“Peace” and “Life.”

A scout project in Iowa City resulted in a charming five-circuit labyrinth with intricate cuts.

This seems like an especially trying time for a number of people we know. Illness, marital strife, retirement concerns, mental health and addiction issues, unresolved grief rooted in the deep past. Certainly in world affairs unraveling appears to be the “norm.” So to access quiet spaces for discernment and simple quietude is vital.

How coincidental that Friday I walked into CNA class and Sally the instructor greeted me with, “Tell us about labyrinths.” So, I offered a bit on complementary techniques to healing. Later, a dear, long-time friend now in Maryland responded to my earlier call with a long chat – partly catch up and partly thoughtful reflections. Today, Saturday, August 23rd, I was delighted to talk with two friends from home-school teaching experiences.  It’s been too long. We all have needs. One friend and I took in the Iowa Hawkeye Field Hockey game and the other friend and I visited on the phone. I worked to offer a space to be heard.

LM showed me the newest labyrinth at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Iowa City at Mormon Trek Blvd and Melrose. Tucked down off the parking lot near the outdoor shelter, the  five-circuit labyrinth is visible, available and yet private. A scout project that must have had incredible support and obvious planning. The bricks have been cut to fit the curves and angles. The ground prepared and raked smooth after work done.

Peace and Life

We walked around, pushed off some dirt clods, commented on the site and care.  Then, walked. I entered first admiring the handicraft. LM waited for me to pass then joined in. At Center, I stepped aside for her to join me, but she chose to wait outside the Center. After a few minutes, I started out and she stepped in.

Often I have found I simply enjoy the walk. Not much to contemplate, except the time to be in a labyrinth.  Yesterday I used the egg spray in the Laughing Labyrinth to deter deer and just enjoyed being in the labyrinth. So, the walk today was re-affirming that people indeed do want and need labyrinths in their lives.

Later, LM offered that she entered seeking “Peace.”  At some point she stopped and the word “Life” became her mantra. She has much to offer. Life is abundant for her, even though sometimes it may not feel like it. So, connection. We need to stay connected to have both peace and life.