JoAnn Saccato

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6/4/2020

Mindfulness and Compassion as a Path to Justice and Equity

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This post is inspired by a recent talk I heard from my friend Clovice Lewis, an astounding musician and minister in training with the Unitarian Universalist community.

Compassion arises when we recognize suffering and motivates us to act out of care and concern to help relieve the suffering we see. Our capacity for compassion is locked into our human nature--everyone has this capacity and the capacity can be grown. So, not only does compassion and kindness serve us by nourishing resiliency, it can be used as a means to the end of injustice and inequity.

But, first, we need to understand more about compassion. It takes four stages to allow compassion to help heal and prevent injustices and inequality:
  1. see  suffering
  2. relate to the sufferer
  3. grow our circle of inclusion and care, and
  4. take action to end suffering and prevent future suffering

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6/2/2020

They’ve succeeded, you know

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{6/15/20 Please Note: while this piece is looking at outer pressures on a large scale, it is in no way meant to minimize, deny or bypass the truth and the depth of disparity, injustice and pain of those experiencing social injustice today.}
They’ve succeeded, you know
They’ve succeeded, you know.

Pitting brother against brother
Sister against sister
Race against race
Gender identity against gender identity
Sexual orientation against sexual orientation
Political party against political party
Economic system against economic system
Religion against religion.

It’s all a ploy, you know,
It really is.

To hold power and
     support oppression
that strengthens
that power.

Daily outrage
Atrocious diversion
Personal attack

Justified anger!
Incite violence!

Threatened revolution
Shock doctrine!

They’ve succeeded, you know.

Like millions of predecessors.
Same formula.
Same process.

Pitting brother against brother
Sister against sister
Race against race
Gender identity against gender identity
Sexual orientation against sexual orientation
Economic system against economic system
Political party against political party
Religion against religion.

You know it’s true.

Indoctrinate the oppressed
    to oppress
       the oppressed
with oppressor’s standards.

It’s all a ploy, you know,
It really is.

Justified anger!
Incite violence
    against injustices.

The real injustice?
The real tragedy?
  
The people
    have been
       duped (sidetracked) again.

Wake up!

Wake up!


© JoAnn Saccato, 2020

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JoAnn Saccato, MA, is a certified teacher with the Mindfulness Training Institute, life coach, author and consultant. She is the author of Companioning the Sacred Journey: A Guide to Creating a Compassionate Container for Your Spiritual Practice and Mindful and Intentional Living: A Path to Peace Clarity and Freedom.

Mindfulness is an umbrella term used for a large body of popular health and wellness practices based on purposefully bringing a curious, kind and non-judgmental attention to moment by moment experience. It is a scientifically proven approach that helps reduce stress and stress-related illnesses, increase focus and attention, decrease incidences of and relapses with depression, reduce anxiety, reduce relapses in addiction, and aids in sleep and digestive disorders. It has also been shown to increase well being, life satisfaction and happiness, as well as improved social relationships.

You can reach JoAnn at JoAnn@MindfulAndIntentionalLiving.com. To follow her visit: www.MindfulAndIntentionalLiving.com

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5/26/2020

What Novel Things are Opening Up for You?

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Maypop, a species of Passion flowers. May, 2020.
I was inspired toward an inner inquiry after I excitedly welcomed the first bloom on a Passion flower in my yard. I was so mesmerized the first time I saw one of these markedly distinct flowers, I immediately conjured up the belief that they had to be from another planet! The plant in my yard is chock full of blooms for the first time in the three years I’ve tended it.

The bloom arrived simultaneously with the second phase of opening in our community, and a push to clear away 7+ years of ivy overgrowth and thick forest duft in preparation of the upcoming fire season and to reveal--to open up--the all-elusive forest floor.

All this prompted me to inquire: All this opening going on, I'm curious, what is opening up for me? And what about others--what is opening up for them right now?

Rather than go into a long written inquiry, I decided to go inward with a mindfulness practice and explore directly what was opening in my heart, mind and body.

(You can explore a guided version of this practice HERE.)


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5/13/2020

The Wisdom of a Mountain

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Cobb Mountain, California. August 6, 2019. View from Boggs State Forest.
I planned a hike up Cobb Mountain, which happens to be the mountain I live on and tallest mountain in the Mayacamas Mountain range in Northern California. I chose a Friday during the shelter in place period of the Covid-19 pandemic even though I was warned by my partner, Jim, that it would be hot. He recommended waiting a day or two, but my intuition was strong. It said ‘no, Friday.’

