Something New

Retirement seems like the right time to try new things. So when my friend Kris proposed a bike trip to a labyrinth and healing garden, of course I said YES. Only when my husband asked me the difference between a maze and a labyrinth did I realize that I knew nothing about labyrinths.

In preparation for our adventure, Kris gave me two small books on labyrinths as reading material. Sure enough one of the first chapters answered my husband’s question. A maze has dead ends, whereas a labyrinth has only one way to get to the center, albeit full of twists and turns.

Kris and I headed out around 7:30 this morning on our bikes. It was one of the most perfect mornings imaginable – warm but not humid, just about right in every way. She had already scouted out the route, which would take us about an hour, mostly on bike paths, but sometimes requiring us to ride on streets with cars.

Much of the ride there was uphill, with a couple of places so steep that I had to get off and walk my bike because I just wasn’t prepared gear-wise. We encountered very few cyclists or runners or mothers with strollers. So most of the way we could ride side-by-side, which is always preferable. Kris is probably the only person I have ever met who can ride as slowly as I do, especially on hills.

Our goal was the intersection of Lee Highway and George Mason Drive, where there is a gem of a garden associated with the Whitman-Walker Clinic. It was established by the TKF Foundation, a private grant-making foundation whose purpose is to create "Open Spaces, Sacred Places". In the middle of an urban setting is this beautifully sculpted garden with the labyrinth as a focal point.

Kris explained a little about her experience with walking labyrinths. How on Mother’s Day she had come and walked barefoot so as to be able to experience the sharpness and unevenness that her mother, her mother-in-law, her grandmothers had experienced in their lives. How she always sets an intention before beginning.

I spent some time reading in a beautiful little gazebo while Kris walked today. Then it was my turn, as she relaxed by the pool of goldfish, soaking up the sun.

The labyrinth is not the regulation Chartres size, but rather a smaller version. It’s the same idea however. You enter at one side, after ascending 3 steps. I took a deep breath as I went up each step. Then I launched into the path marked by colored stones, quickly realizing there is a lot more walking than I had imagined. My intention was to be grateful for family and friends near and far, some of whom I’ve never met. It seemed appropriate to pause at each switchback to drink in the bird sounds and beautiful flowers all around. As I reached the center I sensed an uplifting feeling. It was easy to retrace my steps back to the beginning. I can see how this form of walking meditation can be so beneficial.

Back in the real world, we stopped for a Starbucks latte before heading for home. The trip back was considerably easier for the most part, with the only grueling section at the very end. There was never the need to get off and walk my bike.

Other than initiating me to the healing properties of the labyrinth, today’s trip was good for me because it convinced me I can do some more difficult bike rides. I have always been a wimp when it comes to hills, but now that my legs are getting stronger, I think I can tackle harder rides.

This was the perfect way to spend the morning with a good friend. Now I want to discover all of the labyrinths in the DC metropolitan area. Does anyone know of another?