Labyrinth
Introduction
The labyrinth is an ancient symbol for healing and a path to renewing the body-mind-spirit connection, which dates back more than 3000 years. Labyrinths of pre-Christian Knossos and Egypt were followed by labyrinths in European cathedrals. The best-known labyrinth is an eleven-circuit design dating back to the 13th century, and is laid on the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. Burlington's Central Park Labyrinth is modeled after this one.
The Central Park labyrinth is also the first permanent wheelchair accessible labyrinth in Canada.
Research and Wellness Benefits
Research conducted by Harvard Medical School's Mind/Body Institute
(see below) has found that focused walking meditation is highly
effective at reducing anxiety, and done on a regular basis, can
result in long-term health benefits. This includes reduction of
insomnia, reduction of chronic pain, lowering blood pressure and
greater powers of concentration.
A labyrinth is an ancient, geometric pattern that has a single path
that leads into the centre and out again. Not to be confused with a
maze, a labyrinth was originally based on a circle, the ancient
symbol for healing, unity and wholeness. A maze offers a choice of
paths, dead ends and false starts; it is our cognitive mind (left
brain) that loves to problem solve. Walking the labyrinth
involves the creative and intuitive mind (right brain) and can be
calming and balancing. The choice is whether
to walk the labyrinth – a spiritual journey.
Ancient and modern labyrinths can be
found in many areas of the world, including France, England, Sweden,
India, Peru and the American southwest. In the last decade, North
Americans have rediscovered the labyrinth as a tool for well-being
and they have since been installed in: Hospitals, schools, churches
and even individual residences.
"The
City of Burlington's Central Park's labyrinth has been built from
coloured concrete with the pattern painted on the surface. Stone
sculptures mark each of the four quadrants. There is bench seating
and an arbour at the entry point. We are thrilled that the
Ontario Trillium Foundation is supporting our organization's mission
to create a greater sense of community, a quest for personal
reflection, peace and wellness," said Justine Giuliani, Artist and
Chair of Labyrinth Community Group. "A labyrinth facilitates
the artistic and cultural expression which vitalizes the life of our
society."
