LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – In response to the COVID-19 and shelter in place orders, mindfulness teacher and author JoAnn Saccato, MA, will present multiple workshops online via Zoom video conferencing for those curious about mindfulness and those interested in how mindfulness can help with emotional reactivity, stress and anxiety.

The workshops are free and open to the public and pre-registration is required.

"‘The Curious About Mindfulness?’ workshops are intended for those that have maybe heard about mindfulness and are wanting to understand it more fully before embarking on learning the practices with a teacher through a course," explained Saccato, who has practiced mindfulness for over 25 years and has taught since 2013.

The free 90-minute Curious About Mindfulness? workshops are slated:

– Tuesday, April 28, at 7 p.m.
– Wednesday, April 29, 10:30 a.m.
– Thursday, April 30, 2:30 p.m.

All times are Pacific.

A brief history and definition of mindfulness, recent scientific findings, and simple guided exercises including sensory awareness, gentle movement and a loving-kindness practice will be explored at the 90-minute workshop.

"The free Mindfulness for Stress Reduction Workshop is tailored for those wanting to focus on mindfulness' application to help relieve stress, stress-related illnesses, anxiety and emotional reactivity," noted Saccato. "There is strong evidence that mindfulness can contribute greatly in these areas."

The 90-minute Mindfulness for Stress Reduction workshops are scheduled at:

– Tuesday, April 28, 2020, 10:30 a.m.
– Wednesday, April 29, 2020, 2:30 p.m.
– Thursday, April 30, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

All times are Pacific.

A brief history and definition of mindfulness, recent scientific findings specific to stress and stress-related illnesses, and simple guided exercises including stillness, gentle movement and heart-centered practices will be explored at the 90-minute workshop.

The workshops will take place via Zoom video conference. Pre-registration is required and can be obtained by visiting http://www.mindfulandintentionalliving.com/free-workshops.html .

While telephone options exist through Zoom, Saccato encourages attendees to have good Internet and a video camera to better the experience.

Attendees are invited to wear comfortable clothing and easily removable shoes. Seated, standing and movement exercises will be explored.

Mindfulness is an umbrella term used for a large body of popular health and wellness practices based on purposefully bringing a curious, kind and nonjudgmental attention to our moment by moment experience.

This scientifically proven approach helps increase focus and attention, reduce stress and stress-related illnesses, reduce anxiety, reduce relapses in addiction, decrease incidences of and relapses with depression, and aids in sleep and digestive disorders.

Additionally, it has also been shown to increase well being, life satisfaction and happiness, as well as improved social relationships.

Saccato is a certified mindfulness training Institute teacher and author of “Mindful and Intentional Living: A Path to Peace, Clarity and Freedom,” a book teaching the foundational practices of mindfulness coupled with working actively with intentions to create a life aligned with heart, mind and body. She is a mindfulness-based life coach and trained and worked with organizations and fire survivors for disaster resiliency.

"This situation is very similar to the large scale disasters we've encountered recently, only it's stretched out over a longer period of time and the threat isn't always immediate. Tending to each area--our bodies, hearts, and minds – is crucial as we navigate these challenging and uncertain times," Saccato pointed out. "Anytime we're perceiving a threat to ourselves or our loved ones is a time we can lose access to our most needed skills and assets. Mindfulness helps us gain and retain connection to these vital resources."

For more information on the workshops, visit www.MindfulAndIntentionalLiving.com or call JoAnn Saccato at 707-350-1719.