A free workshop series on managing stress through breath and body techniques begins Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Bellevue Public Library.

The "Ways to Peace: The Art of Re-Centering" series is part of a decade-long partnership between the City of Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center (BCRC) and the King County Library System (KCLS). The 2026 series also marks the BCRC's 30th year serving the community, according to the city's event listing.

Marci McReynolds, former BCRC manager known as "The Listening Lady," will lead the sessions.

Participants will explore how the body's nervous system responds to stress, practice breathing exercises and learn techniques to reduce cortisol and improve focus. The workshop also aims to help people build confidence, find inner calm and strengthen relationships with co-workers, family and friends.

The Re-Centering workshop is a three-part series. The first session runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 1 at Bellevue Public Library, 1111 110th Ave. NE. Dates for the second and third sessions have not been announced. The workshop is free.

A separate program under the "Ways to Peace" umbrella, "The Art of Listening," is scheduled for Oct. 26–28 at the same library. McReynolds also facilitates that workshop.

Beyond workshops, the BCRC offers free, confidential services to anyone who lives or works in Bellevue and Kirkland, according to the city's website. Those services include coaching, phone conciliation and mediation for disputes over noise, fences, property lines, landlord-tenant issues and cross-cultural conflicts.

Residents can check 1.kcls.org/peace for the full schedule and registration details. The BCRC is reachable at 425-452-4091 or [email protected].