A Magical Night at the Labyrinth

Our Light up the Labyrinth event held on Friday September 7th, 2018 was beautiful and a very lively celebration and community gathering! The Carleton Place Community Labyrinth literally glowed and was imbued with lots of positive energy - to help make it an even more special space. We could not have done it without your help!

The photos and comments below help to capture some of the spirit of the evening.

The calm before... and our labyrinth cat :)

Heather sets up the lanterns to be carried while walking the labyrinth.

It takes many hands to light up the labyrinth.

Setting up the 600 luminaries step by step.

Christine Hume describes how to walk a labyrinth.

Musicians Rob McMurray and Brendan Gawn play electric guitar and bass during the walk. (Photo: R. McDonald)

At dusk the labyrinth is all aglow (Photo: J. Rayner)

Lights within lights (Photo: R. McDonald)

Losing ourselves in the labyrinth - we find ourselves! (Photo: J. Rayner)

And finally - thank you to mayoral candidate Doug Black for covering the musicians honorariums. Doug has been a strong supporter of the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth since it’s inception in 2008. And thank you to everyone that made a donation - this money help us to continue to offer special events at the labyrinth.

World Labyrinth Day Walk

Join us on Saturday May 2nd for our first public event of 2015  as we "Walk as One at 1" in celebration of World Labyrinth Day.  If you are new to the labyrinth experience, this Saturday walk will be a perfect introduction for you. Information about the history, benefits and unique aspects of the labyrinth will be available onsite.

First public event of 2015, join us as we "walk as one at 1 PM" on Saturday May 2nd.

World Labyrinth Day, declared in 1998 by The Labyrinth Society, brings people together globally to recognize the labyrinth as a symbol, a tool, a passion, and a practice. This will be the 7th annual World Labyrinth Day, as we join labyrinth societies from around the globe who will walk their local labyrinths at 1:00 pm. in their local time zones.

By walking a labyrinth, we are rediscovering an ancient tradition, which is still relevant today. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth is designed as a single path. There are no dead-ends or tricks. The path on which you enter is the same path on which you exit. A walker is free to focus on a thought or a prayer, or to simply enjoy the energy of the walk itself. Many walkers find that the circular pattern holds them in a type of walking meditation long enough to let their problems and worries fall away. In a busy world, walking a labyrinth can provide an opportunity to foster connection, support healing, and promote well-being.

Labyrinths exist in many forms, in places as diverse as Peru, Iceland, Egypt, France, and the United Kingdom. There are more than 4,000 labyrinths active today. Some labyrinths have been built on private lands, while others, like the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth, have been created as a public space for all to enjoy. 

People of all ages enjoy walking the labyrinth!

The Community Labyrinth is located at the corner of George and Baines Streets, beside the Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum. The stone-bordered grassy path is the focal point for Labyrinth Park, a peaceful garden filled with ornamental grasses, native trees, benches for sitting, and a wheelchair-accessible contemplation ring that encircles the labyrinth. The labyrinth construction was made possible by the Town of Carleton Place, individual, business  & community sponsors, and a Trillium Foundation grant.

For more information contact Debby: 613-257-1014
Facebook: /CarletonPlaceCommunityLabyrinth

10 Ways to Light up the Labyrinth!

In preparation for our upcoming "Light up the Labyrinth" event - I put this post onto several labyrinth-related Facebook group pages:  Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth; The Labyrinth Society on Facebook; and Friends of Toronto Public Labyrinth.  We were pleased to receive lots of fun suggestions!

"If anyone has suggestions for simple ways to light up the labyrinth let us know...‪#‎lightupthelabyrinth"‬

#1 I've used battery operated tealights and strings of Christmas lights...both work beautifully. If you use Christmas lights, clear packing tape is helpful to hold it down so that walkers don't trip or break the little lights. Rope lights are most durable. (Myra Ryneheart Corcoran)

Walkers enjoying a portable illuminated rope labyrinth.

 #2 Have also found cheap plastic battery operated lanterns at the Dollar Store - some with flowers and butterflies, and in different colors. (Myra Ryneheart Corcoran)

Butterflies help to Light up the Labyrinth!

#3 Glow in the dark paint (found at any big hardware/paint store like Lowes or Home Depot) is also an option. You could paint rocks, wood blocks, anything that fit your labyrinth and aesthetics. (Myra Ryneheart Corcoran)  Step-by-step instructions - how to make these jars!

Glow in the dark jars being set along the labyrinth path.

#4 Tea-lights in jam jars? All attending could bring one. (Jim Newman)

#5 Another idea for lighting up the night: if you break open a glow stick into a jar of bubbles, the kids (young and old) can blow glow-in-the-dark bubbles. (Hallie Sawyers)

Have some fun making glow-in-the-dark bubbles with glow sticks!

