Art Workshop - Toronto

Montessori students and The Labyrinth Society Regional Rep from South Carolina come together annually in Toronto for an art day.  This year they  invited labyrinth walkers, teachers, and facilitators to join them.

The morning starts with art director Joan talking about art through the ages with activities on a level suited for introducing children to various art and artists.  She shares ideas from art by the early humans, the Egyptians, How to Introduce famous artist to children, Working like Picasso, Vasarelly, Monet, Mondrian, Pisarro and she finishes with Working from a dot.

After lunch Beth, a TLS Board Member and Regional Rep from South Carolina, presents an introduction to labyrinths,  teaches how to draw labyrinths from seeds, and highlights ways to use them with children and others, as she shares photos and stories about labyrinths.  Afterwards you are invited to create a labyrinth of your own, choosing from four different projects. Beth will provides guidance for Finger Labyrinth Painted on Placemats, Dream Labyrinth Cc collage for creating focus on a chosen goal for display or peace table, Air Dry Clay Finger Labyrinth, or her current favorite a Finger Labyrinth on a stretch canvas using pretty tissue.

The art workshop will be an annual event.  We may visit different labyrinths on the Sunday.  If this day is of interest to you send us an email 

On Sunday we walked on the Ward's Island labyrinth:  "A Walk Through Thyme", The Islanders welcomed us on Sunday for service and/or coffee and/or to walk our labyrinth. Sunday service is at 10:30 and coffee is at 11:30. 

The church is about a 20-minute walk from the Wards Island dock. We do have a van pickup from the 9:30 ferry at Wards for those with mobility issues. There will also be boats running from Centre Island as well (it’s a bit of a shorter walk to the labyrinth). Please contact me at 6477824145, if possible a day prior, should you know of someone who may need this van service. 

This is a recent renewal of a labyrinth that eventually became 'lost', but was first initiated by an islander (Laurie Jones) many years ago. I believe one year a number of volunteers from the Labyrinth group (LCNO) came to work on this same project? Kudos to them for keeping our hopes alive that this might really happen. Currently, it is still a work in progress, as a somewhat quirky seven-circuit labyrinth.  Now, moving forward, we hope to enhance the site and install a bench, herb garden, and a sign welcoming all to our “Walk in Thyme.” 

There is one restaurant, “The Riviera,” open at this time of year, should any of your group like to have lunch after your walk. You can google it for menus and times at islandriviera102@gmail.com. 

Sacred Circles

I was excited to meet Ruth and learn we share a passion for sacred circles: Mandalas, Medicine Wheel and the Labyrinth.  We would love to develop this concept into a workshop. We have a few options for locations and ideas of an approach but would love to hear your thoughts about a workshop on the Wisdom of the Sacred Circle.

The Medicine Wheel originated from the "Sacred Tree" where the trunk represents the vertical line and the ground the horizontal.  Ruth recommends the book The sacred Tree”, by Phil Jr. Lee Brown, Judie Bopp, Michael Bopp and Elders.  The Mandala is complex. I tried to explore it at The Labyrinth Society 2022 Gathering.  The mandala practiced in India by adults as meditation is very different than using the Mandela as art.  

I agree with Ruth that the labyrinth is not a topic you teach in a lecture - it doesn't respond well to words, preferring to work through art and journaling.  When I read the poem "Entering the Labyrinth '' by Catherine Anderson and view Ruth's beautiful leaf artwork I agree.  I added a Celtic mandala with three instead of four quadrants that I did in an Intention Setting meditation.

You are welcome to give us your feedback, ideas of how to approach this topic or your stories.  

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New Tourism Ideas - Bruce County, Guelph, and North West Ontario

Those who host or facilitate Labyrinth events/walks have an opportunity to tap into the Tourism Industry by applying for a Sparks Grant.  The goal of Sparks Grants is to inspire residents, entrepreneurs, small businesses, non-profit organizations and community groups to come forward with creative ideas that will generate sustainable tourism experiences, opportunities, offerings, and partnerships in the region.  The Labyrinth is an untapped resource that would add an educational and meaningful addition to any tour. Labyrinth hosts could apply as individuals but should consider joining a cluster of other labyrinths enthusiastic or other tourist initiatives to build a tour. Perhaps the "Move Over Provence" or "Ontario's Camino" is too ambitious for 2022 but identifying interest would be a good first start.  There are currently three areas in Ontario promoting Sparks grants 1.   In Bruce County recipients were selected for forest bathing experiences, guided land-based and on-water ecotours, Indigenous tourism experiences, wellness retreats, transparent kayak adventures, dog-sledding tours, and winter glamping retreats. Register for the next Info Session on October 13 @ 5:00pm at www.tourisminnovation.ca/Bruce. Apply by October 20! 2.   City of Guelph Economic Development, Regional Tourism Organization 4 and Business Centre Guelph-Wellington are keen to hear from entrepreneurs, small businesses and organizations with new tourism ideas for the city, including those that connect with festivals & events, culinary experiences, and sport & cycling tourism.  Learn more and register for an upcoming Info Session at www.tourisminnovation.ca/Guelph. Apply by November 2! 3.   A second round of the “Spark” Mentorship & Grants Program has been launched in Northwest Ontario to encourage, small businesses and non-profit organizations to create new tourism ideas for the region. The program provides selected applicants with a $3,000 grant, mentorship and additional partner support to help get them started. Previous Northwest Ontario participants were selected for culinary experiences, a skating trail and pond hockey initiative, and outdoor adventures and packages. Learn more and register for an upcoming Info Session at www.tourisminnovation.ca/NorthwestOntario​. Apply by November 8!

