Several weeks ago on Earth Day (as it coincidentally turned out) my husband and I planned out exactly where our backyard labyrinth is going to be. My husband really wanted to get working on the backyard and he needed to know where the labyrinth will be. We will probably do most of the work around the edges of the labyrinth and then finalize the labyrinth last. It will probably get some crushed gravel for the walk and more rocks to define the path. In the center we plan to put some sort of stone benches. The really nice part of this plan is that although the labyrinth isn't finished it is there. I am now able to walk it.
Labyrinths are good for transitions. I'm very glad to have the labyrinth back. When we moved I had to leave my backyard labyrinth behind. Though we knew we'd create another one here at the new house. It seems to me, that the very act of walking a labyrinth helps one understand and settle into transitions. You enter and walk around and then switch back and walk around and then switchback again - making seven circuits(switchbacks) until you get to the center. All those switchbacks can feel disorienting if you're not familiar with the movement. I find it very comforting to be able to use this form of movement again. It reminds me that life is filled with transitions but there is a larger pattern (usually). Just keep placing one foot in front of the other.
This particular design is called a seven circuit. I made the center bigger (appox 6 feet by 6.5 feet). Changing the center makes the whole thing stretch and change shape. On the right hand side - kind of where that yellow bucket is we need a pathway beside the labyrinth so we can walk down to the mailbox or down to get the Sunday paper. I sort of fit the design into the space I had and I love how the outcome looks like a brain. I think walking the labyrinth is good for your brain. Or at least right now my brain feels calmed by it.
