The Labyrinth

It gave me time to think and reflect on my own journey as a whole, but also my journey as a student and through different experiences and relationships.

Labyrinths have existed for thousands of years; they appear in many faith and cultural traditions and in many parts of the world, from Ecuador to Iceland, from Arizona to Turkey. They appear in many forms: rock carvings, pottery designs, ancient coins, tiles and earthworks (cut into the ground, or with lines of stone). Britain has eight of Europe's ancient turf labyrinths. A labyrinth is not a maze; mazes have many paths (multi-cursal) and dead ends, designed to confuse. Labyrinths have a single, convoluted path to the centre and back again; if you are walking a labyrinth, you can usually see the whole design, though concentration is needed to follow the path.

Walking a labyrinth is a peaceful experience. We don't know how labyrinths were used in ancient times, but there has been a modern resurgence of interest. People walk labyrinths for many reasons; for relaxation, stress and anger management, for a quiet meditative break in the middle of a busy day, for spiritual development, or simply to relax and enjoy the walk with time for oneself. At the University of Kent, we have introduced the labyrinth as an opportunity for quiet, reflective time and space; as a work of art; and as a creative resource for teaching (enquiries very welcome).

The labyrinth is available to everyone and we hope you will enjoy the experience. The Labyrinth Project is part of the University of Kent's Creative Campus Initiative.

There are at least three labyrinths at the University of Kent: sometimes four, if temporary installations are included.

  • The Canterbury Labyrinth is a permanent labyrinth of grass and stone: a new teaching and learning space, a work of art and a performance space. It is is open for everyone to walk, and will also be booked for specific events including teaching and learning initiatives.
  • For more information please follow the link to the Canterbury Labyrinth
  • We can also offer events for departments and other teams (subject to staff availability).
  • Enquiries are very welcome.

 

We have two portable labyrinths for indoor use: these are beautiful canvas handpainted labyrinths, available during term-time on a regular basis.

  • Canterbury: a 36 ft. (11 metre ) mediaeval Chartres Labyrinth created by Labyrinth Enterprises.

  • Medway: a 25 ft (7.5 metre) mediaeval Labyrinth, modelled on the outdoor Canterbury Labyrinth, and for use on the Medway campus and at off-site events. Made for us by Paths of Peace.

  • At present, there is also a temporary labyrinth on the corner of the Keynes Playing Field area. Follow the footpath from Giles Lane down the edge of the playing field (in the direction of the Keynes pond) and the labyrinth is just before the mown grass becomes meadow. It's not easy to find and is a quiet place to walk - if no games are in progress!

 

The Labyrinth Project was initiated by Dr. Jan Sellers through her National Teaching Fellowship Project. The project aims to support teaching and learning, and the student and staff experience at Kent, by providing opportunities for quiet, reflective time and space, and by developing use of the labyrinth as a creative and reflective resource for teaching and learning.

Please get in touch if you would like to know more, contact: Jan Sellers, J.G.Sellers@kent.ac.uk

A really valuable chance to take time out and follow the path. Funnily enough, my supervisor said ‘Go for a long walk’. This has been the answer! I’ve had lots of interesting insights.

A good opportunity to empty mind and have permission not to be problem solving, communicating and other things I do in my role.

Time to reflect – just enough concentration – leaving the mind free to roam.