The Labyrinths at the University of Kent
Walking the Canterbury Labyrinth
Photograph taken by Spencer Scott
There is an essential difference between labyrinths and mazes. In a labyrinth there is one path into the centre and the same path out. Mazes were created to entertain, tantalise; indeed part of the fun is gettinglost. The labyrinth is a place of reflection where you are much more likely to find yourself.
Labyrinths have been discovered in every continent, except Antarctica, in many different forms. It is a symbol that has been found on ancient Cretan coins; Roman tiled floors; Etruscan wine jars; baskets woven by Hopi Indians in Arizona and in Zulu children's games. Labyrinths have been laid out in stones in Denmark; set in stone on the floor of European cathedrals; and created on the plains of South America. Britain has eight of Europe's ancient turf labyrinths (the nearest is at Saffron Walden, Essex). Labyrinths have been used by people of many different faiths and cultural traditions for more than 3,500 years and we are still learning much about their uses.
The Counselling Service is interested in promoting creative ways of working with the labyrinth. A walk in the labyrinth has become part of courses on mindfulness; relaxation and meditation; well being and a workshop run for graduates leaving university. For clients who are interested, it can also be used as part of the therapeutic process. Some clients have found it valuable to walk the labyrinth in between their weekly counselling sessions and using it as a space for meditation and reflection has helped to facilitate their process of change. Some clients have written about these experiences and have found it useful to discuss this in their counselling. It can be an excellent way of beginning a regular meditation practice. People struggling with stress, anxiety or panic have found the labyrinth a safe and calming place to be.
Walking the labyrinth can be approached in three stages:
• Releasing: letting go of the outside world as you walk into the centre.
• Receiving: at the centre. This may be in the form of: an answer to a question; time to listen to 'what is' inside of you; or simply a few moments of peace with ‘what is’ both inside and outside of you.
• Returning: as you walk out bringing the experience with you whatever it is.
When you do your first walk, it can be quite hard to lose that self consciousness about doing something new. Sometimes strong feelings can come to the surface. A couple of people found themselves imagining that they were walking around the labyrinth with close family members who had died and it proved to be both a moving and comforting experience. Other people found that they were able to let go of stuck negative feelings, traumatic memories and even repetitive thought patterns. Things can happen in a labyrinth. However, at first, it may simply be an opportunity for a relaxing walk.
“Life is like a labyrinth ... Visit the centre of yourself and you will never want to go”
(A comment from the visitor’s book from an Open Walk in the Indoor Labyrinth)
The labyrinth symbolises a journey and each journey is different. Some may be full of peace and calm and others might bring increased self awareness. You can use everything that occurs in the labyrinth as a metaphor, e.g. getting lost; feeling blocked; walking along with a stone in your shoe and not removing it. Notice thoughts like: “I bet everyone else will get this but me”; “I'm not doing this right”; “I'll walk slowly rather than pass the person in front”. You might want to ask if any of these thoughts and behaviours reflect thoughts, feelings or patterns of behaviour in your life that you would like to change. When walking the labyrinth, find a pace that suits you. There may be other people walking but there is plenty of space to pass. You can walk barefoot or not; walk quickly, slowly or stand still; dance; sit or kneel down. There is no right or wrong way to move through a labyrinth as long as you respect that it is a quiet space. If you walk with soft eyes, slightly unfocussed, looking at the path just in front of you, this will help you to stay 'in the present moment'. You can then open your heart and quieten your mind to follow its own story and path.
The Canterbury Labyrinth
The Canterbury Labyrinth, situated behind Eliot College, is available to be walked at any time. Occasionally, there may be special events being held but these will be signposted. It is loosely based on the medieval style of labyrinth found in Chartres cathedral. It was specially designed for the University of Kent by Jeff Saward, a prominent labyrinth designer and was constructed by specialist labyrinth builders, Hayward Landscapes Ltd. It is a unique work of art made up from more than 8,000 individually hand cut stones and is the first outdoor labyrinth to be built on an English university campus. It was created primarily as a creative teaching and learning resource and the Labyrinth Project, initiated by Dr. Jan Sellers, has been fully supported by the Unit for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching. The Labyrinth Project is part of the University’s Creative Campus Initiative, encouraging and celebrating creativity on campus.
Please contact labyrinth@kent.ac.uk
Open Walks on the Canvas Labyrinth in the Senate Chamber
The medieval style of labyrinth found in Chartres Cathedral, (cleared of chairs only on a Friday) is shown below:
The University of Kent Labyrinth Project began with the purchase of a beautiful, hand painted, canvas indoor labyrinth. This medieval style of labyrinth measures about 36 feet across and it can take up to 45 minutes to walk the path to the centre and out again. It was purchased by Creative Learning Fellow, Jan Sellers, with part of her National Teaching Fellowship grant.
There will continue to be open walks for staff and students held from time to time in the Senate Chamber, from 11.00 a.m. until 2.00 p.m. These walks are accompanied by relaxing music and they are an excellent tool for reflection, stress reduction, walking meditation, mindfulness, relaxation and the gaining of self awareness.
“Time to reflect – just enough concentration – leaving the mind free to roam.”
(Another comment from the visitor’s book)
You do not need to book for these walks. Feel free to stay as long as you wish. A facilitator will be available to answer questions, and there will be books and other information available including an opportunity to use a finger labyrinth and a sand labyrinth. If you are able to come, please bring a clean pair of socks with you (this protects the canvas). We do have our own supplies of clean socks available as well! The canvas labyrinth is accessible for users of hand-propelled wheelchairs, but not for electric wheelchairs due to the nature of the material. However, a table top finger labyrinth is available to explore by hand. Electric wheelchairs are easy to use on the outdoor labyrinth.
If you want to bring a group just to visit or walk either of the labyrinths, and you don't need a facilitator, it's still best to book a time, so that you know there won't be another group arriving at the same time. It's easy, just contact us by the email below. Also, let us know if you want to book a facilitator. There is a programme of open walks listed below.
Walking a Classical Labyrinth
The above is a classical labyrinth and there is a temporary chalk marked classical labyrinth, in this style, to be found in the corner of the football field at the end of Keynes college car park. It can be difficult to find: from the end of Keynes car park, walk through the trees to the edge of the playing field and turn left. Walk down the line of trees and you will find the labyrinth a short distance past the goalposts. This is a small and more private labyrinth which takes less time to walk. It is a very satisfying labyrinth to walk - when there is no football being played!
For more information on campus, look on:
http://www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/ced/themes/labyrinth
http://www.kent.ac.uk/counselling
To book time for group walks, email: