InFocus Magazine

The one o’clock start was significant as part of World Labyrinth Day, when thousands of people in several countries joined in spirit to walk through the paths of various labyrinths around the world at the same time. This global event was sponsored by The Labyrinth Society, a non-profit group started in the United States in 1998. (Magnuson is a member of the Society and is listed in their worldwide labyrinth locator directory.)

“I feel absolutely honored and blessed to have a labyrinth in my backyard,” adds Magnuson. “There is a real energy to it and the more people that walk it, the more energy it seems to absorb. As with various forms of meditation, some people don’t have a profound experience the first or second time they walk a labyrinth. To help them make the most of their experience, I advise visitors to take a deep breath and pause before they enter the labyrinth. Walk its path with the intention of being open to the still, small voice inside of them. Walk slowly to the centre, sit for a while, and then slowly retrace your steps. In doing so, you are more apt to feel a sense of clarity and find inner peace.

“Think of the labyrinth as a playground for allowing your intuitions to take wing,” she adds. “Follow what comes into your head and your heart while inside its ‘walls’—what many consider to be ‘sacred space’.”

Visit kairosbb.ca or call 250.339.6573.

The Labyrinth at Anderton Therapeutic Gardens

About 15 years ago, Bill and Joy Georgeson had a dream to create a therapeutic community garden in the Comox Valley. In 1996, with the support of other founding members and the encouragement of Christine Pollard, the horticultural therapist at Providence Farms in Duncan, this dream became reality.

Today, Anderton Therapeutic Gardens is a considered to be one of the “gems” on Vancouver Island. With its meditative and butterfly gardens, ponds, roses, rhododendrons and much more, it is a facility that is enjoyed by residents of seniors’ homes, clients of mental health services, youth, special needs individuals and many others.

“The idea to build a labyrinth at the Therapeutic Gardens came to us a few years ago, when Joy and I were in Chemainus,” explains Georgeson. “We were impressed with the labyrinth there and were interested in learning how it is used in a holistic context. We also visited a labyrinth beside a cathedral in Victoria—one that had been constructed by prison inmates. Again, we were thrilled with what we saw and learned. Because of the spiritual nature of a labyrinth, it just seemed natural to want to have one at our garden, too.”

A team of several volunteers worked diligently to build the new labyrinth at Anderton. The process started last winter. The Labyrinth Committee included Bev Worbets and Jessie Scott (co-chairs), Bill and Joy Georgeson, Linda Magnuson and Joy Johnson.

After months of effort and a generous donation from the Comox Valley Community Foundation, construction of the project took three (very busy) days in April 2009.

The labyrinth at Anderton Therapeutic Gardens is also a seven-circuit design, measuring 42 feet in diameter. The walking path is made of small gravel and the pattern is made from interlocking bricks. The path has been designed to be wide enough for a walker or small wheelchair, or to allow two people to walk side-by-side, in the event that someone needs assistance navigating their way.

“We were grateful to the volunteers who came out to help us build the labyrinth,” says Bev Worbets. “This included my husband, Bob, Ian Buchanan, Rodger Skidmoore, Larry Lott, several clients from the Bridges Society, and Jay Everitt, owner of Jay Enterprises. Jay donated the use of a bobcat and bobcat operator for an entire day. Without his generosity, I think we would still be shoveling dirt into wheelbarrows and still just dreaming of having a labyrinth at Anderton Therapeutic Gardens!”

On May 29, staff, volunteers and members of the public attended the labyrinth’s grand opening and dedication. Blessings were offered by Christine Welsh. The labyrinth is now open daily, from 10 am to 4 pm, at 2012 Anderton Road in Comox. Comox Valley residents and visitors are encouraged to come and walk the labyrinth and enjoy the gardens. Admission is free.

To help people get the most of their labyrinth experience, Anderton Therapeutic Gardens will be hosting a number of free one-hour workshops over the summer months. Check their website or call for times and dates.

Georgeson adds that interest in the labyrinth has been so positive that Anderton Therapeutic Gardens is considering establishing a Labyrinth Club in the Comox Valley. He urges any interested people to call them to have their names put on a list of potential members.

For more information visit: andertontherapeuticgardens.org or call 250.702.4186 (May through September.)

