This labyrinth was designed and planted in 2013 when I worked at this church. The lovely hibiscus, Rose of Sharon, in the centre behind the labyrinth was moved from the front entrance and is now thriving. Even though the place is now quite secluded and quiet, when I still lived there it was wide open and visible from the street. For that reason, I never walked it.
“A structure with many connected paths or passages in which it is hard to find your way” is one definition. But now labyrinths like this in the photo are created for meditation and a way for spiritual renewal, rather than traps for catching monsters and evil spirits as in the ancient days.
There is a labyrinth near where I live now. I have not walked it, nor even really looked at it closely. The thought of trying to do something for spiritual renewal while random strangers watch is not appealing to me.
But more than that, simply quieting my mind for more than a few seconds is not easy.
Several years ago I played for many Taize services at a church. For one hour a few people gathered, listened to a short reading, sang chant-like choruses over and over, and spent time in silence. It was part of my job — if it wasn’t I probably would not have continued to attend.
…my stomach is growling…can they hear it?….that’s so embarrassing…does he just breathe heavily, or is he asleep…how many more minutes?…should I start playing again?…no, it’s not time…what should I get for dinner?…yes, I’m so hungry, my stomach is getting louder…
My father attended the Taize service once. He told me that it was a very strange hour, and not something he would try again. Although he was a very quiet man, sitting still and not feeling that he had accomplished anything felt like wasted time. For someone raised to always be doing something, I agreed with him. At least I did 9 years ago.
Maybe it’s time to try again to quiet my mind.
Reflections 
This summer I walked the labyrinth behind the St. Andrews United Church in Kaslo. Whenever I get the chance to go to Kaslo, which is not often, I go walk it.
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I didn’t know there a labyrinth in Kaslo.
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