Thursday of that week came and it was an unusually difficult day. I took on the weekly shopping for us, as Jim is in a high risk category for the virus. I went to five stores and each excursion entailed wearing a mask, using alcohol soaked wipes as gloves to touch anything in the store, being hyper aware of social distancing—which is next to impossible when isles are less than six feet wide, and then spraying everything with alcohol once at the car.
Add to that, working with the inherent judgments that arise for those not wearing masks and those not even attempting to honor social distancing, taking time to implore store management to require masks for all patrons, and taking time to catch up on news. By the time I returned home, I was exhausted, stressed and discouraged. The virus was now acting in differing ways, there was the growing conflict with those that wanted to open up the economy and those that felt it was too risky, and the ongoing saga of mishandled leadership  as the administration continued to stumble along.

All this was a perfect storm for feeling hopeless, sad and depressed. And I did. I got home and cried in the shower--the shower that now needed to follow a trip into town just to be sure every chance of the virus' survival is washed away.

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5/7/2020

A Path to Equanimity

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Wat Pa Tam Wa, Mae Hong Son, Thailand. Photo by JoAnn Saccato
How can I attain peace in this moment? How can I get to equanimity? Once I have it, how can I hold onto it?
Equanimity, that deep sense of peaceful well being, is highly sought after in these days of social and emotional turmoil. Now more than ever, as our hearts, minds and bodies are being taxed with our present conditions, we are seeking refuge. We are all looking for a break from what is happening, much less a perpetual state of calm mind amidst anything disturbing.

How can I attain peace in this moment? How can I get to equanimity? How can I hold onto it?

There’s usually a litany of actions and steps that come to mind that may include trying to create certain conditions, or to stop or change what is  happening in our bodies, homes, workplace, communities, nations, and the world. We think the answer lies somewhere in struggling and wrestling with current conditions, trying to bend them to our liking or stop them completely.

As it turns out, while there are things we can actively do to help this deep pleasant peacefulness that we call equanimity arise, it’s actually a different and more restful path. 

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4/18/2020

Staying Grounded and Spacious During Prolonged Times of Difficulty

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View of Middletown valley, California.
Our tendency during times of threat—perceived or actual—is to shift into anxiety or survival mode. We’re hardwired for this. Our negativity bias goes on high alert and is on the look out for threats, what’s wrong, what’s out of place, what isn’t working. As part of this, today we may find ourselves fixating on social media or news reports or other stimulating media that can support activation of stress and anxiety in our hearts, minds and bodies.

So, how do we remain connected to our best resources—a vibrant, healthy body; a clear mind with access to deep wisdom; and an open and loving heart—to meet and navigate through difficult times, particularly extended ones, such as the Covid-19 situation?



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4/4/2020

Loving Kindness Practice as a Protective Factor

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Image by pisauikan from Pixabay
Loving kindness is a simple but powerful practice we infuse into our mindful practices. It can arise naturally as a response to the inevitable difficulties we all share as humans—suffering from illness, pain and loss; impermanence; and the impersonal nature of these things. But it is an important practice to cultivate loving states that can help us through difficulties. And, as it turns out, it can also be used as a protective factor, helping to lessen unnecessary suffering from arising in the first place.

Loving kindness develops out of our natural compassion and compassion is really just love’s way of responding to suffering. It is that welling up desire we have that moves us to help end the pain and suffering we witness; to help in some way.


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3/23/2020

Helpful Tools for Self-Regulation

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Besides a mindfulness practice, that helps balance and re-regulate heart, mind and body, here's a few more ways to support yourself during sequestration from the Covid-19 situation:

  • Be mindful of information: We can easily get overstimulated with the amount of information available today. Limiting exposure to once or twice a day for brief periods can keep you in the know while not overloading your nervous system.
  • Ground into your body: Information can take us into our head and disconnect us from the wisdom and experience in the body. Start and end your day with embodying practices (like yoga, meditation, qi gong, etc.) that help you stay connected in your body throughout the day. Take mini embodiment breaks to check in and reconnect.
  • What are you cultivating? Taking time for a brief check in through out the day can help you notice what is being cultivated by your actions and attention. Add to that a brief inquiry of what you'd like to be cultivating to help you reset your intention for the rest of the day.
  • Structure: Most of us are used to a scheduled life, but even if not, adding a little structure to your day can create a sense of safety and security during these times of not knowing.
  • Solitude: We may not be used to being together with our family or friends 24/7. Taking time out for just yourself can help you gather thoughts, reflect on your own experience and decide what you need to take care of yourself. Quiet time outside, journaling or resting can be a nourishing break.
  • Connection: Chosen solitude is different than isolation. If you are alone, or you know someone who is, reach out for meaningful connection. Co-regulation is important for our nervous system and is best when it includes sight and sound. Whether you can or can't see each other, use your voice and words to create soothing conversation. "I'm here," "I'm present with you right now," "It's good to be with you right now." If you can connect with face and eyes being seen all the better.
  • Soothing supportive touch: Hugs, shoulder rubs, and gentle caressing can create a sense of ease and connection. Alone? Gentle touch, holding or caressing with a conscious attention and intention of kindness can bring a cherishing warmth. Bringing hands to the heart, cradling the face or holding yourself in a hug while offering soothing self-talk can bring relief to tensions and concern.  
  • Guided meditation or mindful talks: When the mind is busy or scattered, it can be difficult to practice. There are thousands of options for guided talks or meditations online. Find a voice and topic that resonates and give yourself this gift. Here's one to get you started...Guided Meditation to Help Calm Anxiety.


