Relaxation by the Pelham Public Library

Published 3:06 pm Monday, July 20, 2015

The Pelham Public Library will host six meditation classes from September to November. (Contributed)

The Pelham Public Library will host six meditation classes from September to November. (Contributed)

By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer 

PELHAM— The Pelham Public Library is bringing back a popular, stress-relieving meditation class for its members to take advantage of September through November.

Adult services coordinator David Smith said the class is something you don’t find anywhere else and it has been a popular program in the past. Meditation is also something that has benefited Smith in his own life. He meditates every evening when he gets home.

“I have found that meditation has helped me, personally,” Smith said. “It helps me to relax, and it helps decompress my day.”

Charlie Fechter is the class’s instructor, and Smith said he is a popular teacher. The class is an hour long, from 1-2 p.m. on select Saturdays. It’s open to anyone who has an interest in meditation, and registration is $30 or $5 per class with six possible classes.

“Charlie is a wonderful, wonderful teacher,” Smith said. “I can’t stress how nice this guy is and how approachable he is. He has just been a wonderful instructor.”

There are about 10 members per class in order to keep meditation small and intimate. Everyone will come in and sit in a semi-circle. The class begins with simple stretching and then Fechter will guide the class through meditation.

He will focus on skills such as proper positioning, breathing, seating position and proper posture. The goal is to get people’s minds clear and focused. Smith said he has seen people go into the class very uneasy about it, and then become comfortable with the practice. They begin to enjoy meditation.

Smith recommends participants bring their own yoga mat or a blanket and pillow to sit on because the library floor is concrete with a thin carpet layer.

Class dates are Sept. 5 and 19, Oct. 3 and 17 and Nov. 7 and 14. For more information or for a full list of library events, call 620-6418 or visit Pelhamlibrary.com.