University Hospital Labyrinth

There's a trend these days to construct small labyrinths in hospitals, rehab centres and other places of healing so patients and their families can benefit from the meditative time and space which labyrinths provide. I had heard of such a labyrinth at the University Hospital here in Edmonton, so last month when I was there for some minor testing, I decided to check it out.

I knew the labyrinth was on the 4th floor. Once I got off the elevator, there were ample signs leading to it --

The labyrinth is inlaid directly in the carpet and is a reduced 7-circuit Chartres design. It is located in an alcove which also doubles as a lunch area and green space. Luckily on the day I was there, the labyrinth was not covered in tables and chairs (they were pulled off to the sides). But the labyrinth carpet sure could have used a good vacuuming. It was pretty grotty.

University Hospital is one of those big "open concept" places and so the noise level is always quite high, which is not conducive to meditative thought. As well, in order to use this labyrinth, you must not be self-conscious about walking it in front of spectators eating lunch.

As you can see, the labryses are simple rectangular blocks and do not round off the circuit paths. I found that a bit esthetically jarring.

But here is the lovely sacred centre of the labyrinth -- the rose of the Virgin/Goddess.

I'm glad I visited this labyrinth but it is not one that I'll be hurrying back to any time soon. Perhaps the atmosphere is quieter and more private in the evening when patients come to walk it. For their sake, I hope so.