Labyrinth

The Previous Vicarage Garden Labyrinth: St. John’s Church, Ben Rhydding.

PLEASE NOTE AT PRESENT THE LABYRINTH IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR WALKING. This labyrinth is based on the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth design and has been cut into the lawn, where the paths remain in grass and the “walls” marking out the paths are narrow channels cut into the soil with the strips of turf removed.

An outdoor labyrinth is available to all. It does not have to conform to the limitations of a building, or take on any other associations. It is open space and becomes part of the natural environment. A garden is always changing and there are many sights, sounds and sensations to nourish our imaginations, thus enriching our journey.

Many labyrinths date from the medieval period and were built into the floors of cathedrals all over Western Europe. It is thought that Christians walked them as an alternative to making a long, hazardous pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the centre of the labyrinth representing Jerusalem.

In recent times, Christians have been using the labyrinth for walking prayer and meditation; a sacred space. The twists and turns of the path can mirror our journey through life where ever we are on life’s journey. Labyrinth walking slows us down and helps us take notice of this journey.

In the context of church and community, labyrinth walking helps us to notice the people with whom we share this journey of life. Our awareness of each other and our environment may be heightened.

As our physical bodies slow down to the rhythm of the walk, so the ceaseless activity in our brains begins to quieten. We are enabled to listen inwardly: to what we’re thinking and how we’re feeling.

Our senses are heightened and our imagination is nourished.

Every one of us - adults and children alike – is on a unique journey: valuable, unrepeatable, unfolding with each new day. Labyrinth walking is an acknowledgement of this and a celebration of our lives.

As we now have a new Vicarage the Vicarage Garden Labyrinth  is currently not available.

For further information please email peterwillox@benrhydding.org.uk