MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Lake County mindfulness teacher and author JoAnn Saccato will present a free two-hour workshop based on her upcoming eight-week course, Compassion-based Mindfulness for Stress Reduction, Personal Clarity and Emotional Freedom.

The workshop will be held at Harbin Hot Springs, 18424 Harbin Springs Road, Middletown, on Sunday, Jan. 18, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Temple.

The event is free, though attendees must be registered as a Harbin guest.
 
The free workshop is fashioned after Saccato's courses, which begin Tuesday, Jan. 13, in Lower Lake and Thursday, Jan. 15, in Lakeport.

The courses focus on engaging the participants with a new or renewed self-dialogue of discovery through journaling; guided mindfulness exercises that deepen awareness of present moment experience; and learning how to set meaningful intentions that are aligned with personal values.

Saccato also will provide information on the stress reducing benefits of a mindfulness practice.
 
Mindfulness is a body-based practice that invites one to pay kind, nonjudgmental attention to direct experience through the senses, thoughts and emotions.

Studies indicate that mindfulness can help reduce stress and stress-related illnesses; increase focus and attention; decrease incidences of, and relapses with, depression; help reduce anxiety; and aid in sleep and digestive disorders.
 
“Besides reducing stress, all three of these activities work together to help participants gain deeper clarity, a new vitality, and freedom in their lives,” said Saccato.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and be ready for gentle movement exercises.
 
Saccato is author of “Companioning the Sacred Journey: A Guide to Creating a Compassionate Container for Your Spiritual Practice.”

For more information on Saccato and Compassion-based Mindfulness for Stress Reduction, Personal Clarity and Emotional Freedom courses, visit www.companioningthesacredjourney.com or call 707-350-1719.

For more information on visiting Harbin Hot Springs, visit www.harbin.org .