Labyrinths have been in the news at Lincoln recently. I was first initiated into the labyrinth when I attended a week-end workshop facilitated for the first time in the UK by Lauren Atress herself. It took place at Winford Manor just outside Bristol in the summer of I returned to Lincoln, and enthused about the experience to my colleague, senior student counsellor, Eunice Mather. Together we formed a pact to make our own canvas following the instruction pack available from Grace Cathedral.
Some 40 or so members of local Melton Mowbray churches attended the third session of a Lent course which was exploring different approaches to prayer. By walking a labyrinth we are re-discovering a long-forgotten mystical tradition that many find surprisingly potent. Using a labyrinthograph! There was an enthusiastic but attentive response. Equally important is the reflection afterwards, in this case, shared reflection which deepened the experience and provided food for on-going meditation in the days ahead.
Healthy Campus Week gave students and staff at Riseholme and Brayford the experience of walking the labyrinth. This opportunity to take time out is welcome.
University chaplain Les Acklam offered a chunk of quiet relaxing time to focus on the path beneath your feet as it meanders into the centre of the Ermine Labyrinth and back out again. Many people say this is a metaphor for life โ but the true value of walking the labyrinth is it can represent whatever you want it too.
The reach to the middle simbolized achieving my goal. It gave me chance to think about plans and problems. The walk was open to everyone towards the end of the day, and was much appreciated by visitors.
