If you're looking to find your inner peace or just stretch those desk-bound muscles in a more Zen-like environment, Cleary Lake Regional Park is the place to be next Sunday. In an announcement made through the Scott County website, locals over 18 are invited to join a free Outdoor Qigong session on May 19 from 2 to 3:30 PM, where they can learn to harmonize their bodies with the great outdoors.

Guest teaching artist Scott Stafford will be guiding the session, which will blend seated and standing exercises from the ancient Chinese practices of tai chi and qigong; these activities are designed to promote "overall well-being and balance," which seems like a welcome reprieve for anyone feeling the brunt of modern life's relentless pace, participants will be shown techniques for quieting the mind and easing the body and the movement can be adapted to accommodate different physical levels and abilities.

For those who have never taken on the art of qigong before, this event promises to be an eye-opener—no prior experience is necessary to join in. It's a rare opportunity to move in sync with nature, and the only requirement is to bring along something comfortable to sit on, like a yoga mat or a towel—also a willingness to breathe deeply and go with the flow.

Moreover, Stafford encourages attendees to "move in and with nature," grounding the session in an appreciation for our environment during a time when we could all use a reminder of our connection to the earth especially within regional park settings that offer the perfect backdrop for such reflective practices. So, whether you're a seasoned qigong enthusiast or a curious newbie, you're in for an afternoon that exposes you to the calming forces of nature right in your backyard, just be sure to slap on some sunscreen and maybe pack a water bottle—you know, just the essentials for a journey to tranquility.