Reflect with me in the Labyrinth

Hello, my name is Christene and I am a Senior Lab Demonstrator in the Biology Department here at Brock. My perspective is from Biology as I work with plants, fungi and bacteria. When I was little, I was always asking ‘why’ and ‘how’ things worked. I knew I was interested in science from a young age. Now here I am at Brock teaching Biology to students and we are very lucky to have our own labyrinth for reflection and mindfulness.

Labyrinths have been found in various locations dating as far back as 4000 years ago. They are found in many communities and are used by individuals of all faiths and none. Labyrinths are found in many different shapes and sizes.

A labyrinth does not equal a maze. A maze is a challenge, a game, with dead ends and obstacles. A labyrinth has only one path to follow and allows for contemplation and reflection on the journey.

This labyrinth at the Brock campus is designed from the seven-circuit classical labyrinth (also known as Cretan labyrinth – a design found in Crete). It has been created of Kentucky Bluegrass and is a Living Labyrinth. It will change with time and is dependant on many external factors.

I ask you to draw your own finger labyrinth using the template below with the videos provided. You can also choose to purchase or print your own 3D seven circuit finger labyrinth. There are sites online that have the 3D seven circuit finger labyrinth template for use in different 3D printers.

Materials and Methods:

• Watch the video on How to draw a 7 circuit Cretan Labyrinth.
• Watch the video on How to Use the 7 Circuit Finger Labyrinth.
• Seed Template for drawing a 7 Circuit Finger Labyrinth below.
• Watch the video on Living Labyrinth Walk.

Click here to download the seed template for drawing a 7 Circuit Finger Labyrinth.

Living Labyrinth Walk

This labyrinth at the Brock campus is designed from the seven-circuit classical labyrinth (also known as Cretan labyrinth – a design found in Crete). It has been created of Kentucky Bluegrass and is a Living Labyrinth. It will change with time and is dependant on many external factors.

Rules of the labyrinth are simple. Walk the path of grass (not the brick) at your own pace. You may remove your shoes and walk barefoot if you like. You may pass and allow others to pass you if necessary. Please be silent as you walk the path.

I ask you to draw your own finger labyrinth, or print your own 3D seven circuit finger labyrinth and spend your journey in the labyrinth contemplating and reflecting, first on what you already know about science. Think about your childhood watching plants, animals, light, energy or any experiments you participated in during elementary or high school. There is no right or wrong. Let your thoughts come naturally and spontaneously. The first ‘walk’ through your finger labyrinth, reflect on what you already know about science. For the second walk through your finger labyrinth, think of a question you have about science.

When you look around you at the plant life, remember that it is unable to move, and growth is affected by many factors. Once a seed is able germinate and starts to grow, it is searching for light, for energy. As it grows it also needs water, minerals and nutrients. Some nutrients are provided by bacteria and fungi in symbiotic relationships. Fungal mycelial colonies can form mats in the soil, connecting the roots of many plants together allowing communication. Bacteria will fix nitrogen for plants and the plants provide sugar to the bacteria. There are many animals and the weather that can affect how the plant grows. Even competition with other plants for light affects how a plant will grow. You may have seen that there are already other plants invading the labyrinth grass. The very act of us walking on the grass and mowing the grass will affect how it grows. The stems will tend to grow shorter and the stems of the reproductive structures will grow shorter. If you are ever confused, think back to the big picture. Always ask yourself why! Why is this important, how does this affect growth? You are building on your knowledge with each course you take. Some of your courses may overlap. The living world can be described in terms of biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry and so on. Mathematics and engineering were used to measure and construct this labyrinth. Chemistry is happening in every cell of every blade of grass and every ant crawling around. STEM is all around you at every moment.
Write down your question and spend some time researching the answer. You can start with a Google search or see if the library has online electronic books/journals to help you find the information you need.

Literature Cited:

Griffith, JS (2002). Labyrinths: A Pathway to Reflection and Contemplation. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 6(5), 295-296.

Michels, B, Maxwell D and Chang, C-W (2010). Labyrinths: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – Implications for Education. Critical Questions in Education. 1(1), 27-39.

Sellers, J and Moss, B (2016). Learning with the Labyrinth Creating Reflective Space in Higher Education. London, Palgrave, Macmillan Publishers Ltd.

Spilner, M (1997, September). Treading ancient paths. Prevention. 49(9), 143-146