Labyrinth Walks

Brief History of the labyrinth

The labyrinth is an ancient pattern found and used in many cultures around the world, with designs been found on pottery, tablets and tiles that date as far back as 5000 years. Many patterns are based on spirals and circles mirrored in nature. Labyrinths differ from mazes though the two are often confused. A labyrinth is a spiral walking course having a single, winding, unobstructed path from the outside to the centre. Unlike a maze that can trick the mind, be confusing and disorienting, a labyrinth calms the mind and relaxes the body. Some believe it is a path that represents “the walk” that we take through life; many twists and turns but no dead ends.

Labyrinths are currently being used world-wide as a way to quiet the mind, recover a balance in life, and encourage meditation, insight, self-reflection, stress reduction and to discover innovation and celebration. They are open to all people as a nondenominational or secular, cross-cultural, blueprint for well-being. They can be found in medical centres, parks, churches, schools, prisons, memorial parks, spas, cathedrals and retreat centres as well as in people's backyards and gardens.

When walking a labyrinth with others, it can reflect back your experiences in everyday life. We are always meeting people along our “path” through life, and therefore, how we behave and think in these situations can be re-created while walking a labyrinth with others. It is therefore, on one level, an opportunity to learn more about yourself and day to day social interactions.

On another level, the labyrinth is a powerful tool to help your mind and body relax. Recent research indicates that labyrinths have a positive effect on brainwave activity and neurological response, as well as lowering blood pressure and slowing down breathing. Walking the labyrinth can provide an opportunity to release both mental and physical tension to find a balance and a rhythm to everyday life.

My work with labyrinths

I have been walking and working with labyrinths for over 18 years and am a Veriditas-trained labyrinth facilitator. My work includes facilitating indoor labyrinth walks using my beautiful hand-painted canvas labyrinths. These sessions include specific themed walks, for example on community, on belonging, on grief and loss and on transitions and thresholds, as well as more general introduction to labyrinths, with a brief history of labyrinths in ancient and contemporary societies. I also construct temporary labyrinths for private and public walks and facilitate and undertake walks at permanent labyrinth sites. I have worked with individuals and groups in a range of settings: at a hospice (with staff); with domestic violence support workers; in public and private walks for individuals and community groups; with voluntary and community sector organisations; with students at universities; with women only and mixed gender sessions.

My previous work/activism background (community activist, domestic violence worker, health information worker, researcher, social anthropologist, group work facilitator, community development worker, frame drum teacher, FCBD dancer, etc) are threads that weave into and around my work as a labyrinth facilitator.

Jackie Drew