Ottawa

A Guild provokes images of people coming together in pursuit of perfection.  In Ottawa I found both the Guild at Christ Church Cathedral and the International Sacred Movement Guild displayed perfection.  I hope to convey their alchemy in the Journey into Ontario Labyrinths blog.

Thursday started with the Spiritual Wellness Day hosted by Reverend Hillary Murray of Cornerstone Housing. Participants enjoyed: yoga, trail walking, spiritual art or walking the labyrinth provided by TLS member – Beverly Chen. The Britannia Park setting soothed the spirit so even the trees and the sky remained calm.

Friday I was the recipient of Elspeth MacEwan's generous offer to drive me to the Galilee Centre, the Herb Garden and the Carleton Place Community labyrinth. 

What a contrast:  Galilee is a spiritual retreat with a beautiful labyrinth amongst the trees overlooked by Mary.  It was a quiet spot perfect for a retreat, while The Herb Garden would be the picture-perfect spot for a wedding.   The Carleton Place labyrinth speaks to community.  I loved the way it sits amongst the houses inviting residents to a walking meditation or to rest on benches.  It is built so community can walk, hold space for others or walk with their fingers. https://carletonplacecommunitylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2022/04/2022-labyrinth-events.html

I was on my way to the first walk at St. Luke’s Anglican Church to attend an open walk – possibly listen to The Ottawa Poetry Bards reciting poetry but was distracted and jumped on the wrong bus.  Next time.

Saturday was Doors Open at Christ Church Cathedral.  I walked their Chartres style labyrinth that was professionally cut into the floor.  A bonus was to meet the chair of Christ Church Cathedral Labyrinth Guild – Barbara Brown who told me the history of the Great Hall and the different guilds associated with the cathedral.

Sunday, Wendy Morrell invited me to the Bells Corners United Church - Pentecost Sunday – outside on the labyrinth.  The sun and wind fit right into the sermon. It was a very uplifting experience, especially when Wendy performed a Prayer with Movement.

Then I met Ruth Richardson and spent time in a deep conversation about her work as nursing instructor at the Algonquin College using the harp, building the Brockville labyrinth, her workshop for staff and residents in palliative care.  After we went to see the Peace Labyrinth - a Rotary Club project in Stittsville.  I walked into the center but left the walk out for return.

I hope many more posts, photos and stories will come from Ottawa. Stay tuned?