Labyrinths have been around for centuries. The labyrinth is a walking meditation or a path of prayer, used for many purposes like quieting the mind, reducing stress and connecting to God, a higher power or nature.The La Foret Conference and Retreat Center in Black Forest has a labyrinth on their property. Larry McCulloch, executive director of La Foret, said a group of about 12 to 18 people who had attended the centerís annual Contemplative Camp for about 20 years, decided they wanted a labyrinth.In 2005, the group worked with La Foret staff to select the site; they trucked in 40 tons of river rock; and recruited people from a nearby church, the local Scouts, family members and friends to help place the rocks, which took five years, McCulloch said.ìThe labyrinth is designed with the same pattern as the labyrinth at Chartres, Cathedral in France, but this one is twice the diameter at 85 feet, since it is outdoors,î McCulloch said. ìIt has been a tremendous asset for La Foret, and what is even better is that the group wanted to make it available to everyone.îìContemplatives try to quiet their minds and put themselves in the presence of God, and we realized walking a labyrinth was a wonderful tool as it quiets the soul,î said Rev. Sally Palmer, who has led the Contemplative Camp since 1992. ìWe used to go to other local labyrinths in the area, but Don Seymour, long time Contemplative Camp member, decided we needed our own labyrinth, and we approached La Foret to get permission.î After finding the perfect spot, Seymour and Eileen Abbattista, another camp participant, mapped out the labyrinth before they placed the river rocks.ìWe decided to model our labyrinth after the one at Chartres because it is the model as symbolic, meaning for walking meditations,î Palmer said. The Chartres built their labyrinth for anyone who wanted to do a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, but could not afford it. They made a substitute pilgrimage to their grand cathedral instead, Palmer said. According to the Chartres Cathedral website, pilgrimages to Chartres take place yearly and is considered ìa great Christian pilgrimage,î often bringing thousands of walkers together.Don Seymour died just months after visiting in the summer of 2018 to re-dedicate the labyrinth. ìThere is a stump in the middle of the labyrinth, which is symbolic of being in the presence of God, and Seymour would cut and varnish a new one and bring it every summer,î Palmer said. ìHis son will take over that tradition now.îLa Foret offers a brochure explaining the labyrinth and its three-fold mystical path.McCulloch said everyone is welcome to use the labyrinth but they ask that individuals or groups schedule a time to ensure their visit does not conflict with activities or camps at La Foret. Call 719-495-2743 to schedule. La Foret is located at 6145 Shoup Road in Black Forest. Visit https://www.laforet.org.The Contemplative Camp will be held July 14-20 at La Foret.
