Back to the Center
from Northshore Lifestyles Magazine - by Laurie Arendt
By putting one foot in front of the other, we can get from here to there without much thought at all. Yet, walking can also take on a spiritual component, and this is something that people are now able to experience at St. Christopher's outdoor labyrinth in River Hills.
"Labyrinths have been documented back to about 3000 B.C., and are a spiritual tool," says Rev. Dr. Scott Stoner,
former rector of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church. "They are not mazes -- there aren't any dead ends -- but rather a journey to the center of the labyrinth to God as well as yourself."
The church first mowed a temporary labyrinth into a grassy area of the property about four years ago. A year after the temporary labyrinth was created, a woman named Susan Moore began walking it on a regular basis.
"Susan was dealing with breast cancer, and she loved coming out here and walking it," says Stoner. "Unfortunately, Susan passed away, but she felt it was important for the labyrinth to continue."
Moore left the church funds to establish a permanent labyrinth, which was installed in July 2002. It includes seven grassy paths outlined in brick, all of which lead to the center of the 70-foot design. Most people walk the labyrinth path to the center, where they are able to spend some time in reflection, write in a journal or pray. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they wish.
The decision to create a permanent labyrinth, which is open to the public around the clock, was an important one. "It allows us to provide a spiritual experience that people might not otherwise have," says Stoner. "It is used by people of all faiths, from Episcopalian to Jews. We also have some people who are in 12-step programs who have found it to be very beneficial. It is a great 15-minute retreat."
St. Christopher's labyrinth is located on the south end of the church grounds at 7845 N. River Road. "We have a beautiful, pastoral setting here, and that appeals to a lot of people," says Stoner. "It is also adjacent to our memorial garden, and family members will often come visit the garden and then walk the labyrinth."
Overall, response from the St. Christopher congregation has been positive. "Our younger members embraced it pretty quickly, and some of them walk it on a regular basis," he says. "I like it because it helps me to re-center myself. I find the physical act of walking to be very meditative."
He also enjoys the symbolism found in walking a labyrinth. "It really does mirror life," he says. "At times you are very close to the center, but after a few turns, you can find yourself on a path to the outside. The good news is that the center is never really that far away, and there is always a way back to it."
