Saturday, August 30, 2014

Help us "Light up the Labyrinth"

On Friday September 12th, the warm glow of more than 600 candlelit luminaries will flicker along the path of Carleton Place's Community Labyrinth for this year's "Light up the Labyrinth".
In a departure from other evening labyrinth walks, organizers are asking participants to gather at 6:00 pm. at the labyrinth to prepare and place luminaries for a 7:00 candlelit walk.

Debby Lytle, Chairperson for the Labyrinth Committee, explains: "This year, we thought we'd change it up a bit. We are a very small committee and really need some extra hands to make this event happen.  Join us at the labyrinth at 6 pm to help assemble and place the luminaries then everyone will have a chance to be part of lighting up the labyrinth at 7 pm before the walk begins.  If you have a BBQ lighter bring it along and if people are able to assist with the dismantling of the luminaries at the end of the night, that would be a great help as well!"

The Labyrinth Committee of Carleton Place invites you to bring out your lanterns, glow-sticks or flashlights and join our evening walk. This year, we are fortunate to have live music with local musician Kerron Lamb.

Our candlelit labyrinth walks have become a popular fall event, as individuals and families from across the region bring along their festive lanterns, and enjoy a walk in the crisp autumn air. "Children love this particular night-time event. It's a chance to bring along one of their own lantern creations." says Julia Heathcote, a volunteer labyrinth keeper.  To add to the after-dark fun for children, glow in the dark face painting will also be available.
Kids love carrying their own lantern to light the labyrinth path!
For those who wish to relax and watch the candlelight, garden benches and a wheelchair-accessible contemplation ring encircle the labyrinth. If you would like to sit for a while and take in the candlelight glow, bring along a lawn chair too.

For more information, or if you would like to help prepare the luminaries, please contact Debby at 613-257-1014

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Creativity on the Labyrinth

A thought occurred to me this summer - that I could start a 30 labyrinth walk journey!  And after each walk I would create a different mandala - using a process that I learned taking a wonderful workshop taught by Kathryn Kasaboski at the Margeurite Centre in Pembroke a couple of years ago.
Mandala supplies - card stock, colour pencils and a pencil sharpener
During the workshop we learned how this ancient symbol can be used for deeper personal reflection, meditation, healing and insight.  Our teacher had been studying and using mandalas for many years - and saw them as a great way to connect with our subconscious and bring questions and problems into the physical plane so we can find new ways to solve life issues.  

We used black card stock and a white pencil crayon to quickly sketch the mandala imagery that came to mind. Then spent some time adding more details with coloured pencils.  Finally we made note of the theme or message that came through to us.

Before walking the labyrinth I have no idea of the theme or central image for the mandala I will be creating that day.  I simply give myself the gift of time to be at the labyrinth and set an intention as a start.  Then I walk to the centre of labyrinth (releasing any cares and worries of the day), spend time at the centre - giving myself time to receive the idea of the visual for the mandala, then return and finish off the walk by creating a mandala. A few examples follow:
A feather found during my walk - inspires this mandela "Free to Be"
Spending quiet reflective time near water reminds me to "Flow Like a River"
A walk at the Stewart Park temporary labyrinth encourages me to "Challenge Myself"
Today I learn to "Listen to my Heart" instead my "Head"
I am reminded that I am on an "Inward Journey"
I am enjoying the creative process of my 30 labyrinth walk journey - and am not really certain where it is taking me - but I will know when I get there!

Have you created any artwork inspired by labyrinth walking?  If so - we would love to hear about your experiences.