St Luke’s
Walking the labyrinth at St Luke's Anglican Church, 762 Somerset Street, Ottawa, Ontario
The labyrinth at St Luke's Anglican Church was installed in 2007 by Dr. Compton with the help of a team of enthusiastic volunteers from the parish congregation and the "Come Sing!" musical community based at St. Luke's. The "home" of Labyrinthed™, St Luke's labyrinth is one of the few permanent indoor labyrinths in the Ottawa area.
The parish shares this beautiful space by sponsoring guided labyrinth walks from 7 to 9 p.m., the first Friday of each month, from September through June. A trained facilitator is on hand. No previous experience is necessary! Tea and fellowship follow the walk. A free will offering of $10 is suggested.
Please come in by the Somerset Street door, and follow the signs downstairs to Lindsay Hall.
Groups who wish to arrange for a guided walk at other times are welcome to call the office at St Luke’s to arrange for a facilitator: 613.235.3416.
What people say about walking the labyrinth at St Luke’s
“I gained clarity and release” … “entered a peaceful space” … “I felt my heart open to compassion”… “eager to be part of a circle of light” … “lovely”… ”I get a peaceful feeling here” …“you create a very safe place conducive to expression”
Links to Ottawa labyrinths
Find out about other Ottawa labyrinths here.
Walking a labyrinth is a kind of pilgrimage.
A pilgrimage is an inward journey as well as an external one. It is traditionally defined as travelling, usually with some difficulty, through unknown territory, to a sacred centre, where something memorable has happened before. Often for us, that difficulty lies in simply letting go of our expectations and being present.
How to walk a labyrinth
The labyrinth is a kind of walking meditation. There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth, although, like any meditation, it is best experienced with an unhurried, contemplative approach.
The most important thing is to find and honour your own pace. Collect yourself before you step in by taking a few deep breaths. Create the intention within yourself to be present and to welcome whatever arises.
Sometimes you will be walking with other people. This is an opportunity to appreciate that we are all somewhere on the Path, trying to do the best we can. Be respectful of other people’s need for space and privacy. More about walking the labyrinth.
What is a guided labyrinth walk?
A “guided” walk means that a trained facilitator is present at the labyrinth event. If walking the labyrinth is a pilgrimage, the facilitator is like the person who provides for the pilgrims along the way: greeting participants as they arrive, assisting with any special needs, offering an introductory explanation for newcomers, answering questions.
What does the facilitator do?
The facilitator establishes and maintains a contemplative atmosphere, sets the theme and intention for the walk, and provides for the comfort and well-being of the participants. Seating arrangements and hospitality invite fellowship and the communion of shared stories. Flowers, candles, "stopping places" or altars, bells and selected music are all sensorial cues that enhance the experience of participating in an event in sacred space. The facilitator opens the event, acts as compassionate presence and witness for participants as they are walking, and conducts the closing ritual of thanksgiving. Many labyrinth facilitators (including Vanessa) have been trained by the Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress, a pioneer of labyrinth practice in North America.