another view of the path

a quiet spot to reflect

just beginning to build our tiny Chartres labyrinth

embracing the circle

it takes many hands to build a labyrinth

marking the turns

working as a team....

putting in the petals

tiny Chartres

welcome to a new path....

preparing the circle

A very special thank you to Miss Cary and Miss Kath and all the countless other volunteers from the First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach who made the Annual Club 56 Peanut Island Trip such a wonderful success!

light of Christ

Reverend Ron Hilliard led all the parents and kids in communion after a time of fellowship and singing. As we circled around the campfire to receive the sacraments, I was (naturally) reminded of a new type of labyrinth walk.....

sunset peanut island

another path observed

"and an ocean tumbled by with a private boat...."

...."for Max (or me, or you, or whoever) and he sailed off through night and day and in and out of weeks and almost over a year to where the wild things are."
- Maurice Sendak from WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (with my own emphasis added)

A couple of weekends ago I had the blessing of accompanying my son and my husband on a church youth group camping trip to Peanut Island. I do not camp. When I learned, however, that most all the other moms were going to be roughing it, I became a very last minute, wary and somewhat reluctant, tag-a-long.

I was sitting alone on the beach contemplating sleeping outside in 90 degree Florida heat when I first saw this little boat sail past in the distance. I had no idea at the time that anyone from our church group owned it or even dreamed that they had built it completely by hand!

Immediately, I was struck with an incredible sense of peace and tranquility. On that crowded beach which was teaming with boaters, snorkelers and swimmers, the sight of the miniature boat felt timeless, authentic - sacred. The noisy world around me fell completely and inexplicably silent.

This little vessel continues to sail the spaces of my heart almost daily now, carrying me to visit my own Wild Things and then thankfully "back over a year and in and out of weeks and through a day and into the night of (my) very own room...."

My prayer is that your private boat will soon sail into the harbor of your heart, too.

Peace for your Path.

join me tomorrow at "third thursdays on the labyrinth"

We'll be walking the labyrinth in the lovely outdoor garden at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd between 10am and 12pm. Drop by anytime!

Join us to discover Peace for your Path.....

listen to "the wisdom of the labyrinth"

Tomorrow at noon Pacific time, Dr. Lauren Artress, the founder of Veriditas, will be interviewing Daniel H. Pink, author of the amazing book A Whole New Mind. Don't miss it! (But just in case you do, all of the radio shows are archived so check it out anyway when you get a chance).

thank you good shepherd friends!

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday here in South Florida for The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd's annual "Blessing of the Animals" on October 4th. My yellow lab, Lily, finally met Father Bob's golden retriever, Mac, for the first time.

A lovely ceremony was held in the church courtyard for the sixty or more people and pets in attendance. Each pet's name was spoken aloud to the group by his or her human family member. Dogs, cats, and rabbits (all leashed and crated) greeted one another cordially and in the spirit of true friendship. After beautiful scripture readings by the clergy staff, each animal was blessed with a sprinkling of Holy water and prayed for individually.

Several attendees enjoyed snacks and conversation afterward while others ventured over to the labyrinth. This was the first "Paws on the Path" event to coincide with "The Blessing of the Animals".

Though Lily did not walk with the same contemplative spirit as her elder friend Mac, she did bring her own brand of youthful exuberance to the Path. All together, Lily and I estimate about 12-14 dogs and their people (plus one brave cat!) walked the outdoor labyrinth together.

St. Francis himself was most surely smiling down upon our happy gathering!

lily finds her center

a few of the paws on the path

and all will be blessed

the blessing of the animals at the church of the good shepherd

the feast day of st. francis of assisi

Do something beautiful for the earth and its wild creatures today.....

DOES EVERY CREATURE HAVE A SOUL?

A tool
in your hand I am, dear God,
the sweetest instrument you have shaped my being into.

What makes me now complete -
feeling the soul of every creature against
my heart.

Does every creature have a
soul?

Surely they do: for anything God has touched
will have life
forever,

and all creatures He
has held.

