whether you're learning to speak with more confidence or simply longing to breathe a little deeper.


Welcome, I'm Traci

Teacher. Mindfulness coach. Connector at heart.


I created Thrive With Mindfulness as a space to slow down, reconnect, and come home to yourself — no matter where you are in the world.


Based in the northern German countryside, I offer in-person events for locals and city dwellers alike — anyone who’s ready for a breath of fresh air and a break from the pace of everyday life.


I also host online meetups and courses, because I know from personal experience how essential connection is — especially when work or life takes you from one place to the next.


Whether you're learning English, adjusting to expat life, or simply longing for deeper connection — to yourself, to others, and to the natural world — you’re in the right place.


This isn’t about perfection.


It’s about presence.


And creating a life that feels meaningful, sustainable, and true to who you are.



Take a look around and see what’s possible for you.



What People Are Saying...

The following testimonials are from our group English program, After Work English.


"Mit Freude gehe ich jedesmal in diesen Englisch Kurs!
Traci ist eine geduldige und fröhliche Lehrerin.
Unsere Gruppe hat jede Menge Spaß..alles nette Leute und wir spielen auch Spiele wie zum Beispiel Bingo...also eine lockere und lustige Runde.
Ich kann es nur empfehlen wenn man das Schulenglisch mal wieder auffrischen möchte!!"


Katja Stegemann, Breetz 


Vielen Dank für die vielen schönen gemeinsamen Unterrichtsstunden. Wir haben viel Spaß gehabt, immer wieder neue Ideen von Dir auszuprobieren, uns Englisch näher zu bringen. 


Du hast uns jederzeit die Möglichkeit gegeben, Fragen zu stellen und Wünsche zu äußern. Wir haben in jeder Einheit neues gelernt und dann durch Spiele gefestigt, wodurch wir uns immer mehr getraut haben, einfach loszusprechen.


Du hast uns von Deiner Heimat erzählt und ganz persönliche Einblicke gegeben. Wir haben uns in der Gruppe immer wieder gegenseitig unterstützt und sind ein richtig gutes Team geworden. Deine liebenswerte und aufgeschlossene Art und Deine Freude, Dein Wissen und Deine Erfahrungen mit uns zu teilen, haben den Unterricht besonders gemacht. 


Unsere Gruppe hat beschlossen, den Kurs zu verlängern, weil wir einfach nicht genug kriegen können. Von Herzen DANKE.


Sandra und Enrico, Eldenburg



These testimonials are from our online group coaching program, which I offer once a year.


"Throughout the group coaching program, I delved into the understanding of my thoughts and emotions, nurtured self-compassion, gradually expanded my repertoire of mindfulness activities and tools, and introspected on how these practices could positively impact my child.


If I have any regret, it is that I had not joined this group and acquired these vital practices earlier in my journey as a mother. While I cannot alter the past, I now possess the knowledge and skills to navigate future challenges with confidence and grace. Traci, your impact on my life has been truly life-changing. Thank you!"

- Anna K.


“I was surprised at how unconscious my thoughts are, and how my brain can take something positive and turn it into something negative that makes me worry. Now that I am aware of this, thanks to the group coaching program, I write it down every time I notice it. This helps me to remind myself that I can rewire my brain and change how I react to any situation.”

- Caitlin A.



Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.


 


 Viktor Frankl

Who I work with 



This space is for people who crave more connection — to themselves, to others, and to the natural world.


  • You might come for English, mindfulness, or a quiet moment in the garden — but what you’re really looking for is something deeper. A place to feel at ease. A space to grow. A rhythm that feels more like your own.


  • Many of the people who find their way here are:
    – Expat professionals who long for community
    – Locals curious to speak more freely in English without judgment
    – Individuals who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure where to begin
    – Creative souls who feel more like themselves in nature
    – People who are sensitive, thoughtful, and ready to engage more intentionally with life


  • You don’t need any experience with mindfulness or fluent English. Just a willingness to show up as you are and try something new.