The Labyrinth at Ocean Resort

Located just south of Campbell River, Ocean Resort is home to one of Vancouver Island’s newest, biggest and most unique labyrinths. It measures an awe-inspiring 80 feet in diameter and is unique in that the seven-circuit labyrinth pattern is constructed entirely of driftwood. Not sticks. Logs… big ones!

“We have done extensive research on labyrinth construction and, to the best of our knowledge, this is the only labyrinth in the world that in constructed of driftwood,” explains Dennis Gray, Ocean Resort’s facilities manager.
“Lucas Steifvater, owner of Ocean Resort, has built this facility to offer guests more than your average spa experience. Its idyllic oceanside setting is designed for a spiritual getaway, where you can experience stillness and the serenity that this creates,” adds Gray. “The entire resort fosters a tranquil, supportive environment where you can choose your own path to inner peace, spiritual and personal growth. Adding a labyrinth to the facility was an important part of the long-term development plan. This is a very different kind of resort, so we wanted our labyrinth to be ‘one of a kind,’ too. ”

Collecting the driftwood to construct the labyrinth at Ocean Resort took more than a year. Driftwood was painstakingly dragged from the beach outside the resort and other beaches, where collection of driftwood is legally permitted. The stockpile of driftwood—boasting a wide variety of shapes and sizes—was then carefully sorted and artistically set in concrete footings. The perpendicular driftwood forms the labyrinth pattern and the footpath is made of tiny pebbles… so you feel like you are taking a walk on the beach.

“Construction of the labyrinth was essentially completed on May 21,” says Gray. “As I stood back and looked at it at the end of that first day I was mesmerized by what we had accomplished. The natural driftwood logs are absolutely beautiful, conjuring up images in my mind of historic structures in Italy and Greece. It is an accomplishment that we can be proud of… for Ocean Resort and for the community.”

The Labyrinth at Ocean Resort was officially opened to the public at the end of May. It is not just available to resort guests. Anyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy meandering meditative therapy at no charge.

For more information visit oceanresort.ca or call 250.923.4281.
When viewed from above, sale
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. (See sidebar.)

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.”

The one o’clock start was significant as part of World Labyrinth Day, when thousands of people in several countries joined in spirit to walk through the paths of various labyrinths around the world at the same time. This global event was sponsored by The Labyrinth Society, a non-profit group started in the United States in 1998. (Magnuson is a member of the Society and is listed in their worldwide labyrinth locator directory.)

“I feel absolutely honored and blessed to have a labyrinth in my backyard,” adds Magnuson. “There is a real energy to it and the more people that walk it, the more energy it seems to absorb. As with various forms of meditation, some people don’t have a profound experience the first or second time they walk a labyrinth. To help them make the most of their experience, I advise visitors to take a deep breath and pause before they enter the labyrinth. Walk its path with the intention of being open to the still, small voice inside of them. Walk slowly to the centre, sit for a while, and then slowly retrace your steps. In doing so, you are more apt to feel a sense of clarity and find inner peace.

“Think of the labyrinth as a playground for allowing your intuitions to take wing,” she adds. “Follow what comes into your head and your heart while inside its ‘walls’—what many consider to be ‘sacred space’.”

Visit www.kairosbb.ca
or call 250.339.6573.

The Labyrinth at Anderton Therapeutic Gardens

About 15 years ago, Bill and Joy Georgeson had a dream to create a therapeutic community garden in the Comox Valley. In 1996, with the support of other founding members and the encouragement of Christine Pollard, the horticultural therapist at Providence Farms in Duncan, this dream became reality.

Today, Anderton Therapeutic Gardens is a considered to be one of the “gems” on Vancouver Island. With its meditative and butterfly gardens, ponds, roses, rhododendrons and much more, it is a facility that is enjoyed by residents of seniors’ homes, clients of mental health services, youth, special needs individuals and many others.

“The idea to build a labyrinth at the Therapeutic Gardens came to us a few years ago, when Joy and I were in Chemainus,” explains Georgeson. “We were impressed with the labyrinth there and were interested in learning how it is used in a holistic context. We also visited a labyrinth beside a cathedral in Victoria—one that had been constructed by prison inmates. Again, we were thrilled with what we saw and learned. Because of the spiritual nature of a labyrinth, it just seemed natural to want to have one at our garden, too.”

