The Garden Labyrinth

Imprinted in the center of the gardens of the James Mulvey Inn is a curiously, harmonious circle of paths know as a Labyrinth. Labyrinths are ancient symbols which can be found imprinted on the oldest of coins, drawn on the walls of early caves and incorporated into the designs of some of Christianity’s greatest cathedrals and Europe’s most beautiful gardens.

Our garden labyrinth resembles the designs in the floor of the Cathedral in Chartres near Paris, France. This labyrinth has been walked, along with hundreds of others, to represent life as a personal and spiritual journey toward a center destination and release. Indeed life is a deliberate walk and our experiences are its paths. But the message of hope and peace that comes from the labyrinth, is that all of this leads to a places of fulfillment in the center. Notice how the path circles, often doubling back in a series of shifts, seeming to lose its way, but then always proceeds onward, not lost at all, but closer to the center. The Labyrinth is a gift to our guests; a reminder to our traveling guests that the greatest journey of all is the one we take as we strive to find peace and fulfillment in our lives.

Labyrinths were also connected with love. Great European gardens formed hedge rows into the circular paths and switchbacks of the labyrinth. Young lovers would chase each other or hide, only to rediscover each other in flurry of surprise and passion. This is a wonderful expression of our Inn. This is a place to rediscover love…a place to be surprised by our passion for our loved one.

So if it feels right, walk the labyrinth in the Mulvey garden. Perhaps it will be a personal journey for you. Relish the pauses on the way. Reflect on your paths and how seemingly mysteriously life takes you to people, places and experiences. What feels random and directionless, is really leading you toward a place of peace and redemption.

Walk the path with your loved one. As you enter the labyrinth, reflect together on the time you first met. Let the switchbacks and turns represent your journey together. As you walk, pause and recall a setback or extraordinary moment you have shared together. When you reach the center, embrace. You are blessed to love!