MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Kindness and Generosity Scholarship Fund application period is open for the upcoming eight week Compassion-based Mindfulness for Stress Reduction, Personal Clarity and Emotional Freedom courses.

The courses begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, at the Reunion Community Room, 21040 Bush Street, Middletown.

Applications will be accepted through Jan. 5 and can be found at http://www.compassion-basedmindfulness.com/courses.html .
 
Local mindfulness teacher and life coach, JoAnn Saccato, MA, offers the scholarships for those wishing to take the eight-week course who may not otherwise be able to attend. There are two full scholarships and numerous partial scholarships available.
 
Additionally, Saccato is offering the course for free to those losing their homes in the Valley fire. "These practices learned over time within a supportive community can be incredibly valuable as we find our way through this long term recovery," she noted.
 
Mindfulness is a body-based practice that invites one to purposefully pay kind, non-judgmental attention to direct experience of senses, thoughts and emotions.

Studies indicate that mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and stress-related illnesses; increase focus and attention; decrease incidences of, and relapses with, depression; help reduce anxiety; aid the immune system; and aid in sleep and digestive disorders. As well, mindfulness has been shown to help with addictive and compulsive disorders.
 
Saccato noted, "Besides reducing stress, compassion-based mindfulness and the supporting tools I teach in the eight-week course help participants gain deeper clarity, a sense of freedom from emotional turmoil and new vitality in their lives."
 
The course includes work with journaling and setting intentions, "giving a well-rounded set of tools to help navigate life, increase satisfaction, reduce stress and gain resiliency,” added Saccato, who is the author of “Companioning the Sacred Journey: A Guide to Creating a Compassionate Container for Your Spiritual Practice” and her forthcoming book, “Compassion-based Mindfulness for Peace, Clarity and Freedom.”
 
Early application for a scholarship is encouraged, as they are awarded on a first come, first serve basis. 

Full information on the course and links to the scholarship application can be found at  http://www.compassion-basedmindfulness.com/courses.html or by calling 707-350-1719.