Check out the Blog

Safety First: The Quiet Ingredient That Makes Relationships Thrive

By Traci Mausolf • August 11, 2025
Safety First: The Quiet Ingredient That Makes Relationships Thrive I still remember the moment I fell in love with my husband. We were on the phone, and he told me — in his charmingly confident, not-quite-perfect English — that he was going to become a cup of coffee. It wasn’t what he meant to say, of course. The German verb bekommen means “to get” or “to receive,” but it looks and sounds like the English “become.” So, instead of telling me he was going to get a cup of coffee, he unknowingly transformed into one. And here’s the part that stayed with me: He felt safe enough to make that mistake. He didn’t shut down or apologize or try to cover it up. He simply kept talking, trusting that I wouldn’t laugh at him — only with him. That trust created a bridge between us, a kind of invisible safety net where vulnerability was not only allowed but welcomed. Why Safety Matters More Than Perfection In today’s world — with political tensions high, misunderstandings frequent, and trust often in short supply — safety in our connections is everything. Without it, we hold back. We filter our words, second-guess ourselves, and choose silence over authenticity. But when we feel safe, something magical happens: We relax. We try. We dare to make mistakes and know it won’t cost us the relationship. Whether it’s a romantic partner, a long-time friend, a co-worker, or a neighbor, trust grows in spaces where people can stumble without fear of judgment. Safety Starts With Us It’s tempting to wish that other people would create these safe spaces for us — and yes, sometimes they do. But more often, it begins with us. When we meet others with curiosity instead of criticism, and when we offer understanding instead of quick judgment, we set the tone. We create micro-environments of safety where people can breathe, speak, and be fully themselves. A Small but Powerful Practice I recently shared a screenshot of a quote that was a reminder of this very truth. It said: “Safety isn’t the absence of challenge — it’s the presence of trust.” And trust doesn’t come from perfect communication. It comes from the moments where someone risks saying the wrong thing, and the other person responds with kindness instead of condemnation. That’s where relationships deepen. That’s where change begins. At Thrive With Mindfulness, this is at the heart of everything we do — whether we’re practicing English in a supportive group, meditating in the garden, or exploring how to slow down and connect. Safety isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the soil that allows relationships to grow deep roots and weather every season. And sometimes, it starts with something as simple — and as sweet — as becoming a cup of coffee. Ready to join us? Explore upcoming events and offerings → https://www.thrivewithmindfulness.com/upcoming-events Let’s move at the pace of kindness. Of breath. Of real connection. With love, Traci #slowliving, #intentionalliving, #simplifyyourlife, #slowdown, #everydaymindfulness, #nervoussystemhealing, #creativewellness, #seasonalliving, #thebutterflygardenproject #thrivewithmindfulness #safetyfirst #relationshipsafety #trustInrelationships #vulnerabilityIsstrength #AuthenticConnection #safespacesmatter #mindfulrelationships #connectionoverperfection #trustandsafety #embraceImperfection #relatewithkindness #growtogether #relationshipgoals #slowdownconnect #emotionalsafety #lovewithtrust #safetobeme #connectionIskey #becomingacupofcoffee

Slow Living as a Mindful Practice: An Invitation to Breathe, Notice, and Begin Again

By Traci Mausolf • April 29, 2025
Spring has a way of gently tapping us on the shoulder. Not with urgency, but with softness. A breeze through an open window. The quiet bravery of a flower blooming. The longer light stretching across the day. It reminds us: You don’t have to rush. You’re allowed to begin again. You’re allowed to go slowly. What Is Slow Living? Slow living isn’t about being lazy or unproductive. It’s a conscious decision to step away from the pressure of constant doing — and return to simply being. It means making space for what truly matters: 🦋 Taking your tea outside and actually tasting it 🦋 Listening fully when someone speaks 🦋 Letting your creativity flow without judgment 🦋 Saying no to hustle culture — and yes to your nervous system Slow living is, at its heart, a mindfulness practice. It invites us to notice — the moment, the beauty, the joy tucked into everyday life. And it allows us to reconnect: to our bodies, our values, and the natural world around us. Why This Matters 🦋 Our nervous systems were never designed for 24/7 news, constant notifications, or the hum of endless productivity. 🦋 We thrive with pauses. 🦋 With natural rhythms. 🦋 With presence. When we slow down, we give ourselves permission to breathe again. To feel again. To remember what lights us up. What Slow Living Looks Like at Thrive With Mindfulness At Thrive With Mindfulness, the spirit of slow living is woven into everything I offer — rooted in nature, community, and intention. 🦋 Monthly Mindfulness Meetup – Relax, Connect & Thrive A warmhearted gathering for women to exhale, reconnect, and be exactly as you are — no expectations, no pressure. 🦋 Nature-Inspired Creativity Workshops (coming soon) Herbal wreaths, pressed flower art, sketching in the garden — playful, seasonal sessions designed for joy, not performance. 🦋 After Work English – Gentle Language Coaching in Germany Group English conversation events for locals — relaxed, fun, and human-centered. No textbooks, just connection and curiosity. 🦋 Online Mindfulness Course for Beginners (coming soon) Simple, grounded practices you can bring into your daily life — no complicated routines, just real-life mindfulness for real people. Because slow living isn’t just a trend — it’s a gentle revolution. And it starts with you. A Gentle Invitation This spring, try just one small thing: 🦋 Let yourself do something slowly 🦋 Say no to something that drains you 🦋 Or simply sit with a cup of tea and feel the warmth in your hands You might be surprised by what blooms when you give yourself space. Ready to join us? Explore upcoming events and offerings → https://www.thrivewithmindfulness.com/upcoming-events Let’s move at the pace of kindness. Of breath. Of real connection. With love, Traci #slowliving, #intentionalliving, #simplifyyourlife, #slowdown, #everydaymindfulness, #nervoussystemhealing, #creativewellness, #seasonalliving, #thebutterflygardenproject #thrivewithmindfulness Because slow living isn’t just a trend — it’s a gentle revolution. And it starts with you.