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JoAnn Saccato, MA, is a certified teacher with the Mindfulness Training Institute, life coach, author and consultant. She is the author of Companioning the Sacred Journey: A Guide to Creating a Compassionate Container for Your Spiritual Practice and Mindful and Intentional Living: A Path to Peace Clarity and Freedom.

Mindfulness is an umbrella term used for a large body of popular health and wellness practices based on purposefully bringing a curious, kind and non-judgmental attention to moment by moment experience. It is a scientifically proven approach that helps reduce stress and stress-related illnesses, increase focus and attention, decrease incidences of and relapses with depression, reduce anxiety, reduce relapses in addiction, and aids in sleep and digestive disorders. It has also been shown to increase well being, life satisfaction and happiness, as well as improved social relationships.

You can reach JoAnn at JoAnn@MindfulAndIntentionalLiving.com. To follow her visit: www.MindfulAndIntentionalLiving.com

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3/18/2020

Flexibility is Essential During Rapidly Changing Conditions

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You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.
In light of the recent Corona Virus pandemic and the rapidly changing conditions and requirements for safety, I am moving all of my offerings online for the time being. It quickly changed from just a few days ago offering an OPTION for online participation to needing to cancel all my in person engagements. It's a matter of safety for us all.

The flexibility required during this time reminds me of when I was a passenger on a friend's 40-foot sailboat for a two-week inter-island sailing adventure in the state of Hawaii.

We launched from Honolulu towards Moloka'i on a calm sea and within moments I felt nauseous. I grasped onto the boat rails and stiffened my legs and arms, intent on holding on and stopping the motion my body was experiencing.

It wasn't working and within a few minutes upon seeing my struggle, my good friend, Jake said, "Just let go. Holding on actually makes it worse."

But, I couldn't! I had to control this or I was going to throw up. Jake knew better, being a seasoned seaman, explained that by letting go, and, yes, possibly throwing up, I would eventually feel better and be more likely to withstand the journey.

Needless to say, within a short time, I threw up all over the tiny head in the cabin and, embarrassed, laid on the floor, stomach empty but churning, cleaning up the vomit as the boat tossed and turned as we made way to the open waters of the Pacific.


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3/14/2020

There has never been a better time to practice mindfulness!

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Photo by Philippe Moes/Biosphoto/Minden Pictures
It's unthinkable to believe there is anyone on the planet not affected by current world events. Whether it is Covid-19, the wild swings of the stock market, the impact of each of these on availability of food and household items, the environmental crisis, the upcoming elections, the social, political and economic divide in the United States--the list could go on and on and this doesn't even include personal circumstances and situations!

One of the major truths of our nature--that we are wholly interdependent and connected--may have never before been so readily apparent as it is today. And sometimes it takes a crisis of global proportions to bring this to light.

Learning to distinguish and discern accurate information and appropriate response takes the very best our mind, heart and being has to offer. Yet, when we are triggered into fear and anxiety about the future, we end up operating from the part of our being that is least equipped to make reasoned decisions. Those reactions are excellent when the threat is imminent, but can fail us miserably when it isn't.

This is why a mindfulness practice can be our saving grace in times like these. Not only does it anchor us to the present moment, lessening the likelihood we drift off into scenarios of catastrophic proportion that most likely won't occur but will trigger us anyway into fight, flight or freeze, but it gradually increases the space between our experience and our reaction.


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  • Home
  • Events
    • Ongoing
    • Free Workshops
    • Mindful Resilience Course
    • A six week introductory course in mindfulness
    • Half Day Retreats
    • Full Day Retreats
    • Self-paced opportunities
    • Scholarships
  • Working with JoAnn
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  • Tambo Elephant Fund
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