In commemoration of April as Stress Relief Awareness Month, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. hosted a mediation, yoga and Tai Chi class on April 17, 2026, at the American Legion Continental Post 1424 in Forest Hills.

“In today’s fast-paced world, stress touches many corners of life, making it easy to feel stretched thin,” Addabbo said. “That is why it is important to take a moment to breathe, unwind, and practice self-care which can be a powerful reset button. I’m hopeful that this session will bring some calm and clarity to participants.”

Senator Addabbo’s event began with a mediation session, led by mediation guide, Blake Guss from Bayside Meditation. He began with breathing exercises and emphasized the importance of laughter. During one exercise, he had the participants visualize the causes of their stress, imagine writing each one on a piece of paper, crumpling it up, throwing it into a fireplace and watching it burn. It was supposed to give the participants the free feeling of letting go of things that weigh heavy upon the body and mind. 

There were also several different breathing and stretching exercises. He explained the importance of temporary relief versus true lasting change, adding that instead of living in the actual world, people live in their own minds. Guss touted the importance of elevating well-being, restorative sleep, strengthening relationships and calming the mind. 

During the second half of the presentation, Sean Newman, head instructor and manager of Body & Brain Yoga & Tai Chi of Forest Hills, led the group through a one-hour session that included movements to invigorate circulation, awaken muscles and nerves, and stimulate the mind and body. It included balancing and joint stretching exercises. 

Newman explained that the mind gets cluttered and the goal is to make the abdomen area the focal point. 

“We are going actually practice feeling chi, feeling energy,” Newman explained. “We want the focus and energy – the warmth – to be in the lower abdomen – the center of my physical body. Even my concentration and my focus are here. I feel grounded. My body feels energized, supported, softer and less tense.”

The moves were conducted in the standing position and were gentle enough for everyone who attended.

Those who completed the entire yoga, Tai Chi and meditation class received a coupon for a free class at Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi of Forest Hills and a coupon for one free class at Bayside Meditation (which could be conducted virtually).

Senato Addabbo would like to thank the instructors and American Legion Continental Post 1424 for their support of the community.