In 2012, I was in a moment of transition and feeling a little lost. Seeking a project, I decided to beautify the large concrete slab that is my driveway. The image that came to mind was a labyrinth, a visually attractive image that would support contemplation. Although “labyrinth” and “maze” are used interchangeably in everyday usage, labyrinth also has a distinct meaning. A maze has choice points and dead ends, whereas contemporary labyrinths are designed as a single path with one way in and one way out. In a maze, you must make decisions, and if you choose poorly, you can get lost and encounter barriers. In a labyrinth, even though you change directions and sometimes don’t quite know where you are in the process, you can trust the path you are on, you will arrive where you’re meant to be. This is what I needed at that point in my life.
I searched the Internet for designs and landed on this labyrinth, which is used as a therapeutic resource at a hospice in the U.K. Relatively simple design, meditative vibe — great start! But how will I create it? Rather short on artistic skills myself, I invited a friend to collaborate with me. I had the vision, Mike had the talent. He created a plan, measured, marked, tested, and carefully applied the concrete stain. In the end, it was less of a collaboration, and more of an enormous favor! I was thrilled with the result and enjoyed looking at and walking the labyrinth.
Flash forward 14 years to the cusp of my 60th birthday. I am creating a ritual to enter into this next phase of my life — the theme is completion and renewal. I envision fire, foods imbued with meaning, singing, and walking the labyrinth. And then I look outside — the labyrinth has aged and has nearly faded away. I decide to lean into the theme of renewal and bring the labyrinth back to life. The concrete stain and roller handle from all those years ago remain in my storage room and still work! Although I still lack the creative capacity to make a labyrinth from scratch, I find that I can paint along the lines Mike created to refresh the design. On the eve of my birthday, I walk the labyrinth, encircled by voices of my friends, learning to trust myself and others along my life path.
