The Chartres-style, 11-circuit turf labyrinth was installed in 2010

The Labyrinth was conceived, created and constructed by Dan Mack, Kevin Rose, Barb and Heyward Fluitt, Wyatt Watkins, and Eagle Scout Charles Collins, among others.

A labyrinth is an ancient circular path used for meditative walking. Labyrinth designs have been found on pottery, tablets and tiles that date as far back as 5000 years. The spirals and circles of the Labyrinth are mirrored in nature. This is why many cultures and faiths independently developed this type of walking path for religious and meditative purposes.

A labyrinth is not a maze. A maze might have one correct path, but it is designed to trick someone into hitting a dead end or getting lost. Real labyrinths have one path that winds to the center and the same path in reverse on the way out. It has no wrong turns and is not a puzzle.

Over recent years people have rediscovered labyrinths not only for use in meditation and prayer, but also to heal and transform. Walking a labyrinth is a personal journey - everyone gets something different from their walk.

How to Begin

Take a minute to quiet your mind. You might sit quietly for a few minutes or simply take some deep breaths at the Labyrinth Arch. Enter the path and turn left at the first path opening to the left. You can begin your walk with an intention or need, or with nothing specific in mind. Some people come to find strength or clarity in times of grief, stress and life transitions. Some people walk to deepen their relationship with God.

As you walk let the healing nature of the path fill your spirit. Disconnect from thoughts - although it is natural for things to pop in and out of your mind. Let the act of walking become the focus of your body. Listen to the sounds - notice the sky and ground - pay attention to your experience.

Some people pray on the way in, receive in the center and walk out contemplating what has been received. Others walk with no agenda in mind, opening their spirit to the Sacred. As you leave the labyrinth you take your discoveries with you. Some people offer prayerful thanks as they leave the labyrinth.

There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth and even those who frequently walk find that every time is different. You might journal or write down your thoughts about your walk.