The Truth About Happiness: How To Create Lasting Well-Being

By Traci Mausolf • March 3, 2025
Happiness Isn’t About Feeling Great All the Time March 20 marks the International Day of Happiness, a day that prompts us to reflect on what happiness truly means. Many of us equate happiness with constant joy, success, or positive experiences. But is that really the full picture? True happiness isn’t about avoiding difficult emotions or chasing an endless stream of feel-good moments. Instead, it’s about emotional resilience, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of how our emotions guide us toward what matters most. This month, let’s take a deeper dive into happiness—what it is, what it isn’t, and how mindfulness can help us cultivate a more sustainable sense of well-being. What Are Emotions Really For? At their core, emotions are not just fleeting feelings; they are information. Neuroscience shows that our emotions are shaped by our brain, body, environment, and past experiences. They serve as an internal guidance system, helping us navigate life. Let’s break it down: Your interpretation – Every emotion starts with how your mind processes an event. Two people watching the same scary movie may have completely different reactions—one may feel excitement, while the other experiences fear. The stimulus is the same, but the interpretation is personal. Your body’s response – Emotions manifest physically. Fear may cause a racing heart, while joy can bring a sense of lightness. These physiological reactions are part of how emotions prepare us for action. Your behavior – Based on your interpretation and bodily response, emotions influence how you react—whether you laugh, cry, withdraw, or take action. These mechanisms evolved for a reason. Emotions help us make decisions, protect ourselves, and connect with others. They tell us what we need more of—and what to steer away from. Yet, in modern life, we often suppress emotions rather than listening to them. Many of us see difficult emotions as problems to be fixed rather than valuable messages. This disconnect can leave us feeling lost, unfulfilled, or constantly chasing external sources of happiness rather than cultivating it from within. The Mindful Path to Authentic Happiness So, if emotions are data points guiding us through life, what does that mean for happiness? It means that happiness isn’t about eliminating negative emotions but understanding and integrating them. Here’s how mindfulness can help: Recognizing emotions without judgment – Mindfulness teaches us to acknowledge our emotions as they are, rather than labeling them as “good” or “bad.” Understanding what emotions are communicating – Fear may be signaling a need for safety. Sadness may be pointing to something that needs healing. Happiness itself can serve as a guide toward what nourishes us. Responding intentionally rather than reacting impulsively – When we cultivate self-awareness, we learn to make conscious choices rather than being driven by emotional highs and lows. By incorporating mindfulness, we gain the ability to sit with all emotions—not just the pleasant ones—and extract the wisdom they offer. This deepens our capacity for joy, because rather than resisting discomfort, we learn to navigate it with self-compassion and clarity. How to Cultivate a Deeper, More Lasting Happiness Embrace the full range of emotions – Avoiding discomfort doesn’t create happiness; understanding it does. Accepting all emotions, even the difficult ones, allows for true well-being. Stay present – Happiness isn’t just in the big milestones; it’s in the small moments—savoring a warm cup of tea, a meaningful conversation, or the feel of sunshine on your skin. Prioritize meaningful connections – True happiness is deeply connected to relationships. Expressing emotions and fostering connections strengthens our sense of belonging. Align with what truly matters – When we recognize emotions as signals rather than obstacles, we can take action toward what fulfills us, whether that’s creativity, community, or self-growth. Expand your emotional vocabulary – Understanding subtle differences between emotions (such as frustration vs. disappointment) helps us process them more effectively. Tools like the Feelings Wheel can be powerful in deepening self-awareness. Practice self-compassion – Happiness isn’t about perfection. It’s about allowing yourself to be human, embracing the highs and lows, and treating yourself with kindness in every step of your journey. Looking Ahead: Exploring Happiness Throughout This Month Throughout this month, I’ll be sharing deeper insights into the science of happiness, mindfulness techniques, and practical ways to cultivate emotional balance. If you're already on my email list, you know that it's where I share all of my resources first. And sometimes, it's the only place I share them. Stay tuned, for downloadable resources and reflective exercises to help you on this journey! 👉 Not on my email list yet? Sign up using our contact form. Just write 'email list', and we will add you! https://www.thrivewithmindfulness.com/contact What does happiness mean to you? #Mindfulness #EmotionalWellness #Happiness #MentalHealth #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth
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