The Labyrinth

Overview: The labyrinth is an archetypal design found in all religious traditions in various forms throughout the world.  The labyrinth has been used for different purposes throughout history.  It is being rediscovered in our time as a spiritual tool, a path which allows our active minds to detach as we walk along the path listening to our deeper selves, opening our hearts and quieting our minds.

A closer look: Many people think of the labyrinth as a maze when, in fact, the two are opposite in many ways.  A maze is designed to be tricky, to challenge us; often we struggle and lose our way.  It requires active engagement of our analytical processes to solve a puzzle.  The labyrinth is designed to allow our active mind to become detached by providing a uni-cursive path with the same path leading inward to the center and out again.  Though at times one experiences a sense of confusion that the path is not leading directly to the center, as in life when one fears they are furthest from an answer, the “aha!” moment arrives unexpectedly and the answer suddenly becomes clear; so too it is with the labyrinth where one arrives at the center when least expected.  The Eloise Page Memorial Labyrinth is modified from an ancient pattern which has been referred to as the classical Cretan, or seed, design.  The oldest existing example of this design dates back to a Neolithic tomb in Sardinia dating from 2000-2500 B.C.  Kanapaha’s labyrinth is planted with Ophiopogon (Mondo grass) to provide a lasting low maintenance border.  The land was prepared with weed carpet, which supports a layer of recycled crushed concrete gravel.  Given its generous width, the path should be spacious enough and firm enough to support wheelchairs.

There is no right way or wrong way to walk or experience a labyrinth.  A few suggestions may enhance your experience.  As you enter, quiet your mind and become aware of your breath.  Allow yourself to find a pace or rhythm that feels right to your body.  You may encounter someone on the path.  Do what feels natural when you meet.  As you find you rhythm, allow your thoughts to unwind, release and let go of the details of your life.  Listen to any questions, joys or sorrows that may drift into your awareness.  When you reach the center, stay there as long as you like.  It is a place of meditation, prayer, relaxation and receptivity.  As you leave the center and wind your way back out to the ‘outer’ world, take account of what you have become aware of during your time on the labyrinth.  Let your senses attune to environmental stimuli-perhaps a birdsong, a child’s laughter, light dancing on the guardian cypress or bamboo, the smell of rain or the warmth of the sun.  The gifts will be uniquely yours.

The labyrinth invites us to a rich journey of discovery.  Enjoy the experience and explore the history, mythology and symbology of a fascinating geometric pattern.