Walking the labyrinth

MOUNTAINDALE, NY — Moved by her first and many successive experiences with labyrinths, Janet Gula, a Mountaindale yoga instructor and garden designer, has created an indoor labyrinth in her Mountaindale community on the floor of the yoga studio where she teaches. “I wanted to invite people to explore different labyrinth designs and what they have to offer before we install one outdoors in the community as part of our Mountaindale Project for Sullivan Renaissance,” said Gula.

Members of the Mountaindale Community Development Project and various volunteers, including local girl scouts, will be painting a labyrinth on the asphalt of the original basketball court of the former Mountaindale High School. The project strives to encourage visitors to explore this meditation walk, which will be anchored in the center of the setting of a small bird habitat, a sculpture garden and the Sandburg Creek RiverWalk.

A labyrinth is an ancient sacred geometry, often spiral, with a singular pathway, winding into the center and back out again. It is quite different from walking a maze, intended to baffle and confuse. Following the path into and out of a labyrinth often brings peace, stillness, focus and even joy, according to Gula. The labyrinth itself has appeared throughout most parts of the world as far back as 4,000 years, in stone carvings, on pottery, tablets and tiles, and in medieval churches such as in the famous cathedral of Chartres, France. Labyrinths have experienced a resurgence in recent years, and are used today for relaxation, meditation and celebration in gardens, medical centers, schools, parks, prisons and retreat sites.

The indoor labyrinth at the yoga studio in Mountaindale is taped to the floor and designed to be temporary. It will be changed throughout the month of April so people can explore different designs. Visitors to the labyrinth are also invited to make a donation to the larger community project. The Mountaindale Indoor Labyrinth is available for walking for one hour after each of the weekly yoga classes offered at 62 Main Street for the rest of the month. Beginner’s yoga is on Wednesdays from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Advanced yoga is on Saturday and Sunday from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. Call 845/436-1277 before your first yoga class or labyrinth walk.