Why It’s So Difficult to Come to Classes (And How to Make It Easier)
post by Pause & Breathe co-founder Susie Hooper
Title of blog over an open doorway with someone facing the door, but not coming in
Following on from my recent blog about consistency, I wanted to acknowledge something important: sometimes, just coming along to a class can feel incredibly difficult.
Whether you’re brand new, returning after time away, or thinking about coming back after just one visit, there can be all sorts of reasons why walking through the door feels hard.
Let’s talk about that.
Finding It Hard to Come Back After Time Away
If you’ve been coming to classes and then had to stop for whatever reason, it can be really hard to return.
Maybe you worry that people will ask difficult questions
Maybe you’re nervous about making a reappearance
Maybe you think you won’t be welcomed back.
It can feel easier to start somewhere new. Or to give up altogether.
But here’s the truth: you will always be welcome. There will always be a place for you — whether your absence has been short or long. Even if you came once and never managed again, we will welcome you back with open arms.
There is no keeping score. No judgement. Just a space waiting for you.
Image of a woman with wide open arms
When Getting Through the Door Feels Overwhelming
Sometimes it’s not about returning — it’s about coming in the first place.
Anxiety can get in the way for so many people. And while it’s easy for me to say, “We’re really nice, we’ll make you feel comfortable,” that’s not always easy to believe when you’ve never been before.
We know how difficult that first step can be.
That’s why we’ve set up a befriending service.
One of our volunteers, Lee, offers to chat and meet up with people before they attend a session. Lee started coming to Pause & Breathe following a serious car accident where she was very badly injured. At first, she found it difficult to talk to people, and her injuries meant she couldn’t always join in with everything.
Over time, she became more comfortable. Now, well on the road to recovery, she wants to give something back.
Photos of Lee - one with a Pause & Breathe top on, the other taken after a creative session at Pause & Breathe
If you’re nervous about coming along, you can get in contact with me about the befriending service. We’ll take it at your pace. Maybe you’d prefer to text first. Or speak on the phone. Lee can meet you for a cuppa, show you the centre when there isn’t a class on, and even come along with you to your first class (or more).
Whatever you need to help you get through the door — we’ve got your back.
Worrying About Being Judged
Sometimes we avoid classes because we’re worried about being judged.
We’re not very flexible.
Not very mobile.
Not good at drawing.
Not confident enough.
Perhaps we feel that classes are for someone else — not for us.
I think most of us have felt like this at some point.
One piece of feedback that comes up again and again is that The Place to Pause & Breathe feels like a “safe space” — somewhere people can come and be themselves without worrying about being judged. A place where guards can come down.
Mats and cushions laid out - set up for a session
There’s no sense of sitting in someone’s chair or taking someone’s spot. Everyone who walks through the door is welcomed as an equal. It doesn’t feel cliquey. We’re all just there together.
And sometimes my dog, Phin, is there too — greeting everyone with a toy and a full-on bum-waggle. He’s excited to see every single person, and somehow manages to make everyone feel special.
Phin the dog in a session - people on chairs at tables being creative
The Friendships You Didn’t Know You Needed
What I do know is that lots of friendships have formed through Pause & Breathe.
People arrive on their own and find others they click with. Long-standing friendships have grown. Connections have deepened.
And yet the space still feels open.
There’s room for you here too.
Some of our community gathered for a wild swim
Tell Yourself It’s Easy
There’s one last thing I want to say.
Tell yourself it’s easy — and it becomes easier.
Focus on how difficult it is — and that’s how it will feel.
So, tell yourself it’s easy.
And come along.
We’ll be here.
Photo is from a film night - people on chairs and the floor, eating and watching the film
This blog was written by Susie Hooper - one of the founders of Pause & Breathe, and our CEO. She knows how difficult it can be to go somewhere new, to join new classes - or to go back after a break. Hopefully this blog will help some of you come through the door - don’t keep putting it off!