#6 BYOC? Bring your own candle. (Nicole Bourassa-Burke)

#7 Michaels has glow in the dark cording (Lori Haskings-Barber)

#8 Glow in the dark tape is another great option. You can just tape your wrists or create cool designs on your clothing or sneakers. (Chris Hume)

#9 Be part of the light and wear your glow in the dark clothing!! (Debby Lytle)

#10 Luminarias. Tealights on sand inside a brown bag. (Rafael Vallejo)

Luminarias will light up the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth on Friday, September 12th.

If you have any other suggestions - let us know!

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. 

Sunrise Earth Day Labyrinth Walk

Our first event of the year was a sunrise Earth Day Labyrinth Walk, held at the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth on Tuesday April 22nd at 6:04 AM.  Our gathering was small, the weather was cool and rainy, but the opening readings set the tone for a peaceful and introspective walk.

Walking in a protected bubble under our umbrellas - surrounded by lovely birdsong!

One of our committee members selected two beautiful Earth Day poems to share with us before the walk, here they are:

EARTH DAY
We join with the Earth and with each other
To bring new life to the land,
To restore the water,
To refresh the air.

We join with the Earth and with each other
To renew the forests,
To care for the plants,
To protect the creatures.

We join with the Earth and with each other
To celebrate the seas,
To rejoice in the sunlight,
To sing the song of the stars.

We join with the Earth and with each other
To recreate the human community,
To promote justice and peace,
To remember our children.

We join with the Earth and with each other,
We join together as many and diverse expressions of one loving mystery
For the healing of the Earth
And the renewal of all life.
Anonymous
(From: Side by Side  Fulfilling a Dream, edited by Ray Drennan,  Canadian Unitarian Council, Montreal, Quebec, 2001, 2002)

Daffodils enjoying the Spring rain...

PRAYER FOR VILLAGE EARTH (FOR SEVEN GENERATIONS)
O Mother Earth, we pray today to link our spirits with all
our brothers and sisters who share this web of life with us
and to honor those who once walked upon this land.

Rest quiet, Ancient Ones, we only seek to honor you and
to respect  the land. We will not take from it lightly, nor
do harm. We will respect those creatures with whom we
share this sacred space.

Eagle, Snake, Coyote and Lizard, we honor you! Bless us,
please you Flying People, Crawling People, the Swimmers,
Plants and Tree People, and all our four –legged brothers and
sisters!

Father Sun, we beseech you to shine down your love
and light upon us!

Sister Rain and Brother Wind, walk softly here, for we are small
beneath your mighty power!

Sister Moon, shine gently as you guide us into dreamtime, and
when you journey across the world, send your stars to light
our way home!

O Mother Earth, accept our prayers, bless us with your energy
and healing. Help us to remember that we are connected to all
who share your sacred web of life… past, present, and future,
that in divinity and grace, we may exist as one!  
By: Sharon Auberle                                                                       
(From: Woman Prayers - Prayers by Women from Throughout History and Around the World, Mary Ford-Grabowsky,  Harper SanFrancisco, 2003.)

We are so thankful for this beautiful walk on Earth Day - for we share the love of the Labyrinth - and the peace it brings to our lives.

We hope you can join us for our next event on World Labyrinth Day, Saturday May 3rd at 1:00 pm. 

Reflecting on our "Walk in Peace" Event

While we began in 2008 fundraising and building our community labyrinth, our role has now evolved to that of labyrinth keepers and event planners.  We are striving always to bring awareness of the labyrinth to our community and surrounding area.

The concept for our recent "Walk in Peace" event, held on Thursday, June 20th, 2013 was to hold a community picnic supper, starting at 5:30 pm,  in the garden that is situated close to our labyrinth.

A perfect evening for a summer picnic!

We invited speakers to come and present a short talk on “Inner Peace”(Claudia Baker, retired teacher and practicing Buddhist) and “Global Peace”(Peggy Edwards, Grandmothers Advocacy Network).

Claudia Baker shares some inspiring quotes from Thich Nhat Hanh.

Peggy Edwards speaks passionately on behalf of African Grandmothers

We followed this with a singing bowl meditation in the garden (led by Karen Jones), an introduction to labyrinth walking and then a walk.  The singing bowls were played during the walk.

We are accompanied on our labyrinth walk by the healing vibrations of the crystal singing bowls!

