The Meadow Labyrinth
In the south-west corner of the churchyard of St Mary’s, Kettlewell, lies the Meadow Labyrinth. It was created in 2020 out of limestone by a local stone waller with the eye of an artist.
It is offered simply as a resource for the soul, for villagers and visitors alike.

The labyrinth story
The labyrinth pattern can be traced back several thousand years in different cultures and traditions across the world. It was present in the early centuries of the Christian Church and by medieval times many labyrinths were built into the stone
floors of churches and cathedrals. Walking the labyrinth in these places of community and prayer was a way of making a short but meaningful personal and spiritual pilgrimage.
Nowadays, for people of all faiths and none, labyrinths are understood as inclusive paths for reflection, mindfulness, prayer or wellbeing. We are learning that walking
a labyrinth can help dissipate the energy of the body, and in so doing, may calm the thinking mind and help us connect with our inner life more deeply.
In a labyrinth we walk a unique space that safely ‘holds’ us. It can be a place to take our uncertainties, questions, sorrows and fears as well as our thanks, celebrations, hopes and joys. Each time we walk the labyrinth our experience will necessarily be different. No two walks are ever the same. We bring to the path what is going on in our life.

Walking a labyrinth
If you choose to walk the labyrinth, firstly, take a moment to unburden yourself of particular expectation. Become aware of the present moment, the breath of life in you then …
… walking in, release the thoughts and feelings you need not carry for a while, allow your mind to quieten, open your heart
… in the centre, be attentive to the stillness and to what feelings or intuitions may arise in you
… as you return, along the same path, reflect on your experience and gently take it out into your life
Should you meet another person on the path, pass them safely, respecting their journey.
For further information on walking a labyrinth see:
Williams, D. (2009) Labyrinth landscape of the soul. Glasgow: Wild Goose Publications

The building of the Meadow Labyrinth