If you have been to our church, you have probably noticed a circular path on the
northeast corner of the property; it has a painted sign and is surrounded by
large and colorful flora. This is our labyrinth, and we welcome anyone who
needs a quiet moment to walk through it.
The labyrinth is a work in progress that began in the Fall
of 2011, but really, it began in 2001. Carolyn Nieland, a long-time UU, was
going through turbulent emotional times, when a friend suggest she retreat to a
camp dedicated to earth-centered spirituality. Carolyn
calls this retreat her odyssey. She says it changed her life; it put her on a
new path and dedicated her to using her skills for the benefit of her community.
Around the time of her return, the same friend was building a labyrinth, and
Carolyn offered her time as an assistant on the project. It was her first
experience with a labyrinth, and she fell in love.
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| Carolyn used this 9 circuit design as inspiration. The snake's body represents the path. |
Carolyn obtained her degree in art education, and has worked
with all kinds of media: fiber arts, pottery, and photography mainly, but also gardening
and the 2001 labyrinth. Since then, she’s quit using cameras and sewing
machines, and prefers not to use a computer, but her interest in nature has
remained unchanged. To user her own words, she’s “like those old UUs, who was
it? Thoreau? I am worshipping when I am in nature. Now, when you sit on that
bench, in the shade behind the labyrinth, it’s sort of a temple.” For Carolyn, the labyrinth was a spiritual
artwork; each circuit has a meaning, motivated by her interest in the feminine
divine and earth-based spirituality. The outer three circuits represent outward
reality—the world as it is—the inner three represent our inner emotional world,
and the middle path represents the spiritual space between them—our jumbled
interactions. The number three has powerful meaning for many religions, and the
circuits may mean different things to different people who walk the path. Some
might see the outer path as the human world, the inner as the spirit realm, and
the middle as the veil between them. Or, perhaps each track means nothing, but
the act of meandering through them allows the traveler space to meditate or
process complex emotions. For many in our fellowship and the surrounding
community, the labyrinth is a place of healing and spiritual renewal.
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| At the dedication ceremony in 2012, most of the plants are still in pots! Photo courtesy of Ray Perez |
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| Tom laying bricks in 2014; look how the plants have grown! |
Surrounding the labyrinth is a colorful array of Valley wildlife: esperanza,
Turk’s cap, purple porter weed, dwarf Poinciana, and many different herbs
including lemon grass, Cuban oregano, and rosemary. There is even a pomegranate
tree! Carolyn said that, as an artist, she tried to put colors and heights
together in an aesthetically pleasing manner, and as an earth-centered person
she was influenced by Native Americans and the cardinal directions, the wheel
of the Earth, and her roots in rural Nebraska, but, “It’s really for the birds
and butterflies. I don’t speak Spanish, so it’s hard for me to advocate well for
those in need in this area. But, I’m determined to help our feathered migrants.”
She would like to expand the gardens and add a water feature, so the space can
be a sanctuary for people, birds, and butterflies alike.
When asked about why she built it, Carolyn explained that participation in a community involves your time, talent, or treasure. In her words, “I wanted to do what I could with what I had—with who I am.” The labyrinth was intended as an educational and outreach tool. Unitarian Universalists affirm many different ideas of spirituality, and a labyrinth is welcoming to all of them. Her greatest pride in her work, what she calls the “nicest success,” is the ever-increasing community involvement. While working on the labyrinth, Carolyn formed lasting friendships with two women who live nearby, and they often tell her when they see people walking the labyrinth during the week. When she talks about how many people are involved, Carolyn’s usual smile gets even wider and pride beams from her face. There is a woman from the neighborhood who pulls weeds and waters the plants during the week, neighbors have contributed bricks to outline the path (the latest are from a toppled mailbox), one neighbor donated a hibiscus, and quite a few fellowship members have donated plants, time, and labor to keep the garden growing. And we cannot forget Carolyn’s husband Tom, who has supported her vision from the beginning and, in Carolyn’s words, “has been stalwart in this whole thing.” He can usually be seen doing upkeep or digging holes for new plants.
When asked about why she built it, Carolyn explained that participation in a community involves your time, talent, or treasure. In her words, “I wanted to do what I could with what I had—with who I am.” The labyrinth was intended as an educational and outreach tool. Unitarian Universalists affirm many different ideas of spirituality, and a labyrinth is welcoming to all of them. Her greatest pride in her work, what she calls the “nicest success,” is the ever-increasing community involvement. While working on the labyrinth, Carolyn formed lasting friendships with two women who live nearby, and they often tell her when they see people walking the labyrinth during the week. When she talks about how many people are involved, Carolyn’s usual smile gets even wider and pride beams from her face. There is a woman from the neighborhood who pulls weeds and waters the plants during the week, neighbors have contributed bricks to outline the path (the latest are from a toppled mailbox), one neighbor donated a hibiscus, and quite a few fellowship members have donated plants, time, and labor to keep the garden growing. And we cannot forget Carolyn’s husband Tom, who has supported her vision from the beginning and, in Carolyn’s words, “has been stalwart in this whole thing.” He can usually be seen doing upkeep or digging holes for new plants.
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| Native American style labyrinth in Arizona |
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| Chartres labyrinth in France |
Labyrinths are an ancient and can be found all over the
world. Their exact origins are unknown. What is clear is that we humans have
been fascinated with these intricate walkways for longer than we can imagine.
Over the centuries, labyrinths have evolved in style and use. We often think of
the Greek labyrinth which imprisoned the Minotaur as a frightening maze, but
during the middle ages, labyrinths were featured in tile inside many Catholic
churches, the most famous of these is the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in
France, which was walked as a pilgrimage, or traveled on the knees as penance and
is still used by visitors to this day. Landed aristocracy in Europe would often
build elaborate hedge-mazes, but some labyrinths are modeled after
Native-American symbols and designs. They are used all over the world by all
kinds of people for all different reasons. Children might run through a
labyrinth, while adults tend to take a meditative or prayerful pace. Some
people keep their eyes on the path, while others prefer to take in the sky.
Whatever your reason, we invite you to stop by and walk our labyrinth. Whether
you are young, old, a friend, or a stranger, feel free to step into this
peaceful space at any time.
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| Carolyn and Tom Nieland at the dedication in 2012. Our labyrinth is part of the Gover Memorial Garden, dedicated to a member of our fellowship who passed away, and to all the loved ones we've lost. Photo courtesy of Ray Perez |
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