Canterbury Therapeutic Labyrinth Garden

Lizzie Hopthrow recently appeared in the Financial Times supplement and online promoting the Labyrinth and its use at Pilgrims Hospices. Read the article here. (Redirects to FT site)

Labyrinth Facilitator Training - this course, spread over two days is for members of any discipline interested in the spirituality of the labyrinth and who will work with the labyrinth with patients and families. It will include opportunities to walk three different labyrinths and will offer participants personal labyrinth experiences and insights into offering the labyrinth to others.

What is a Labyrinth?

A labyrinth has only one path that winds into the centre and out again. Unlike a maze, there are no dead-ends or decision to make about which way to go.

It has been called a meditative walk, a part of a spiritual journey, the means to inner transformation, a path of prayer or a metaphor for our lives.

The Labyrinth may be walked alone or in groups.

The Pilgrims Hospice Labyrinth path is wide enough for wheelchairs.  In the Therapeutic Labyrinth Garden there is a Finger Labyrinth carved out of local wood.

What are the benefits?

Following the path helps to bring mind, body and spirit in harmony with each other.

It can be calming or enlightening and can help people to let go of worries, stress or grief.

Some may find stillness in the midst of busy and pressured lives. Some are helped to decide their next step.

People who walked the Pilgrims Fabric Labyrinth have said:

"The labyrinth has led me on an emotional journey within myself....A journey in which I faced the emotions of two battles against cancer, one won, one lost... A realisation that I still had hope and a future." Marian, Hospice Patient

(Walking the labyrinth) "I felt at peace." Beth Atkins, National Association of Complementary Therapists in Hospice and Palliative Care

"When I walked the labyrinth I felt comforted and despite the sadness in my life I felt warmth from those who loved and cared for me." David Smith, Carer

Being pushed in my wheelchair round the labyrinth by my husband, together we found that it was the most spiritual and magical thing we have ever experienced.  I have Motor Neurone Disease, and whether or not our emotions were high the feeling of inner calm and love made us both feel complete.  It was thought provoking and awe-inspiring, also something together we could both share.  Diane – patient

I had time to reflect and to think that the labyrinth would always be there for you if you had need of it.   William – patient

Since walking the labyrinth over a period of time the depression that had settled over me when my husband died has lifted – Angela - volunteer

I was very moved by the experience and found a sense of peace, especially as my daughter was able to walk with me.  Joyce – patient

How do I walk the Labyrinth?

There is no right or wrong way to walk - just walk it!

The walk may be dived into three stages, The three Rs*

Releasing on the way in
Receiving at the centre
Returning on the way out
(if something has been received at the centre, it is taken out into the world)

Here are some ideas on the ways of walking.

Take a moment to reflect before you enter, you may like to take a question with you.

During your walk, you may feel like:
Pausing
Walking Quickly
Walking slowly
Following your inner feelings.

Sometimes nothing much happens - this is normal, but it might help to walk it again or even a few times.

Sometimes after you have walked the labyrinth emotions come to the surface and you might like to talk to someone. If so, please telephone 01227 459700 to speak to a hospice professional or if you are on site, please talk to the nurse in charge.

*The 3 Rs have been suggested by Rev Lauren Artress - world-wide facilitator in Labyrinths.

A Brief History

Evidence of labyrinths can be found in such diverse places as South America, Crete, Arizona, Scandinavia, Egypt and India, some dating back 4000 years or more.

The pattern has been found on pieces of ancient pottery and carved into rock faces or on wood.

In roman times labyrinths were made out of mosaics.

In Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland stones were used to mark out the path.

In England some 17th century turf labyrinths have been restored - near Scunthorpe in Yorkshire and in Dorset to name a few.

Today, there is a worldwide resurgence in labyrinths which appeal to people with or without a religious faith.  Pilgrims Hospices have adopted a design that is based on the classical pattern but many places are creating labyrinths bases on medieval design made famous by Chartres cathedral in the 13th century.

To purchase a copy of Pilgrims Journey Through the Labyrinth: A Guide to Using Labyrinths in Spiritual Care written by Rev Lizzie Hopthow, please email labyrinth@pilgrimshospice.org or call 01227 459700.

The Therapeutic Labyrinth Garden was designed by Andrew Wiggins and Jeff Seward and constructed by the Labyrinth Builders http://www.labyrinthbuilders.co.uk/ .