The Brock University Labyrinth

The Brock installation is a 7 circuit classical labyrinth, also known as a Cretan labyrinth. The design has been discovered on ancient Greek coins in Crete, on petroglyphs, and across many international regions such as Spain and India. The Brock University Labyrinth was created by the teaching centre in partnership with units across campus as part of the University’s focus on fostering Contemplative Practices in teaching and learning.

Research suggests there are many benefits in engaging with the labyrinth, notably that of stress reduction, and feelings of calmness and peacefulness. there is growing interest in the use of labyrinths for teaching and learning. It is experiential in nature and provides a creative space for deepening reflection. It is hoped that faculty and instructors will utilize the labyrinth to assist students in making connections between course curriculum and its relevance in their own lives.

In 2018 the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation reached out to various partners on campus to gauge interest in the building of a Brock University labyrinth. The first meeting occurred in October 2018, with representatives from CPI, Co-op, Career and Experiential Education, Facilities Management, Human Resources, Marketing and Communications, Student Wellness and Accessibility, Student Life and Community Experience, the Library, and BUSU and the GSA. Faculty members and the Accessibility Coordinator also lent their support and ideas. The group began meeting monthly to learn about labyrinth history and benefits and to share ideas.

Grounds Management, under the leadership of John Dick, was instrumental in its support, both with in kind planning and in the actual build. Approximately a dozen sites on the main Brock campus were looked at and a final site was chosen at the corner of Weather Station Field in front of the Campus Store. This site provides accessibility with access from adjacent sidewalks and is visible from the roads. Trees provide some privacy and a green backdrop.

Construction began in April of 2019 and a formal opening took place on May 22nd 2019.

Each way of walking a labyrinth is different. Here are some suggestions supported by The Brock University Labyrinth among others:

* Before entering the labyrinth, take a deep breath and set an intention for your walk.
* Walk at your own natural pace.
* Know you cannot get lost.
* Relax your breath and body as you walk.
* Savor the quiet needed for contemplation.
* Be aware of your senses and your surroundings.
* Feel free to move around others on the path.
* Pause in the centre for as long as you like.
* Return on the same path.
* Take the time you need.
* Experience your experience.
* Breathe.