- St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

st. francis of assisi

A prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi as recorded in the collection of legends surrounding his life called The Fioretti:

"My sister birds, you owe much to God, and you must always and in everyplace give praise to Him; for He has given you freedom to wing through the sky and He has clothed you... you neither sow nor reap, and God feeds you and gives you rivers and fountains for your thirst, and mountains and valleys for shelter, and tall trees for your nests. And although you neither know how to spin or weave, God dresses you and your children, for the Creator loves you greatly and He blesses you abundantly. Therefore... always seek to praise God."

paws on the path was inspired by the veriditas labyrinth journal

Read our Spring 2009 edition with the special theme "Tails of Spirit: Animal Friends on the Path" in The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From the Labyrinth. (Extra-special thanks to writer, Maia Scott and her dog Tessa for lending us the wonderfully creative title, "Paws on the Path"!) Learn how labyrinths have inspired people and animals to connect in countless, special ways.....

or, walk with us in spirit, wherever you are in the world!

Visit the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator to find a labyrinth in your neighborhood.

paws on the path

Please plan to attend the annual Blessing of the Animals this Sunday, October 4th at 4pm at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. All are welcome to experience this lovely ceremony in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Bring your pets, leashed or crated, and receive a special blessing from the pastoral staff. Father Bob Taylor will be there with the event's ambassador, his golden retriever, Mac (pictured above leading me through the labyrinth), along with other clergy members.

Immediately following the blessing ceremony, meet me and my yellow lab, Lily, along with other members of the Good Shepherd Labyrinth Committee in the outdoor labyrinth garden. Enjoy walking the stone pathway with your beloved animal companions. Lily has chosen some special snacks for her four-legged friends (cats, too!), so be sure to stop by to say hello!

Read more on page 8 of the October 2009 edition of Tidings by clicking "Paws on the Path" above. This promises to be a memorable family event!

theMotherhood

It was such an honor to be interviewed this morning on theMotherhood. I have been enjoying editing my blog there, "Moms on the Labyrinth" since April. So, I was completely thrilled to be asked to talk with Deborah this morning in the "Up Close and Personal: A One-on-One Interview" circle. It was a great experience and I wish to personally thank this amazing community of women for their interest and support.

Log onto theMotherhood today and join the conversation!

Peace for your Path,
Robin

The National Parks: America's Best Idea

don't miss this new PBS series

The National Parks: America's Best Idea began last night on PBS. I hope you can watch this latest series by Ken Burns. Visit their site for more info and to check your local listing....http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/

my favorite sand labyrinth....

....is most certainly Nature's very own!

walk with a PURPOSE

Some photos from our Saturday event...Another beautiful morning on the labyrinth!

photos from Third Thursdays on the Labyrinth

A very special thank you to Merike Seely for taking, and sharing, these pictures from our morning on the labyrinth! I feel very honored to be pictured with Mac....

one more of the birthday girl

Oh, how fast they grow!

one of my special labyrinth friends

Meet Mac. He is Father Bob's golden-hearted retriever and Good
Shepherd's beloved ambassador of Love. It was my second opportunity to
walk the labyrinth with Mac today. I am always blessed by his calming
presence. Mac frequents the halls and the hearts of Good Shepherd's
parish on almost a daily basis.....

Today, Mac inspired me to suggest to the church staff that we add a
labyrinth walk to Good Shepherd's annual "Blessing of the Animals"
event in honor of St. Francis. Mark your calendars for Sunday, October
4th at 4 pm.

Lily will be there!

a special morning on the labyrinth.....

happy birthday, lily!

third thursdays on the labyrinth - TODAY

our almost birthday girl....

Lily (pictured at about 11weeks) turns one this Thursday. Check back
soon to find out how she'll celebrate.....

sunshine found....

A labyrinth walker left this drawing in the sand one morning last Spring. I had placed my favorite bowl filled with sand and a borrowed stick in the center of the labyrinth on that special Ash Wednesday. I just found this picture on my cell phone this morning. Grace.....

circles

"Everything I see, hear, touch, feel, taste, speak, think, imagine, is completing a perfect circle God has drawn." Meister Eckhart

meet me in theMotherhood !

Join my circle "Moms on the Labyrinth" today!

third thursdays on the labyrinth

I am delighted to once again host an Open Labyrinth Walk this coming Thursday, September 17th in Tequesta, Florida at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Drop by anytime between 10am and 12pm to walk the labyrinth with me in the beautiful outdoor garden:

http://www.goodsheponline.com/labyrinth.html

For more information on this and other upcoming labyrinth programming and events, please visit my website, www.labyrinthwellness.com

See you on the Path!

today....