There were a few props around, a blanket with children’s books on peace, a bucket of bubbles and wands.  We use shepherd hooks around the labyrinth and hung laminated reflections on “Peace” that people could read prior to entering the labyrinth.  Around our labyrinth are 4 benches framed by gardens (we call these meditation areas).  On each of the benches we placed books on peace and finger labyrinths for those unable to walk.

We set up a table with material scraps for event attendees to write prayers and thoughts about peace on.  These were hung with clothes pegs on a line strung between a couple of trees when completed, similarly to the peace/praryer flags seen in Tibet.  This was a popular activity and the squares have gone home with one of our committee members to be sewn together into a “quilt top”.

Event attendees share their thoughts about peace!

A prayer flag is a colorful rectangular cloth, often found strung along mountain ridges and peaks high in the Himalayas. They are used to bless the surrounding countryside and for other purposes.  Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, which is a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect and the feeling throughout the evening was one of community, unity and peace.  Some people that had arrived frazzled and stressed by their day - left feeling renewed and refreshed!

New Sign to be Unveiled at World Labyrinth Day Walk

Walking the labyrinth on World Labyrinth Day is the perfect way to celebrate spring!

Join us on Saturday May 4th for our first public event of 2013  as we "Walk as One at 1 pm" in celebration of World Labyrinth Day.  If you are new to the labyrinth experience, this Saturday walk will be the perfect introduction for you. This year, volunteer “labyrinthkeepers” will unveil a new sign that will serve as a year-round guide for visitors to the labyrinth.

Helpful tips for walking and learning more about labyrinths

World Labyrinth Day, declared in 1998 by The Labyrinth Society, brings people together globally to recognize the labyrinth as a symbol, a tool, a passion, and a practice. This will be the fifth World Labyrinth Day walk for the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth, as we join enthusiasts from around the globe who will walk their local labyrinth at 1:00 pm. in their local time zones.

By walking a labyrinth, we are rediscovering an ancient tradition which is still relevant today. Labyrinths offer a special place in a community for people to come together for significant celebrations, to resolve a problem, to enjoy a meditative walk, or to simply take time out of a busy day. The newly built stone-bordered pathway of the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth is situated in a peaceful garden setting beside the Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum at the corner of George and Baines Streets.

Labyrinths exist in many forms, in places as diverse as Peru, Iceland, Egypt, France, and the United Kingdom. Some have been built on private lands, while others, like the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth, have been created as a public space for all to enjoy. Labyrinth construction was made possible by the Town of Carleton Place, individual, business  & community sponsors, and a Trillium Foundation grant. Garden benches and a wheelchair accessible contemplation ring encircle the labyrinth for those who wish to enjoy the natural setting of "Labyrinth Park".

Members of the volunteer Labyrinth Committee invite you to experience the good feeling walking a labyrinth can make in your life!  Fascinating information about the history, benefits and unique aspects of the labyrinth will also be available.

For more information contact Debby: 613-257-1014
Like us @ Facebook.com/CarletonPlaceCommunityLabyrinth

Labyrinth Events for 2013

We are thankful for everyone that walked the Carleton Place Community labyrinth - or just gave themselves time to sit quietly on one of the benches this year.  Here is our schedule of labyrinth events for 2013 - hope to see you soon!

Weekly guided walks every Tuesday morning from 9:00 am to 10:00 am - June through October.

May 4th World Labyrinth Day. Annual global event celebrated each year on the first Saturday in May. You are invited to “Walk as One at 1” to effect a rolling wave of peaceful energy as the world turns at 1 pm on May 4, 2013.

June 20th “Walk in Peace” at the Carleton Place Community Labyrinth. Join us at 5:30 for this evening peace walk, bring along a picnic supper, and enjoy the gardens, music and guest speaker. Beverages will be provided.

“The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.”

~ Thich Nhat Hanh

September 21st “5th Annual Harvest Lantern Labyrinth Walk”. 7 p.m., Over 600 luminaries light up the labyrinth path along with the warm glow of lanterns of all shapes and sizes. Join us for music, bonfire and refreshments. Bring your own lantern creation or borrow one from us. A fun, free, family event in celebration of the Fall Harvest.

The Carleton Place Community Labyrinth, 267 Edmund Street, is located on the property behind the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum.


For more information call Debby at 613-257-1014 .

Strawberry Social and Labyrinth Walk

The Strawberry Social will be held in the gardens at the Victorial School Museum on July 10th, 2010 from 1:30 until 3:00 with the Carleton Place and District Community Band playing and refreshments and food served.  Several Carleton Place Community Labyrinth committee members will be on hand and the labyrinth will be available for an open walk!

A portion of the proceeds raised at the Strawberry Social are to be donated to the Labyrinth. Your support for this event is most appreciated.