Labyrinths

"A Labyrinth is not a maze. There is only one entrance, one path and no choices, tricks or dead ends. A maze is designed to make you lose your way; it is a game. A Labyrinth serves the opposite purpose; it is designed to help you find your way. By encouraging you to walk without having to think about where to go next, it can enable you to be still, to let your mind escape the bustle of everyday life and reflect."
I first encountered Labyrinths at a Cathedral workshop. I find them an inspirational and moving experience. They can be created out of nearly anything, nearly anywhere and used in hundreds of ways. As an teacher I was fascinated by the potential to reach children and help them develop spiritually and emotionally through these sacred spaces.

I am reminded by the poem Leisure by William Henry Davies

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

So few children now are encouraged to look around them to appreciate the world and their place in it. The 'awe and wonder' children used to experience is often now lacking in their lives. But even the most deprived children when given the opportunity to experience sacred spaces are stimulated.
Some good websites for labyrinths are:

http://www.lessons4living.com http://www.labyrinthsociety.org/
Give them a go!