A couple of poems for this day both written by St. Francis of Assisi (as found in the book, Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West by Daniel Ladinsky):

Anyone Who Suffered

I
would not
leave this earth until God
promised
me

that my hands could always touch the face of
anyone who
suffered.



In His Sanity

If all the tenderness in this world could reflect
from my eyes, would you accept
that love?

If all
the forgiveness
the heavens have known could be offered
from one
face,

would you accept that
divine pardon?

In His sublime sanity -
every moment God offers
that to
us:

anything that might
comfort.

a quote for today

I love this. It feels just right for today. May each of us find what we need for our next step forward in faith.....

"When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take that step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen; there will be something solid for us to stand on or we will learn to fly."

- Patrick Overton

once in a blue moon - coming soon!

Mark your calendars now! This year a Blue Moon (so named as it is the second full moon to appear in a month) will be visible on December 31, 2009. Happy New Year! Find a labyrinth to walk on this special night....(The next Blue Moon will not occur until August 31, 2012).

Don't miss it.

a quote about loving....

"We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person."

W. Somerset Maugham (1874-1965)

my latest article just published in The Bahamas Weekly

Please enjoy reading "Coming Full Circle With Grace in the Bahamas" on-line now.
http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/grand_bahama_labyrinth/Coming_Full_Circle_with_Grace_in_the_Bahamas7437.shtml

Special thanks to Veriditas for granting permission to share my article with another fantastic magazine!

thomas merton quote

I love this quote from Dialogues with Silence:

"My God, I pray better to You by breathing. I pray better to You by walking than by talking."

Walking labyrinths is a wonderful way to center your focus. Walk at a natural, comfortable pace and enjoy the contemplative silence.....

Visit the Worldwide Labyrinth Locator at http://labyrinthlocator.com/ to find one today. Simply enter your zip code to search.

coming full circle with grace in the bahamas

Please enjoy our latest issue of The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From the Labyrinth by clicking on the title above. My latest article regarding my visit to The Grand Bahama Labyrinth back in April (see additional pictures right here on my blog!) is on pages 7-8.

Peace for your Path,
Robin

devozine

It is such an honor to write for this wonderful magazine.....

Check out my latest devotional piece entitled "Words to Speak" in the September/October 2009 issue. My article is part of the I Believe theme.

open labyrinth walk this friday night

Please join me in the chapel of The First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach this Friday afternoon, July 31st, anytime between 4:00pm and 6:30pm. Allow approximately 20 minutes for your labyrinth walk. Consider bringing a journal with you to record your experience and thoughts....

www.firstpresnpb.org

no remedy....

"There is no remedy for love but to love more."
-Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

a new journey on an ancient pathway

centering.....

a quiet moment on the labyrinth

first walk with my new labyrinth!

Last night, I was thrilled to unfold my brand-new Seven Circuit Modified Chartres Labyrinth for my first walk.

my brand-new website is up!

Visit www.labyrinthwellness.com and tell me what you think.....
Thanks for your interest and your support!
Robin

a great article in Time Magazine

This Special Health Report entitled "A User's Guide to Good Health at Every Age" features a picture of a lady in the center of a labyrinth! Check it out by clicking the link above....

Moms on the Labyrinth

Check out my other blog "Moms on the Labyrinth" which is now a Circle on theMotherhood.

Peace for your path!
Robin

Labyrinths and Horses: A Connection of Spirits

Please enjoy this article I wrote for the Spring 2009 edition of The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From the Labyrinth on Cordelia Rose of Whitewater Mesa Labyrinths and her horse, Blake.

an excerpt from The Prophet for mother's day

One of my favorite gifts this Mother's Day came from my husband....a beautiful copy of THE PROPHET by Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931).

I had heard of this book for years. Though I never knew anything about it specifically, I did know that I wanted to read it someday. Now, this treasured gift has been in my hands for less than a week, and I am already reading it through for a second time!

