Labyrinth
Nurturing Our Creativity
A 4-week program of discovery & renewal
With artist and creativity facilitator
Marsha Stonehouse
Writing, painting, drawing and visualization exercises in a supportive group setting will be used as tools for self-expression and a deeper connection with spirit. Come and be inspired! No previous artistic experience is necessary.
Date: Thursday, April 11, 18, 25, May 2
Time: 6:30 to 9:00 pm in Room 107
Cost: $150.00
To register call the TEMC Volunteer Office at: 416-925-5977
Labyrinth Walks at TEMC
We extend a warm invitation to join us for candlelit meditative walks on our labyrinth prayer path from 10 am to 1 pm on the first Sunday of the month, November through May.
The 36′ Chartres style labyrinth is located in the Flora McCrea Auditorium along with tables for reflective writing or artwork. You can find tips for walking the labyrinth at the bottom of this page.
Everyone is welcome.
A photograph and video of the labyrinth walk can be found on HiMY SYeD’s Toronto City of Labyrinths Project website along with an interview of members of the TEMC Labyrinth Committee in January 2012. http://CityofLabyrinths.TYO.ca/ladies-of-the-labyrinth-temc-timothy-eaton-memorial-church.
Our December 2011 Labyrinth Walk was featured in this article: http://cityoflabyrinths.tyo.ca/canvas-labyrinth-walk-temc-timothy-eaton-memorial-church where HiMY chronicles two firsts: his first time inside a church and his first time walking a canvas labyrinth.
2012-13 Sunday Walks (10 am to 1 pm)
November 4, 2012
December 2, 2012
January 6, 2013
February 3, 2013
March 3, 2013
April 7, 2013
May 5, 2013
History of the TEMC Labyrinth
In 1999, TEMC hosted the first Canadian Labyrinth Building Conference run by one of the world’s foremost labyrinth builders, Robert Ferré. Beginning at the conference and following many subsequent hours, members of our congregation created the 36? diametre canvas labyrinth that we use today.
On the first Sunday of the colder weather months the Flora McCrea Auditorium is transformed into a meditative space reminiscent of Chartres Cathedral in France where the same pattern was laid into the floor in the 12th Century. Many similar Canadian labyrinths were created during that same conference.
In early 2012 the church commissioned a new 25′ canvas labyrinth (Circle of Peace design) from Lisa Gidlow Moriarty www.pathsofpeace.com. This gave us some much needed flexibility to host workshops in smaller spaces. One of its current uses is at a monthly support meeting for people coping with chronic illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) and Fibromyalgia.
Many different styles of labyrinths have been found across the world, with the most ancient dating from four thousand years ago. What they all have in common is a single path that runs from the entrance into the centre of the labyrinth. The return follows the same path. This single path creates a safe route for walking prayer, meditation or reflection.
Contact Information
Susan Howard
Chair of the TEMC Labyrinth Committee
c/o TEMC Volunteer Office
416-925-5977
230 Saint Clair Avenue West
Toronto, ON M4V 1R5
Susan trained as a labyrinth facilitator with Dr. Lauren Artress of Veriditas http://veriditas.org.
Rental of the Labyrinth
We have two portable canvases available for rent: a 36′ Chartres-style canvas labyrinth and a 25′ Circle of Peace canvas labyrinth.
Tips for Walking the Labyrinth
Walking the Labyrinth is as simple and as difficult as taking the first step. Just put one foot in front of the other and stay focused on the path ahead. Here are some tips for making the most of your experience:
- Be present in the moment. Focus on your breathing; notice how your body feels as you walk. Observe where your mind wants to take you.
- Find your own pace. Some people move quickly and some walk very slowly, while others choose to skip and dance.
- Walk with intent, not expectation. Walking the Labyrinth can often help you find direction for a problem or goal, but expecting a definitive answer may leave you frustrated.
- Pass other walkers when necessary. Simply step to the side and step back into your lane once you have passed the other walker. Where possible, the person coming out should yield to the person walking inward.
- Emotions sometimes come to the surface while walking. Take time to feel, explore and experience these emotions.
- At the centre of the Labyrinth, take time to reflect on where you are in your walk, your journey and your thoughts. Spend as much time here as you feel necessary.
- As you exit the Labyrinth, take time to reflect on your experience. How do you feel now? Is it different from when you started? How is your breathing? What thoughts came to mind? Feel free to sit quietly and reflect, do some sketches, or write and draw about your experiences.