Niagara on the Lake Community Centre Labyrinth

The Niagara on the Lake Community Centre Labyrinth was installed in the summer of 2017 and was dedicated in a celebration day in September of that year. It consists of bricks and sod laid out to form a 21 metre in diameter classic eight circuit labyrinth. It is situated directly behind the NOTL Public Library at 10 Anderson Lane providing an opportunity for community building and lifelong learning for everyone.

While there are no programs organized by the library a number of groups have made use of it including NOTL Nursery School and Child Care Centre located next door as well as a support group for people dealing with PTSD. It is available to various Tai Chi and yoga classes that are regularly held in the community centre and it is open to all visitors. Set amongst a community garden and surrounding
vineyards, it provides a space for quiet reflection for all who may seek it.

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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?

Moments in Time

Moments in Time -  The Labyrinth voice so full of  compassion meets us where we are, speaking through rain,  wind,  trees,  hearing our grief, joy, laughter, and curiosity  like a mosaic conversation - whole.

In the Center of the Labyrinth at High Park I stand. I step inside each petal

touching all the universe: minerals, plants, animals, humans, angels and the Divine. I turn around to see how the blue sky frames the trees, waiting to bud. The trees change with each direction - some skinny, some wide, some bare.They talk with me, telling me to look up, nudging me out of my internal thoughts, connecting me to my external path. The Black Oak tree, the native grass so unique to southern Ontario, beckons. by Susan Murphy

WALKING IN THE RAIN - by Beverly Chen

A discovered labyrinth,

Secluded, small, cement,

Downtown in a big city.

Walking the labyrinth on a rainy day. 

Why, on a rainy day?

The desire was strong.

My umbrella would cover me.

If any of me gets wet.

So what? I’ll dry. 

I think I would even walk it

If I didn’t have an umbrella.

The walk takes me into myself.

As always, this is a sacred journey.

So much has recently “rained on my parade.”

Yet, I kept marching so I kept walking.

I feel held in the rain, my spirit 

and soul washed clean, nurtured, renewed.

I feel calm in the gentle movement, 

The watering of my senses and soul.

The path seems to soften in the rain.

Sometimes it glistens as the sun tries

To break through and touch the

Resting rain drops.

Maybe on my next rain walk,

Others will join me.

Remembering Caroline - by Elspeth MacEwan

When I was at my father’s home in February (and the house I grew up in), one of our Labyrinth Guild members was dying and so I made a labyrinth path in the backyard here. It’s the same pattern she had in her backyard, and walked up until a week before she died (February 11).

 

I have memories of walking this path in all the weather conditions of Winnipeg winter: crisp cold with dawn easing in, darkness and fluffy depth, wild wind with blowing snow, bright sunshine.

 

When I returned here at the end of March, the path was still visible, so I walked it again - most often alone but a few precious times with others. With the moisture of melting, it became a mix of spring corn snow, thin sheets of ice, shallow pools of water, bare  grass and a hint of mud, as though containing all the emotions of grief and life.

Welcome

Welcome to our first post on this blog. The intention for this blog is to be:

a space for collaboration between the labyrinth and tourism communities. We have suggested routes, and hope to highlight labyrinths on these routes,

a space where The Labyrinth Society members, guests and visitors in Ontario can share their ideas and get support to develop their ideas and promote their labyrinth,

a space to share poetry, stories, pictures and just have fun - A Journey is also the state of the mind...

Our tasks are: 

1.  fill the HOME page with photos representing different regions in Ontario - and different approaches to the labyrinth.  

2. identify labyrinths that fit the Ontario's Camino or Move Over Provence route, then write posts, share photos and visit.

3. This success story is our goal - to share the labyrinth with tourism!  Carleton Place Community labyrinth is listed in the following link  25 great Eastern Ontario road trips from Ottawa - Ottawa Road Trips .  Are there more?

Note:  

1. The Facebook group Friends of the Toronto Community Network of Ontario is also a place to share short FB posts - then develop a longer post for this blog, and an even longer story for a book ......

2. When the global TLS website is updated there should be a space to globally promote or find events.

Please send you thoughts, concerns, ideas, photos to LabyrinthJourney154@gmail.com.