Weekly Meditation

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of meditation can I expect?

+ This program is a collaboration between the library and local practitioners. The format of the meditation will change based on the teacher. See descriptions below.

Do I need to have prior experience? Do I need to register?

+ No. These sessions will be drop-in, and appropriate for all levels of experience. Our volunteers have introduced many new people to the practice of meditation.

Should I eat before I come?

+ We recommend not eating a large or heavy meal just before meditation.

Do I need special clothing?

+ Comfortable, non-restrictive clothing is best. You will be sitting or walking for up to 45 minutes.

Will I be meditating on a cushion or in a chair?

+ If you're meditating at home, it is up to you! Please ask your instructor if you have questions about comfortable posture. At outdoor meditation, we will provide chairs, but we are not able to bring cushions outside. Feel free to bring your own materials to make yourself more comfortable.

About the Volunteer Teachers

Anja Schneider of SaltAirSpirit is a life coach and certified teacher of Instinctive Meditation and Qigong. Her approach blends gentle movement, breath awareness, and present-moment practices to help reduce anxiety and overthinking. A breast cancer survivor, Anja’s work is rooted in her own journey of transformation—from a fast-paced life in the film industry to a more intentional and mindful way of living. She offers simple yet powerful tools to reconnect with the body, calm the nervous system, and return to a state of ease. Anja teaches at retreats, wellness centers, and online, and is delighted to share her practice with the Portsmouth Public Library community.

Dh. Candradasa is an ordained member of the Triratna Buddhist Order, and teaches at the Portsmouth Buddhist Center, which offers introductory and regular meditation and Buddhism classes by donation. He has been practicing and teaching meditation for over twenty years. Candradasa teaches two ancient practices: the mindfulness of breathing, and the cultivation of loving-kindness. Both practices are utilized to develop concentration, tranquility and positive emotion.

Cathy Okhuysen will lead contemporary and traditional chants from different traditions as a way to center and focus before and during meditation. Cathy has offered contemplative singing in a variety of public spaces, sacred places and retreats settings. She works in the library's Circulation department.

Laura Horwood-Benton has been practicing meditation within the Triratna Buddhist Community since 2011, and is the library's Assistant Director. She teaches a combination of mindfulness of breathing and cultivation of loving-kindness. 

Maia Rizzi will lead a visualization to create healing energy, calming you and focusing the subconscious mind to connect with the body. Maia is a Clinical Hypnotherapist whose work focuses on combining Hypnosis with energy work and integrative core counseling. She is certified by the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners as well as National Guild of Hypnotists. She has practiced this work for over twenty years, in the United States, the Caribbean, and Asia. She is opening a private hypnotherapy practice in the Portsmouth/York area.

Suzanne Woodland is an attorney who has had an established meditation practice for over 20 years. She has led meditation at her workplace, and at the Aryaloka Buddhist Center in Newmarket and the Portsmouth Buddhist Center. The last several years she has been practicing and sharing the meditation techniques offered by the Dharma Ocean community. Her emphasis is on the body as the object of mindful attention, tender awareness. You will be invited to arrive in and explore the breathing body and what arises in that process of being present.  Through the gateway of the body work, other meditation practices are unfolded.

Valerie Contreras Fagin is a native New Yorker and an original member of the dance company, Ballet Hispanico of NY. She is a racial and social justice advocate, self-care fitness enthusiast, and facilitator. As a certified National Association Interpreter, Valerie has been honored to be a BHTNH Sankofa Scholar tour guide for the past seven years. She frequently assists in retreats and workshops at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Valerie is happy to share her mindful skills at the Portsmouth Library where she will lead participants in a guided relaxation experience of Yoga Nidra.