With my apologies to the author, and with my humble encouragement to others to read this beautiful book in its entirety, here is a selection that seemed so appropriate for Mother's Day:

And a woman who held a babe against
her bosom said, Speak to us of Children.
And he said:
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's
longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they
belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not
your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not
their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of to-
morrow, which you cannot visit, not even
in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek
not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries
with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your chil-
dren as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path
of the infinite, and He bends you with His
might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand
be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.


May we all, each of us in our own way, mother or father or neither one, be stable bows in the life of a child....

today is The National Day of Prayer

A Prayer by Thomas Merton in honor of today: The National Day of Prayer

My Lord God
I have no idea of where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I
think I am following your will does not mean
that I actually am doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in
fact please you, and I hope I have that desire in
all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from
that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the
right road, though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore I will trust you always though I may
seem to be lost and in the shadow of death, I
will not fear for you are with me and you will
never leave me, to face my perils alone.

Amen.

----Thomas Merton

Thursday is the 58th annual National Day of Prayer

I did a little bit of online research on the history of Thursday's significance. Apparently, this is the 58th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. Congress designated its observance in 1952. The link above takes you to the home page if you are interested in reading a bit more.

All people of all faiths are encouraged to observe the day as they feel led to do so, which is what I love most about it......

Love and Light!
Robin

reflections on world labyrinth day

I had the lovely experience of "Walking as One at 1" on Saturday in celebration of the first annual World Labyrinth Day. Though I was the only walker on the permanent outdoor labyrinth at 1pm Eastern time at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Tequesta, FL, it didn't matter....

In fact, the experience of walking with the intent of being connected via the labyrinth with thousands of other walkers across the globe made me grateful that I was able to be there by myself. The solitude helped me to feel even more connected with nature and the planet.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Simply experience your experience. View everything that happens on the path as a metaphor for what is going on in your present life. Release your expectations and just trust the Path.

Peace and Light for your way today, and always....
Robin

tomorrow is world labyrinth day

To learn more about the spiritual practice of walking labyrinths, enjoy my article "Walking the Labyrinth" by clicking the link above.

Remember to "Walk as One at 1" tomorrow. Locate a local labyrinth using the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator then WALK at 1pm tomorrow...

http://www.labyrinthlocator.com/home

See you on the Path!

one more way to share hope today.....

Emily Dickinson's "Hope is the Thing with Feathers"
http://www.textflows.com/flow/19729

a copy to print out for your own pocket

Hope is the thing with feathers (254)
by Emily Dickinson

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

hope in my pocket

second annual poem in your pocket day

This Thursday, April 3oth marks the second anniversary of "Poem-in-Your-Pocket Day". As a member of the Academy of American Poets, I am thrilled to promote National Poetry Month. This celebration began in 1996 in an attempt to further the mission of the Academy which is "to inspire the reading and writing of poetry, and to bring together poets and poetry audiences across the nation".

On Thursday, the idea is simple. Just make a copy of your favorite poem and carry it with you to share with others throughout the day.

Spread the love of poetry around your community. Visit www.poets.org for more information.

Find and share the rhythm of your heart,
Robin

labyrinth wellness is now on www.themotherhood.com

I just joined an intriguing online forum today called "The Motherhood" in my attempt to share the message of the labyrinth with more women around the country.

Check out this wonderful site at http://www.themotherhood.com/

I started a circle there under the heading of Body and Soul called "Moms on the Labyrinth".

Meet me there if you'd like!



Peace and light,
Robin

follow me on twitter

Labyrinth Wellness, LLC is now on twitter! Click on the title above and follow me....

trying to recall being green again.....

Here is a poem by Rumi that speaks to my heart today. I don't know if it has a title. I do hope you find comfort in it, too....

We began as a mineral.
We emerged into plant life,
And into the animal state, and then into being human,
And always we have forgotten our former states,
Except in early spring when we slightly recall
Being green again.

That's how a young person turns
Toward a teacher. That's how a baby leans
Toward the breast, without knowing the secret
Of its desire, yet turning instinctively.

Humankind is being led along an evolving course,
Through this migration of intelligences,
And though we seem to be sleeping,
There is an inner wakefulness
That directs the dream,

And that will eventually startle us back
To the truth of who we are.

- Rumi

world labyrinth day

The first Saturday in May always marks the Kentucky Derby for a Louisville native like me....

