ArtMaking and Contemplative Practice: Celebrating World Labyrinth Day

May 4, Saturday

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Suggested offering: $10

In the spirit of “be still and know that I am…” artist, counselor and contemplative expressive arts facilitator Jessica Waters leads our World Labyrinth Day experience this year. The day will include an introduction to HeartMath Breathwork, a Mindful Eating experience in the MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) tradition, and Mindful Art through the creation of Stitch Labyrinths. At 1 p.m. we will join the global prayer experience of walking the Renewal Center reconciliation labyrinth. No art, sewing or mindfulness experience is required. Schedule:

11 a.m. Introduction to HeartMath and Mindful Labyrinth Drawing

12:15 p.m. Introduction to Mindful Eating and Shared meal

1 p.m. Walk the labyrinth and pray for peace

2 p.m. Stitch Labyrinth creation and reflection

We will begin the day with an introduction to HeartMath Breathwork, a simple and short, grounding practice that centers us with gentle, accessible chair or standing movement settling our nervous system to allow us to go within and connect with ourselves, facilitating the ability to hear our higher power, internally.

We’ll engage in a simple labyrinth making process that has 3 different steps. First, drawing and connecting with the labyrinth by applying our drawn design on fabric. Second, engaging in a simple lunch while being introduced to Mindful Eating, intentionally noticing the flavors, textures, and sensations of food by slowing down. We will then move outdoors to Walk as One at 1. (See description below.)

Returning to the Center, we will engage in reflective contemplation though moving meditation creating Stitch Labyrinths from our drawings. This involves a simple running stitch being sewn on the lines of your drawing. Supplies and a light lunch provided. No art, sewing or mindfulness experience is required.

What is World Labyrinth Day

World Labyrinth Day is celebrated every year on the first Saturday in May with the theme “Walking as One at 1.” An estimated 5,000 people in 35 countries will be walking labyrinths on May 4 at 1 p.m. local time, so for 24 hours the world will be engulfed in this “moving meditation for world peace.”

Why walk a labyrinth?

Labyrinths have been used for spiritual healing and prayer services for centuries. The circular paths are designed to encourage transformation and awakening as a person walks through and meditates, prays, or reflects. The transformation can be psychological, personal or spiritual.

Why walk the labyrinth at Precious Blood Renewal Center?

Our labyrinth is central to our mission, which is to foster reconciliation and renewal in society, to bring healing and hope to fractured people. Our Reconciliation Labyrinth was dedicated in August 2016 to commemorate the Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis.

Learn more

About World Labyrinth Day https://www.worldlabyrinthday.org/

About our Reconciliation Labyrinth https://www.pbrenewalcenter.org/reconciliation-labyrinth/