A team of several volunteers worked diligently to build the new labyrinth at Anderton. The process started last winter. The Labyrinth Committee included Bev Worbets and Jessie Scott (co-chairs), Bill and Joy Georgeson, Linda Magnuson and Joy Johnson.

After months of effort and a generous donation from the Comox Valley Community Foundation, construction of the project took three (very busy) days in April 2009.

The labyrinth at Anderton Therapeutic Gardens is also a seven-circuit design, measuring 42 feet in diameter. The walking path is made of small gravel and the pattern is made from interlocking bricks. The path has been designed to be wide enough for a walker or small wheelchair, or to allow two people to walk side-by-side, in the event that someone needs assistance navigating their way.

“We were grateful to the volunteers who came out to help us build the labyrinth,” says Bev Worbets. “This included my husband, Bob, Ian Buchanan, Rodger Skidmoore, Larry Lott, several clients from the Bridges Society, and Jay Everitt, owner of Jay Enterprises. Jay donated the use of a bobcat and bobcat operator for an entire day. Without his generosity, I think we would still be shoveling dirt into wheelbarrows and still just dreaming of having a labyrinth at Anderton Therapeutic Gardens!”

On May 29, staff, volunteers and members of the public attended the labyrinth’s grand opening and dedication. Blessings were offered by Christine Welsh. The labyrinth is now open daily, from 10 am to 4 pm, at 2012 Anderton Road in Comox. Comox Valley residents and visitors are encouraged to come and walk the labyrinth and enjoy the gardens. Admission is free.

To help people get the most of their labyrinth experience, Anderton Therapeutic Gardens will be hosting a number of free one-hour workshops over the summer months. Check their website or call for times and dates.

Georgeson adds that interest in the labyrinth has been so positive that Anderton Therapeutic Gardens is considering establishing a Labyrinth Club in the Comox Valley. He urges any interested people to call them to have their names put on a list of potential members.

For more information visit:
www.andertontherapeuticgardens.org or call 250.702.4186 (May through September.)

The Labyrinth at Ocean Resort

Located just south of Campbell River, Ocean Resort is home to one of Vancouver Island’s newest, biggest and most unique labyrinths. It measures an awe-inspiring 80 feet in diameter and is unique in that the seven-circuit labyrinth pattern is constructed entirely of driftwood. Not sticks. Logs… big ones!

“We have done extensive research on labyrinth construction and, to the best of our knowledge, this is the only labyrinth in the world that in constructed of driftwood,” explains Dennis Gray, Ocean Resort’s facilities manager.
“Lucas Steifvater, owner of Ocean Resort, has built this facility to offer guests more than your average spa experience. Its idyllic oceanside setting is designed for a spiritual getaway, where you can experience stillness and the serenity that this creates,” adds Gray. “The entire resort fosters a tranquil, supportive environment where you can choose your own path to inner peace, spiritual and personal growth. Adding a labyrinth to the facility was an important part of the long-term development plan. This is a very different kind of resort, so we wanted our labyrinth to be ‘one of a kind,’ too. ”

Collecting the driftwood to construct the labyrinth at Ocean Resort took more than a year. Driftwood was painstakingly dragged from the beach outside the resort and other beaches, where collection of driftwood is legally permitted. The stockpile of driftwood—boasting a wide variety of shapes and sizes—was then carefully sorted and artistically set in concrete footings. The perpendicular driftwood forms the labyrinth pattern and the footpath is made of tiny pebbles… so you feel like you are taking a walk on the beach.

“Construction of the labyrinth was essentially completed on May 21,” says Gray. “As I stood back and looked at it at the end of that first day I was mesmerized by what we had accomplished. The natural driftwood logs are absolutely beautiful, conjuring up images in my mind of historic structures in Italy and Greece. It is an accomplishment that we can be proud of… for Ocean Resort and for the community.”

The Labyrinth at Ocean Resort was officially opened to the public at the end of May. It is not just available to resort guests. Anyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy meandering meditative therapy at no charge.

For more information visit www.oceanresort.ca or call 250.923.4281.
When viewed from above, cardiology
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. (See sidebar.)

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.”

The one o’clock start was significant as part of World Labyrinth Day, when thousands of people in several countries joined in spirit to walk through the paths of various labyrinths around the world at the same time. This global event was sponsored by The Labyrinth Society, a non-profit group started in the United States in 1998. (Magnuson is a member of the Society and is listed in their worldwide labyrinth locator directory.)