Though I will certainly watch the horse race as always (praying continually for the safety of all the horses), this year I will also be celebrating another historic happening....

World Labyrinth Day is a new global event celebrating the labyrinth. This day is intended to bring people from all over the planet together in celebration of the labyrinth as a symbol, a tool, a passion or a practice.

Consider joining me and countless others as we "Walk as One at 1". Find a labyrinth near you, and at 1pm your local time, walk. It is that simple and that beautiful. As the earth turns, we will become a rolling wave of walkers across our planet.

Visit the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator to find your nearest local labyrinth:
http://labyrinthlocator.com/


Peace for your Path.....

happy earth day

In honor of the first Earth Day celebrated in 1970, please enjoy this poem by Christina Rossetti. Let us all, each uniquely human one of us, celebrate our interconnectedness to one another and to all the creatures who call our sacred planet "home".....

"Hurt No Living Thing"

Hurt no living thing;
Ladybird, nor butterfly,
Nor moth with dusty wing,
Nor cricket chirping cheerily,
Nor grasshopper so light of leap,
Nor dancing gnat, nor beetle fat,
Nor harmless worms that creep.

- Christina Rossetti

the grand bahama labyrinth in the garden of the groves

During my recent visit on April 3, 2009 to Grand Bahama Island with my family, I had the most wonderful pleasure of meeting Ms. Barbara Chester in person. Barbara and I had corresponded via email since I interviewed her for my article entitled "The Grand Bahama Labyrinth" in the Winter 2009 edition of The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From the Labyrinth. . Please enjoy my article on page 6 of The Journal by following the link below:
http://www.veriditas.org/newsletters/archive/LJ-Winter2009.pdf

Our Spring Break trip to the Bahamas was extremely last minute. I had no idea until we were in the taxi to our hotel and we passed a sign that we were staying so close to The Garden of the Groves. I had not tried to contact Ms. Chester prior to my arrival to let her know I was coming and we had never once even spoken live on the phone. For about a day, I mulled over whether or not I should try to find her. Finally, I decided I would likely always regret it if I didn't. After several failed attempts with the local phone book, I finally obtained her cell phone number and I dialed....

Ms. Chester could not have been more delightful after receiving my surprise call! She immediately rescheduled her busy afternoon and arrived to pick me up at my hotel a short time later. For three glorious hours, I toured the paradise of her lovely island sanctuary. The Grand Bahama Labyrinth that she has created for her beloved community was even more beautiful in person than I had envisioned.

I enjoyed meeting a three-year-old darling boy named Daniel who was visiting the labyrinth with his family for the very first time. As you can see from this video, Daniel completely embraced the labyrinth from the moment he stepped on it with Barbara and his mom:






In a few short moments, he was intently following the lines of the sacred path all on his own:






While I watched and absorbed the beauty of this scene and the company of this precious child, I was lucky enough to learn a bit more about a very special native tree and its unique fruit. Barbara and Daniel's grandmother kindly allowed me to eavesdrop on their conversation about the many uses of tamarinds:




Barbara invited Robbin Watchell, editor of The Bahamas Weekly to join us and cover the excitement of our meeting. Please enjoy learning more about The Grand Bahama Labyrinth and all the happenings on this beautiful island at http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/grand_bahama_labyrinth/index.shtml .

The day was such an incredible blessing to me. It truly embodied the remarkable way that the labyrinth brings people together as only the labyrinth can do. My journey across the ocean and my new friendship with Ms. Barbara Chester truly came full circle in The Garden of the Groves. I will be forever be grateful for the Grace of this experience....

the grand bahama labyrinth

Visit my blog soon for a very special story and pictures about my visit last week to this incredible labyrinth.....

upcoming labyrinth walks

If you are in the South Florida area, please join me and the rest of the Labyrinth Committee of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Tequesta for a very special Good Friday evening labyrinth walk. On April 10th, immediately following the 7:30pm Taize service of prayer, silence and meditation, we will be hosting a labyrinth walk at 8:30pm.

This will be a candlelight walk in the beautiful outdoor labyrinth garden. Lovely meditative music will be playing and the reflection fountain will be flowing to add to our walkers' quiet experience.

Visit the church website at www.goodsheponline.org for directions.

