InFocus Magazine

When viewed from above, a labyrinth looks like a puzzle, a maze or perhaps some kind of weird crop circle left behind by extra-terrestrials who visited earth under cover of darkness.

A labyrinth is, however, none of the above. Simply put, a labyrinth is an ancient symbol representing life’s journey. People walk through the uni-circular pattern of the labyrinth, pause to relax and meditate at its centre, then walk out feeling better. It is a non-denominational, centuries-old spiritual practice.

A labyrinth can be laid out on the ground in a variety of ways. It can be painted on a concrete or other solid surface, identified with colored bricks or paving stones, or be a simple arrangement of stones on any natural surface, such as grass, gravel or sand. Sometimes, a series of candles are placed on the labyrinth pattern and people walk its path at night. This provides an even more mystical and spiritual experience.

Labyrinths can be very large—or small enough to, quite literally, let your fingers do the walking. You can still feel the benefits of a labyrinth by using your finger to trace its path when printed on a piece of paper or displayed on a computer screen.

Although they may look similar, a labyrinth is not to be confused with a maze—it is not a puzzle to be solved, with dead ends and blind alleys. Walking through a maze is a “left brain” task that requires logical, sequential, and analytical activity to find the correct path into and out of it. A labyrinth, on the other hand, has only one uni-circular path to the centre and then out again. It is a “right brain” task, involving intuition, creativity and imagery. The only decision you need to make is whether to enter the path or not.

In short, a maze is designed to make you lose your way. A labyrinth is designed to help you find it. Once most people understand the concept of the labyrinth, they are often still confused about how to pronounce it. The ‘y’ is silent, so you simply say “lab-rinth.”

Although labyrinths are relatively new to modern-day society—and to the Comox Valley—it is a holistic meditative tool that has been used by many cultures and religions throughout history. Evidence of its use dates back to 500 A.D.

Dr. Herbert Benson of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital has written that the fundamental element of mind/body medicine —the elicitation of the relaxation response—can be traced back to the earliest civilizations. It appears that one of our most basic bodily avenues to better health is the simple following of the breath, in and out, and the avoidance of distracting thoughts.

Dr. Benson’s research (some of it dating back to the 1960s) has revealed that focused walking meditations, such as the labyrinth, are highly effective at reducing anxiety and eliciting what he refers to as “the relaxation response.”

When eliciting the relaxation response your metabolism decreases, your heart beats slower, your muscles relax, your breathing becomes slower, your blood pressure decreases and your levels of nitric oxide increase. (This helps boost blood flow and enhances sex.)

Perhaps, as a result of research like this, the concept of building and using labyrinths to improve personal well-being is currently enjoying a renaissance. You can now find them throughout the world, at hospitals, prisons, churches, universities, public parks and even individuals’ yards. While researching this article, I looked at three labyrinths in the Comox Valley region. Two were in the development stage and preparing to celebrate their grand openings at the end of May. There are however, rumors of a few others in undisclosed locations. A fourth labyrinth will be built at Innisfree Farms in June.

It is generally believed that the resurgence of labyrinths is due, in part, to the fact that we live in a society with changing views and attitudes. In this fast-paced world, many have lost touch with their inner voice and with nature. The labyrinth is a powerful tool to help relax our frenetic minds, bodies and spirits. It is also a tool that is bridging the ever-widening gap between traditional religious rituals and new spiritual practices.

We, as a society, are being drawn to the labyrinth and exploring it as a healing tool because it provides a safe place to clear the mind and to receive answers to life’s troubling questions. It is a place to feel grounded in the present and to help guide you in the future.

The Labyrinth at Kairos

Linda Magnuson, owner of Kairos Guest Suite in Comox, is proud to have built one of the first labyrinths in the Comox Valley. Magnuson, who moved here from Alberta in 2003, says the project was inspired by a casual conversation with her daughter, Kari Magnuson, in 2004. At the time, Kari had recently been involved with a community labyrinth-building project in Nelson, BC. The idea of building a labyrinth in celebration of Linda’s upcoming 65th birthday was born one afternoon, as the two women stood on Linda’s deck and contemplated her massive backyard—at the time, a “blank slate” of green grass.

“We spent the winter researching labyrinths and working on the design for the one we would build the following summer [2004],” explains Linda Magnusen. “My yard would allow the construction of a 40-foot diameter, classic seven-circuit Cretan pattern. [Some labyrinths are larger and have an 11-circuit pattern.] My family and friends came together one hot August weekend to build my labyrinth. I really appreciated their collective efforts. It was the best birthday present ever!

“We built it using soft cedar mulch to walk on. To form the pattern, we handpicked smooth stones from a supplier in Cumberland and sun-bleached oyster shells from a local oyster plant. A hand-made log bench in the centre of the labyrinth provides a welcome place to sit and meditate.”

The Labyrinth at Kairos’ grand unveiling and dedication took place in June 2005. Since then, dozens of people —including guests of Kairos Guest Suite, friends, neighbors and perfect strangers—have chosen to walk its path of prayer and contemplation. With respect for both Magnusen’s and her guests’ privacy, visits to the Labyrinth at Kairos are by appointment only.

Magnuson has also welcomed hospice staff, volunteers and terminally ill patients to take a walk on the “mild” side in her backyard. Their reactions, she says, are varied. Some people want to talk about their experience. Others do not. It is a deeply personal and spiritual encounter. She is also open to hosting weddings, engagements, memorials and other life transition celebrations at Kairos. “Walking a labyrinth is a unique, informal and truly memorable way to honor and celebrate various milestones in your life,” she adds.

This past May, about 40 people gathered in Magnuson’s backyard to celebrate World Labyrinth Day. “The event was wonderful,” she says. “We were delighted to have the Mystic Valley Voices lead us in chanting and then, at 1 pm, they chanted with us as we all walked the labyrinth together.”