Palmer Trinity School

A Walking Path to Peace By Jan Morrison, Annie Morrison '10, and Mary Ellen Cassini, Chaplain "We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time." T. S. ELIOT, FOUR QUARTETS LABYRINTH ENCOUNTER BY JAN MORRISON I first discovered walking a labyrinth at Rancho La Puerta, in Tecate, Mexico. The meditating effect walking that path had on me, with only one way in and one way out, was inspiring. When Palmer Trinity School started plans to build a new chapel, I immediately thought about how wonderful it would be for the School to add a labyrinth for its community. I envisioned this labyrinth as being nestled among oak trees, immediately outside of Trinity Chapel. After many discussions with hired architects, School Leadership, and members of the community, the idea became a reality. Our family is proud to donate these labyrinths to Palmer Trinity School for students, families, faculty, staff, and friends to use for years to come. Sincerely, JA N MOR RISON A ND FA MILY Jan and Bill, Will and Sophi (Policastro), and Hugh and Annie A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness; combining the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering, but purposeful, path. A metaphor for life's journey, the path reveals a purpose for the walker, who is able to breathe, meditate, and pray while walking. Additionally, it represents a journey to each person's own center and back out again into the world. People who walk the labyrinth regularly see it lead to deeper relationships, a stronger sense of community, movement in their spiritual journey, inner reflection, a connection to sources of guidance, a moment of "living in the present," greater creativity, and stress reduction. Labyrinths have long been used as tools for meditation and prayer; they are over 4,000 years old and present themselves in a number of distinctive and varied cultures. Please consider: » As you enter, calm yourself. Deliberately slow down. Pause and, if desired, recite a prayer. Often you may bow or nod while entering to make the entrance distinctive. Try to avoid distractions. » As you walk the labyrinth, try to slow down and move into a recognition of the current time. If your mind wanders to depression about the past or anxiety about the future, relax and bring the mind to the present moment. If you have particular blessings or intentions, bring them to the center of the labyrinth. » As you leave the labyrinth, face the entrance and recite a moment of gratitude. You may integrate any insights or revelations you have had during the journey at this point. » As you walk away, consider the experience and ponder what you felt. If you desire, journal or draw your feelings or thoughts. Walking the labyrinth encourages people to slow down, breathe, and let go of any stress or concern they may have. Many people prefer to move in meditation, rather than sit. The experience of walking a labyrinth changes with each visit. May all at PTS use this ancient practice to escape from the hustle and bustle of life, relax and appreciate the present moment. ABOUT THE MORRISON LABYRINTHS S U MME R 2 0 2 0 15

• Cover