Port Jefferson meditation center offers classes

Former yoga instructor Nancy Fabbri has been taking meditation classes since June.

The Port Jefferson woman’s ultimate goal is to teach yoga again, but this time she wants to incorporate meditation with her instructions.

Meditation "made me more aware of what I need to do differently," said Fabbri, 53.

Fabbri is among those taking classes at the Dipamkara Meditation Center in Port Jefferson.

The classes are based on Buddhist teachings, with the main goal being to help people find inner peace and happiness.

"We live in a very distracting world," said instructor Michael Opisso, 50, of Setauket. "Many focus on things outside our mind. These teachings focus on things inside our mind.”

Anyone is welcome to join the classes. But a $10 donation is suggested.

Todd Drexler, who is a new instructor, says the classes help community members.

“We are helping people in the community to find happiness and inner peace,” said Drexler, 42, of Miller Place.

Classes take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, and 10:30 a.m.-noon at Dipamkara Meditation Center, 301D E. Main St., Port Jefferson. For more information, call 631-403-4333.

Photo: Michael Opisso teaches a meditation class at the Dipamkara Meditation Center in Port Jefferson. (March 1, 2011)