herrbrook farm retreat, lancaster pa

labyrinth

History
On a warm, rainy evening in April 2002, Mary Lou and her 15-year-old mentee from church, Rachel Lehman, circled eleven times around a center point to create the footprint of what was to become the labyrinth at Herrbrook. The 64-foot grass labyrinth takes ten to fifteen minutes to walk to reach its center. The vista enroute includes woodland, pasture, fields, orchard and the gardens of Herrbrook.


Purpose Located in the upper yard above the orchard, Herrbrook's labyrinth is available for outdoor prayer to cottage retreatants as well as the general public. The labyrinth prayer-form is an ancient, universal symbol of spiritual quest. A single pathway leads one into the center and back out again.

Process Each person’s experience with the labyrinth is distinctive, for there is no one way to walk it. One enters with the complexities of the moment and begins the winding path at a chosen pace. Thoughts give way to quiet reflection. The stroll can be a metaphor for the journey of life. Many find it to be a contemplative prayer leading one to the heart of God. Some recite scripture or sing as they walk. The center is a place of rest to sit, kneel, or lie down. It may be a place of insight or letting go. With new perspective and preparation, one can exit on the same path, ready to face whatever lies ahead.

Group-use Call ahead to reserve the labyrinth for a group to use. Options include a guided orientation, rituals for specific occasions, candles/torches for nighttime, or music. Individuals Drop by anytime at your convenience, knowing others may be using it also

   Herrbrook Farm Retreat | 2256 New Danville Pike | Lancaster, PA 17603-9666 |   717-872-2848