Please feel free to email me anytime for more information on walking labyrinths. I would be happy to schedule a time to meet with you or your group for a guided walk or simply help you locate other local labyrinths which you can explore on your own....

If you are new to walking labyrinths, you may enjoy my article, "Walking the Labyrinth" at www.devozine.org. Access it by clicking on "Health and Help" and then "Spiritual Practices."

Blessings to each of you on your Path!

third thursdays on the labyrinth

Join me this Thursday, March 19th, anytime between 10am and 12pm in the beautiful outdoor labyrinth garden of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Tequesta, Florida.

For more information and directions to the church, visit www.goodsheponline.org .

For more information on walking labyrinths, I invite you to read my article, "Walking the Labyrinth" published by devozine at www.devozine.org .

My article is archived under the "Health and Help" in the category of "Spiritual Practices."

http://www.upperroom.org/devozine/2009/marapr/health_sub.asp?item_id=620549&back=3210&week=3&issue=638157
(or, simply highlight, copy and paste the link above into your browser bar).

See you on the Path!

robin's "pilates" meditation selected as devotional of the week

I am so honored that devozine selected one of my meditations as their "devo of the week" once again. It is truly such a blessing to write for this wonderful magazine!

Please read "Pilates" from week one of the current March/April 2009 issue in print or online at http://www.upperroom.org/devozine/2009/marapr/devo.asp?week=1&issue=638157
(you will need to highlight, copy and paste this link into your browser as it is now cached).

Visit www.devozine.org to read many more inspirational stories....

Thank you for your interest!

locate a local labyrinth

For more information on walking labyrinths, visit www.veriditas.org .

Click on The World-Wide Labyrinth Locator tab to find a labyrinth near you!

thank you signature healthcare, llc

It was truly an honor to attend the Signature Healthcare Learning Congress 2009 from March 2-4th in Louisville, KY. I was deeply humbled by the number of Signature Stakeholders who embraced the spiritual practice of walking labyrinths this week, most of them for the very first time....

We had a beautiful, full-sized Eleven-Circuit Medieval labyrinth available for a candlelight walk Monday evening at the Seelbach Hotel's majestic Medallion Ballroom. The Chartres Cathedral-style design was warm and welcoming to the participants who had traveled all day in frigid temperatures (many with flight cancellations and weather delays) to attend the first day of meetings. Gentle meditative music filled the room, creating an oasis of peace at the end of a busy, yet exciting afternoon. So many walkers came, that we kept the labyrinth available for an entire extra hour to accommodate their interest....

The following two days, many other Stakeholders enjoyed utilizing finger labyrinths in the historic Rathskeller. Gentle lighting and Gregorian music enhanced the setting of this uniquely designed room filled with decorated pillars. Constructed of rare Rookwood Pottery in 1907, the Rathskeller, with its medieval cathedral appearance provided the perfect location for learning more about labyrinths, formulating breath prayers and enjoying personal time with one's journal in between meeting sessions.

None of this could have been possible without the loving support of my husband, Scott Hansel, who has been with Signature Healthcare now for over five exciting years. Our dear friend, E. Joseph Steier, III, Signature's President and CEO, was kind enough to invite Labyrinth Wellness, LLC to attend this year. Joe wanted to share one of his favorite spiritual tools with his Stakeholders at this ground-breaking, innovative meeting.

When our connecting flight was canceled out of Charlotte, NC due to a snowstorm, Virginia Watkins and Mark Johnson, treasured friends from St. Paul United Methodist Church in Louisville came to the rescue. They quickly loaded Kathleen Kaelin's labyrinth into a van kindly and expertly driven by Signature's own Stephanie Hope. These wonderful individuals were met by Joe's ever-organized executive assistant, Tiffany Blackwell, at the Seelbach Hotel while Scott and I raced in from Nashville, TN in a rental car with several other re-routed Signature Stakeholders. We arrived just in time to immediately begin setting up the sacred space for the evening.

It was quite a remarkable journey, and dear friends along the way made all the difference. Gathering in the center of the labyrinth, holding hands in prayer together before the first walkers arrived, was a moment I will never forget.

Thanks also to Rex and Maggie Bradley for making the long journey South to care for Dylan (and Lily!) and to Jerry and Jewel Hansel for your continued prayers throughout the week.

You are all Lights on the Path for me....