The labyrinth is
an ancient pattern found in many cultures around the world. Labyrinth designs
date back 4000 years. The earliest known labyrinth in a church is in
Labyrinths were
very popular during medieval times. Twenty-two of the eighty Gothic cathedrals
of
Labyrinths are
currently being used worldwide as a way to quiet the mind, find balance, and
encourage meditation, insight and celebration. They are open to all people as a
non-denominational, cross-cultural tool. Overseas labyrinths are found in
medical centres, parks, churches, schools, prisons, memorial parks and retreat
centres as well as in people's backyards. Many communities are coming together
to construct labyrinths in their community parks. Spirituality centres are
creating them for those on retreat. Hospitals are building permanent labyrinths
for patients and staff. Cancer support groups use them for strength and finding
one's way through difficult times. Patients at hypertension clinics walk them
to reduce stress.
The labyrinth is
not a maze. There are no tricks to it and no dead ends. It has a single
circuitous path that winds into the centre. The person walking it uses the same
path to return and the entrance then becomes the exit. The path is in full
view, which allows a person to be quiet and focus internally. Generally there
are three stages to the walk: releasing on the way in, receiving in the centre
and returning; that is, taking back out into the world that which you have
received. There is no right way or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Use the
labyrinth in any way that meets what your need.
As far we know, St Faith’s permanent courtyard labyrinth is a ‘first’ for
a