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What is a Labyrinth? A labyrinth is a physical space designed for walking and personal reflection. A labyrinth is a physical space designed for walking and personal reflection. The design and shape of a labyrinth is based on an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. The design and shape of a labyrinth is based on an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of a circle and a spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. It combines the imagery of a circle and a spiral into a meandering but purposeful path.

A Seven Circuit Labyrinth Design

History of Labyrinths Over the ages of time labyrinths have been associated with sacred gateways, ancient pilgrimages and rituals of self-discovery. Christians in the Middle Ages used labyrinths to symbolically represent the pilgrimage to holy sites More recently the labyrinth has been “re-discovered” for uses that include holistic health practices, community building and as a way to connect with the natural environment.

What are the benefits of a Labyrinth? Reduces Stress by providing students with a way to ground, center and relax; Reduces Stress by providing students with a way to ground, center and relax; Promotes wellness through walking meditation; Promotes wellness through walking meditation; Supports a variety of spiritual beliefs that use walking contemplation as part of their practice; Supports a variety of spiritual beliefs that use walking contemplation as part of their practice; Provides an opportunity to connect with the natural environment. Provides an opportunity to connect with the natural environment.

What does an outdoor labyrinth look like?

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

How would a Labyrinth support UVM’s Mission? As a means to fulfill the university mission and vision enriching the university, its intellectual climate, and curricula, the labyrinth will promote the creation of a diverse community. As a means to fulfill the university mission and vision enriching the university, its intellectual climate, and curricula, the labyrinth will promote the creation of a diverse community. As a vibrant, diverse and intellectually engaged community on a human scale, the presence of the labyrinth will support the expression of diverse cultural and spiritual beliefs. As a vibrant, diverse and intellectually engaged community on a human scale, the presence of the labyrinth will support the expression of diverse cultural and spiritual beliefs. As a place that emphasizes academic excellence in providing exceptional student – centered experience extending beyond the classroom, students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to connect with history and culture through the experience of walking the ancient symbol of a labyrinth. As a place that emphasizes academic excellence in providing exceptional student – centered experience extending beyond the classroom, students, faculty and staff have the opportunity to connect with history and culture through the experience of walking the ancient symbol of a labyrinth.

Trinity College, Santa Barbara, California

Some Uses for a Labyrinth at UVM: An educational tool An educational tool for art, religion and horticulture classes (may include the students in the design of the labyrinth); for art, religion and horticulture classes (may include the students in the design of the labyrinth); A symbol of cultural and spiritual diversity walking the labyrinth as practiced in different religions and cultures; A symbol of cultural and spiritual diversity walking the labyrinth as practiced in different religions and cultures; A community resource A community resource To have a labyrinth within walking distance; To have a labyrinth within walking distance; would benefit both UVM and Burlington community; would benefit both UVM and Burlington community; A learning resource A learning resource for near-by schools to visit the labyrinth as part of an educational excursion to campus. for near-by schools to visit the labyrinth as part of an educational excursion to campus.

Natural Materials Construction

Other Colleges and Universities with a Campus Labyrinth: Boston College - Boston College - University of Texas, Houston - University of Texas, Houston - James Madison University - James Madison University - Richland College - Richland College - Hofstra University: Hofstra University: University of Redlands, CA University of Redlands, CA Canada: Brescia University College: Canada: Brescia University College: In the UK: University of Dundee: In the UK: University of Dundee:

Possible Campus Locations? Main Campus: Bailey Howe Library (north side)

Main Campus: Fleming Museum green

Redstone Campus: Catholic Center (north end)

Redstone Campus: Next to the Music Building (east side)

Redstone Campus: East of the Blundell House (near water tower)

What’s next? Spring 2005: Community Education Spring 2005: Community Education Fall 2005: Planning and Siting Fall 2005: Planning and Siting Spring 2006: Labyrinth Construction Spring 2006: Labyrinth Construction Fall 2006: Community Celebration Fall 2006: Community Celebration

UVM Labyrinth Project For more information please contact: Sue Marie Baskette Bruce Duncan, Office of Conflict Resolution