Years before artist Kristen Winn started building labyrinths, she got a tattoo of one on her left wrist as a reminder that when going through big transitions in life, you’ve got to work through them to get to the other side.
“Little did I know it was the sign of what was to come for me,” Winn said on a sunny afternoon at the Bow Sanctuary Wellness Center, where she recently completed a 39-by-42-foot outdoor labyrinth within sight of the Samish Overlook and Blanchard Mountain.
Abutted by generations-old apple and pear trees and tall cedar trees, the labyrinth takes approximately seven minutes to walk through. A small sign at the beginning explains how labyrinths go hand-in-hand with what Winn calls “walking meditation.”
The instructions recommend setting an intention, following the grassy path to the center, then taking a moment to honor that intention before making your way out the same way you came in. They also advise people to take their time.
Winn explained she created the pathway based on a seven-circuit classical labyrinth, the first of which dates back to the late Stone Age/early Bronze Age. The circuit number is based on how many pathways there are from the center.
“That’s when you are really able to immerse yourself into the more meditative qualities of a labyrinth,” she said.
Other numbers came into play to get the labyrinth built. It took six weeks from start to finish, used 815 reclaimed pavers, took about nine yards of gravel and was dependent on four core builders and six volunteers, totaling 223 labor hours.
Winn has created a number of labyrinths before — from her first one in Morocco to a temporary one at Burning Man which she took down during a dust storm, and other private backyard retreats. But the Bellingham resident said this one was special.
“It was amazing and beautiful and there was really a sense of grounding as we were building it,” she said. “Laying down that last paver, it was this really celebratory moment. It felt great.”
The Bow Sanctuary labyrinth has been added to a worldwide locater found on the website for Veriditas, a group founded by the Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress in the 1990s. Veriditas means “the greening power of life,” and focuses on how labyrinths can be used as spiritual tools.
Winn is currently getting her facilitator certification through Veriditas, and said they also offer other courses and trips people can take to look at labyrinths around the world.
As an acrylic painter and illustrator known to sketch or paint everything from birds to abstract landscapes and inspirational experiences found during her travels, Winn said she thinks there’s an art form to holding space for people. As a facilitator, she’s been trained in how to hold that space before, during and after a walk.
“One of the things we say is, trust the path,” Winn said. “Just keep following the path and you will get to the center. Whereas a maze is meant to confuse you — you have to engage your logical mind — with a labyrinth, you just follow the path.”
In general, Winn said labyrinths like the ones at Bow Sanctuary and Fairhaven Park combine elements of self-care, nature and connection. She thinks society has normalized burnout, and this is one way to slow down and find a moment of rest.
When asked how it feels to be part of a labyrinth-making community that stretches back thousands of years and can be found in many different countries, Winn teared up while trying to explain how the practice has affected her.
“It gives me goosebumps and it makes me a little emotional because I think we have really lost connection to each other and this is such a beautiful and meaningful way to get it back,” she said. “I just feel so fortunate that I was given this gift.”
All ages are welcome at a Labyrinth Dedication Celebration from 6:30–9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22 at Bow Sanctuary, 3533 Chuckanut Drive. Light refreshments will be served. The event will feature a brief intro to labyrinths, non-guided walks, and the opportunity to participate in a simple ritual, a sound bath. Entry is free, but donations will be accepted. The labyrinth can be explored by members of the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Info: kristenthered.com or bowsanctuary.com.
