WESTFIELD – A Living Labyrinth is slowly taking shape on the grounds of the Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center.
The labyrinth, 50 feet in diameter, was designed in the spring by Liz Walz, executive director at Genesis, and was brought to life initially constructed with sticks and cotton twine and now landscaping ribbon is in place for visual definition.
“Now the grasses are tall enough that they form the edges to the paths,” said Walz. She noted the new installation has a two-fold concept.
“Living, in that it’s of God’s creation, a path of grass which will be bordered by herbs, flowers and native plants,” she said. “Labyrinth, meaning following a winding path to the center.”
Since the labyrinth was created, individuals and groups have been walking this path as a spiritual practice – journeying to their heart, seeking to be open to the One Who Calls, according to Walz.
“For persons walking the labyrinth for the first time, we ask that you call ahead so someone can welcome you and explain the retreat center,” said Walz. “For those familiar with the labyrinth, we trust they will honor the contemplative environment.”
Walking the labyrinth is open to area residents during daylight hours.
Walz explained that the labyrinth is a Santa Rosa style with seven circuits or “pathways” from the outer edge to the center.
“The walking surface itself is mowed grass, so if someone chooses, they can walk it barefoot,” she said.
Currently, tree stumps are located in the center and around the perimeter allowing individuals to observe, meditate and pray, before or after walking the labyrinth.
“Unlike a maze, there is only one pathway into the center, and you follow the same pathway back out,” she said. “There are no dead ends.”
A special Labyrinth Blessing event is planned Oct. 25 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., led by Walz and Lorry Villamaire, SSJ. Villamaire is also a member of the Labyrinth Connection of Western Massachusetts. There is no fee to attend the event; there will be an opportunity for a freewill offering.
“Át this event we will officially bless our labyrinth and our seeds of new life for the future,” said Walz. “We welcome individuals to bring bulbs, seeds or perennials to plant.”
Freewill donations on that day will support the eco-spirituality aspects of Genesis’ mission.
Over the course of the next year or two, the labyrinth will evolve as plants for all seasons take root and picnic tables and benches are added. Also, a lattice entry-way with an information kiosk will be located at the starting point of the labyrinth.
Walz is also putting the finishing touches on meditation and devotional supportive materials which will assist guests to deepen their labyrinth experience.
“People can walk the labyrinth for their enjoyment, or with a specific intention or request for guidance in mind,” said Walz. “We have a finger labyrinth at Genesis for people for whom accessibility or mobility is a concern.”
Support and collaboration for the labyrinth has included members of the Labyrinth Connection of Western Massachusetts, and in particular, Villamaire and Mary Pat Carr, SSJ. Their slogan is “Walking a Peaceful Path.”
Walz singled out several individuals who have brought the labyrinth to the end of phase one, including Mike Fleck and Kevin Mealey, who laid out the labyrinth one April weekend, and several marketing department students at Westfield State University who dutifully applied the landscaping ribbon and lawn staples as part of a public service project. Also, Mary McFarlane, CSM, who provided financial support for materials; Villamaire, for her labyrinth books that provided direction and inspiration, and Nick Lukomsky, who created the tree stumps to sit on and handles the overall weekly maintenance. Lastly, students from Elms College will dig holes on the morning of Oct. 25 so that the bulbs and plants brought for the blessing event will be ready for planting.
Over time, Walz hopes that book groups, youth groups and others consider doing a labyrinth walk as part of an overall spiritual experience.
“That would be a total blessing to us,” she said, adding that labyrinth walks can be created for special occasions including the arrival of a baby, an engagement, a new job or leaving a job, moving, a special anniversary, graduation, a ritual of letting go, a birthday, a bachelor/ette party, or in memory of a departed one.
“You may choose to walk the labyrinth to mark or celebrate an important date or transition in your life,” she said, adding, “Sometimes, you may invite other people to walk with you as a group ritual.”
Individuals who also may want to donate little sculptures or wind chimes may contact Walz for direction on meditative opportunities.
“We welcome all conversations with individuals who wish to contribute to the labyrinth,” she said.
For more information on the Living Labyrinth, or the blessing event, visit www.GenesisSpiritualCenter.org or call (413) 562-3627.
