Monday, May 06, 2002
Walk circle, seek self
By Anna Guido
Enquirer contributor
SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP — About to embark on a new cycle of life, some seniors at Sycamore High School are being exposed to the use of labyrinths as another tool in man's search for meaning.
A labyrinth is a path with concentric circles that people walk for personal, psychological and spiritual insight.
Intrigued by the renewed global interest in labyrinths, English teacher Carol Cornwell has incorporated labyrinths into the study of man's search for meaning in her yearlong World Literature course.
“The search for meaning — of going inside yourself and re-evaluating your life — is a never-ending process,” Ms. Cornwell told students.
“Today, for example, you are at the pinnacle of your education, the top dog, the senior. Three months from now, however — if you choose to go to college — you will be the low man on the pole, the college freshman, starting a whole new cycle of life.”
About 65 seniors are enrolled in Ms. Cornwell's three World Literature classes.
“The theme of the whole course is man's search for meaning,” she said. “I brought the labyrinth in last quarter because it is another tool in the search for meaning.”
Those who regularly walk a labyrinth say it offers a kind of spiritual escape where they can tap into their inner thoughts and feelings.
Lauren Artress' 1995 book, Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Sacred Tool, is credited with reviving contemporary interest in labyrinths.
Labyrinth facilitator Peggy Logue of Lebanon said labyrinths are cropping up at universities, churches, health care facilities and wellness centers — even on Wall Street.
“People are seeking a spiritual path — they're not leaving their faith to walk a labyrinth - but as an additional tool to deepen their insight into the meaning of life, ” Ms. Logue said.
At Sycamore High, Ms. Logue guided students in the creation of their own sidewalk chalk labyrinth designs.
“It's a useful lesson for life — when you're stressing out, just take a walk,” said senior Stephanie Kolp, 18, of Blue Ash.
Jehan Mansy, 18, of Montgomery questioned the effectiveness of labyrinths.
“If an individual has enough belief in their religion, why should they have to search for the meaning of life?” she asked.
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