Labyrinths in Modern Times
There has been a resurgence of interest in labyrinths, coinciding with an increased focus on personal self awareness and spiritual growth.
Parks, schools, hospitals and churches have incorporated labyrinth patterns into decor, landscaping, and recreation areas. They are used to relieve stress and aid rehabilitation, for excercise and to stimulate creative thinking and problem solving.
Labyrinths are also incorporated into meditation and reflection practices. Recent studies have shown that walking a labyrinth design engages both the left and right brain activity to create a holistic, simultaneous processing experience.
"The Labyrinth has recently been revived as a healing and restorative tool that crosses cultural and religious boundaries. As a circular symbol, the Labyrinth is an archetypal image that represents wholeness, healing, inclusiveness, and community." Janine Mariscotti, Labyrinth Journey
"Labyrinth structures are right brain activity enhancers. By more frequently using the left hemisphere, considered as rational, we leave out the possibility of taking advantage of the benefits brought by the right hemisphere, such as creative imagination, serenity, global view, capacity of synthesis and ease of memorization, among others. By means of various techniques we can stimulate the right side of the brain and search the integration of the two hemispheres, and thus, balancing the use of our potentialities. One such exercise is initiating and completing a labyrinth walk. A labyrinth is a walking meditation... a spiritual tool for reconnecting with your inner voice (Ki). Walking these single path designs assists us with bringing together the analytical/rational part of our consciousness with the Intuitive/Spiritual level of consciousness. It is an exercise for the mind, body, and spirit.” Master Frank A. Palumbo,
American Kang Duk Won Karateanine Mariscotti.
George Jay Elementary Labyrinth created by Beth Threlfall. Photo Credit : Walk Victoria
Victoria General Hospital Labyrinth – path wide enough for wheelchairs
Many thanks to the reserachers and writers who have made their work in Labyrinths available in the public domain.