“I feel absolutely honored and blessed to have a labyrinth in my backyard,” adds Magnuson. “There is a real energy to it and the more people that walk it, the more energy it seems to absorb. As with various forms of meditation, some people don’t have a profound experience the first or second time they walk a labyrinth. To help them make the most of their experience, I advise visitors to take a deep breath and pause before they enter the labyrinth. Walk its path with the intention of being open to the still, small voice inside of them. Walk slowly to the centre, sit for a while, and then slowly retrace your steps. In doing so, you are more apt to feel a sense of clarity and find inner peace.

“Think of the labyrinth as a playground for allowing your intuitions to take wing,” she adds. “Follow what comes into your head and your heart while inside its ‘walls’—what many consider to be ‘sacred space’.”

Visit www.kairosbb.ca
or call 250.339.6573.

The Labyrinth at Anderton Therapeutic Gardens

About 15 years ago, Bill and Joy Georgeson had a dream to create a therapeutic community garden in the Comox Valley. In 1996, with the support of other founding members and the encouragement of Christine Pollard, the horticultural therapist at Providence Farms in Duncan, this dream became reality.

Today, Anderton Therapeutic Gardens is a considered to be one of the “gems” on Vancouver Island. With its meditative and butterfly gardens, ponds, roses, rhododendrons and much more, it is a facility that is enjoyed by residents of seniors’ homes, clients of mental health services, youth, special needs individuals and many others.

“The idea to build a labyrinth at the Therapeutic Gardens came to us a few years ago, when Joy and I were in Chemainus,” explains Georgeson. “We were impressed with the labyrinth there and were interested in learning how it is used in a holistic context. We also visited a labyrinth beside a cathedral in Victoria—one that had been constructed by prison inmates. Again, we were thrilled with what we saw and learned. Because of the spiritual nature of a labyrinth, it just seemed natural to want to have one at our garden, too.”

A team of several volunteers worked diligently to build the new labyrinth at Anderton. The process started last winter. The Labyrinth Committee included Bev Worbets and Jessie Scott (co-chairs), Bill and Joy Georgeson, Linda Magnuson and Joy Johnson.

After months of effort and a generous donation from the Comox Valley Community Foundation, construction of the project took three (very busy) days in April 2009.

The labyrinth at Anderton Therapeutic Gardens is also a seven-circuit design, measuring 42 feet in diameter. The walking path is made of small gravel and the pattern is made from interlocking bricks. The path has been designed to be wide enough for a walker or small wheelchair, or to allow two people to walk side-by-side, in the event that someone needs assistance navigating their way.

“We were grateful to the volunteers who came out to help us build the labyrinth,” says Bev Worbets. “This included my husband, Bob, Ian Buchanan, Rodger Skidmoore, Larry Lott, several clients from the Bridges Society, and Jay Everitt, owner of Jay Enterprises. Jay donated the use of a bobcat and bobcat operator for an entire day. Without his generosity, I think we would still be shoveling dirt into wheelbarrows and still just dreaming of having a labyrinth at Anderton Therapeutic Gardens!”

On May 29, staff, volunteers and members of the public attended the labyrinth’s grand opening and dedication. Blessings were offered by Christine Welsh. The labyrinth is now open daily, from 10 am to 4 pm, at 2012 Anderton Road in Comox. Comox Valley residents and visitors are encouraged to come and walk the labyrinth and enjoy the gardens. Admission is free.

To help people get the most of their labyrinth experience, Anderton Therapeutic Gardens will be hosting a number of free one-hour workshops over the summer months. Check their website or call for times and dates.

Georgeson adds that interest in the labyrinth has been so positive that Anderton Therapeutic Gardens is considering establishing a Labyrinth Club in the Comox Valley. He urges any interested people to call them to have their names put on a list of potential members.

For more information visit:
www.andertontherapeuticgardens.org or call 250.702.4186 (May through September.)

The Labyrinth at Ocean Resort

Located just south of Campbell River, Ocean Resort is home to one of Vancouver Island’s newest, biggest and most unique labyrinths. It measures an awe-inspiring 80 feet in diameter and is unique in that the seven-circuit labyrinth pattern is constructed entirely of driftwood. Not sticks. Logs… big ones!

