Central College has mown a labyrinth in the prairie area on the south end of the school’s cross-country course.
“We are excited about the spiritual opportunities this reflection tool can provide for our community,” says Kristi Leonard, assistant dean of students.
Leonard and Brian Campbell, director of sustainability education, constructed the labyrinth, which was originally proposed by students in a first-year seminar.
“Students researched the history and health benefits of labyrinths, surveyed peers on their preferred location and design and laid out the costs of construction and maintenance,” Campbell says.
Now, more than a year later, the labyrinth is free and open to the public.
“Constructing the labyrinth was quite the adventure and very fulfilling,” Leonard says. “I encourage everyone to check it out at your convenience.”
A labyrinth is a spiritual tool used symbolically as a walking meditation. The labyrinth is an ancient pattern found in many different cultures and used by people around the globe. Unlike a maze, it has only one path and no wrong turns. A maze is designed to make one lose oneself whereas a labyrinth is used to help one find oneself.
“Walking the labyrinth is a metaphor for life, as the twists and turns represent the path of life and our individual journeys. The labyrinth is free to use. We only ask that users please respect the experience of others as they walk the labyrinth,” Leonard says.
The labyrinth is located on the western-most point of Central’s campus at the end of Independence Street. Continue west past the soccer field and practice field to find the labyrinth.