“We have done extensive research on labyrinth construction and, to the best of our knowledge, this is the only labyrinth in the world that in constructed of driftwood,” explains Dennis Gray, Ocean Resort’s facilities manager.
“Lucas Steifvater, owner of Ocean Resort, has built this facility to offer guests more than your average spa experience. Its idyllic oceanside setting is designed for a spiritual getaway, where you can experience stillness and the serenity that this creates,” adds Gray. “The entire resort fosters a tranquil, supportive environment where you can choose your own path to inner peace, spiritual and personal growth. Adding a labyrinth to the facility was an important part of the long-term development plan. This is a very different kind of resort, so we wanted our labyrinth to be ‘one of a kind,’ too. ”

Collecting the driftwood to construct the labyrinth at Ocean Resort took more than a year. Driftwood was painstakingly dragged from the beach outside the resort and other beaches, where collection of driftwood is legally permitted. The stockpile of driftwood—boasting a wide variety of shapes and sizes—was then carefully sorted and artistically set in concrete footings. The perpendicular driftwood forms the labyrinth pattern and the footpath is made of tiny pebbles… so you feel like you are taking a walk on the beach.

“Construction of the labyrinth was essentially completed on May 21,” says Gray. “As I stood back and looked at it at the end of that first day I was mesmerized by what we had accomplished. The natural driftwood logs are absolutely beautiful, conjuring up images in my mind of historic structures in Italy and Greece. It is an accomplishment that we can be proud of… for Ocean Resort and for the community.”

The Labyrinth at Ocean Resort was officially opened to the public at the end of May. It is not just available to resort guests. Anyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy meandering meditative therapy at no charge.

For more information visit www.oceanresort.ca or call 250.923.4281.

Comox Valley Shellfish Festival: June 20-21

The 3rd annual Comox Valley Shellfish Festival is being presented by the BC Shellfish Growers Association (BCSGA) in partnership with the K’omoks First Nation and includes a variety of events for all to enjoy.

The festival is the perfect opportunity for Vancouver Islanders and visitors of all ages to learn how shellfish such as clams, try
mussels, dentist
oysters, buy information pills
and scallops grow locally and travel to their table. It is through interaction with farmers, sight, touch and taste that attendees will experience this Sea to Table story.

The Comox Valley Shellfish Festival gala on June 20 will feature a tapas-style tasting dinner with eight of the Valley’s best chefs creating eight different dishes. The event is held on the lawn of the Filberg Lodge, starting at 5pm. There will be a wine flight featuring Beaufort Wines, beer from Surgenor Brewery, and a raw scallop bar. Live music will feature Chilean guitarist Rodrigo Romero. Tickets are available at 250-890-7561.

The Festival Main Event takes place Sunday June 21 at Comox Marina Park from 11-5pm, with opportunities to taste shellfish and other local fare, learn the “Sea to Table” at the Demo Stage, forage the Land of Plenty, Sea of Plenty Market, and learn about shellfish farming. Surgenor Brewery will host a beer tent and there will be a shuttle service to connect with the Aboriginal Day celebrations also taking place at the K’omox First Nations.

For more information visit comoxvalleyshellfishfestival.ca

Vancouver Island MusicFest: July 10-12

If you love really good music and the idea of escaping to a relaxed, eclectic, natural environment this summer, look no further than your own backyard and Vancouver Island MusicFest, scheduled for July 10-12 in the beautiful Comox Valley.

With six stages and three days and nights of top notch roots and world music from across the globe, Vancouver Island MusicFest offers an eclectic festival experience that will remind you about the roots—and the heart—of good music. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this summer, Vancouver Island MusicFest has played host to an incredible list of performers over the years, and 2009 is no exception.

Performers confirmed include classic American folkster Arlo Guthrie, songbird Jennifer Warnes, Queen of the Blues Koko Taylor, funk-jazz masters Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Celtic rockers Enter the Haggis, bluegrass kings The Del Mc Coury Band, blues men Eric Bibb and Jim Byrnes, jazz great Jane Bunnett and acoustic superheroes Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer and Russ Barenberg.

Add to that list Canadian legend Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies fame, multi-instrumentalist David Lindley, reggae dive Etana with the Legendary Abyssinians and song spinners James Keelaghan, Dick Gaughan and Martyn Joseph and you have the makings of a magical musical weekend!

The Vancouver Island MusicFest venue is situated on a pastoral acreage on the banks of the Tsolum River where festival goers can enjoy on-site riverside camping, an interactive kidzzone, workshops, delicious food and funky crafts. The festival involves over 1,000 volunteers as well as interactive art and eco-education projects and exciting environmental initiatives, making it one of Canada’s greenest festivals.

For tickets: islandmusicfest.com or call 1-866-898-8499.

The Big Time Out: August 15

The Big Time Out is a one day musical jammed with end-to-end music from 11am ‘till midnight right in the heart of Cumberland, at Cumberland Village Park. This year’s headliner is Montreal rocker Sam Roberts and his band. Sam just won Juno awards for Artist of the Year and Rock Album of the Year. He’s gearing up to rock the socks off all the people, young and old.

Indie-darlings Mother Mother are back by popular demand, bringing their sweet, cynical and incredibly tight vocals to the stage. Rounding out the line-up are Delhi2Dublin, with their irresistible Celtic-Punjabi beats, along with acoustic soul singer Mihirangi, the hot horns of the March Fourth Marching Band, plus Sex with Strangers and LAL.

The Big Time Out stands apart from other festivals. A cross section of generations and musical styles attracts an eclectic mix of people, all united in their love of really great music. Beyond the music, dancers, acrobats and circus performers appear out of nowhere and help set one of the coolest festival vibes anywhere.

Get your tickets now at: thebigtimeout.com/festival

Mount Washington Summer Festivals

Festival season is set to kick into high gear at Mount Washington Alpine Resort this summer, starting with the 10th annual Beerfest on July 10. Head on up for the ultimate Brouhaha this summer at the Raven Lodge. Beerfest includes unlimited samplings, souvenir glass and awesome music. Tickets only $30!

Next up is the 11th annual Alpine Wine Festival, August 7. Delicious wines and all-around good times can be had at this year’s Alpine Wine Festival. Held at the beautiful Raven Lodge, The Wine Festival will feature a wide selection of wines and ciders from Vancouver Island, BC, and beyond. Tasty appetizers, live music and stunning views of Strathcona Park will be available for all in attendance. Wine Festival tickets are $30.

To get you Beerfest and the Wine Festival safely, a free shuttle bus is available to and from the Driftwood Mall in Courtenay. The bus departs at 4:45pm from the mall on both event days and will return you there safely after the event.

If you just want to get away and relax, don’t miss the Mount Washington Wellness Weekend, August 28-30. This weekend centres on nurturing the mind, body and soul. Take a break from the every day, escape to the alpine and enjoy two days of beautiful meals and wellness classes that promote health and relaxation. Local experts will pamper your senses with guided walks, health and nutrition seminars and yoga classes.

And in September, be sure to check out the 2nd annual Alpine Food Festival, September 4-6 for a taste of the Island’s local cuisine Special accommodation packages are available for all events. For more information visit mountwashington.ca

Filberg Festival: July 31-August 3

Immerse yourself in arts, crafts, food, music and fun at the 27th annual Filberg Festival July 31 to August 3 in Comox. The Festival has earned its reputation for excellence of juried artisans year after year. Come immerse yourself among the 140-plus artisans and makers of fine art in a variety of media ranging from metalwork, pottery and toys to woodcrafts, jewelry, mosaics and specialty foods made especially for you.

This year’s Guest Artists are Nixie Barton and Grant Leier, who will be showcasing their array of creative art in the Filberg Heritage Lodge during the festival.

On stage in 2009 will be David Gogo, Chic Gamine, Shari Ulrich, Fred Eaglesmith, Michael Kaeshammer, the Irish Descendents, Lunch at Allen’s and Sue Medley, to name just a few! Also, back by popular demand is a Festival favorite—The Great Canadian Songs Concert, featuring a special secret guest.

Also not to be missed is our extensive children’s area where kids and adults alike will be enchanted and entertained each day by the likes of the One Woman Circus and Paul Hann, plus children’s yoga classes, a Lego tent, face painting, arts and crafts and a Circus Workshop.

The Filberg Festival is the major fundraiser to support, repair and maintain the Filberg Park. Advance tickets will be available in July at all Thrifty Foods locations and online at sidwilliamstheatre.com. Three-day passes are also available. For more information visit filbergfestival.com