The addition of a labyrinth at the
Greenhalge Elementary School in the Centerville neighborhood is a partnership between the
school and the community. The project was first proposed by the late
Mary Bacigalupo, an active community leader, who had become interested
in labyrinths and was actively looking at different sites in the city
that would benefit the people of Lowell.
Definition of Labyrinth: a winding path with many twists and turns
but only one opening - one way in and the same way out.
Labyrinths are found in many communities all over
the world, dating back as early as 165 BC, and are a popular way to
involve citizens in community life today.
Unlike a maze, which has many dead-ends, paths, and
ways in and out, a labyrinth is not designed to confuse you. It is
an ancient device used for meditation and finding a sense of inner
peace. Walking a labyrinth is a very individual personal experience.
There is no right or wrong way.
The activity reduces anxiety and is stress free - you will always
get to the center.
A labyrinth can be seen as a metaphor for the path we walk through
life.
Why at an elementary school?
· The labyrinth encourages right hemisphere activity in the
brain - the nonverbal, intuitive. This calm focused attention stays
with children and helps them focus after they walk a labyrinth.
· When children walk a maze or a labyrinth during the school
day, they return to the classroom mentally, physically, emotional
and ready to resume classroom activities.
· The labyrinth also stimulates an interest in geometric design,
history, symbolism, architecture, and philosophy.
· A labyrinth can facilitate a child's learning of math sequencing.
· A labyrinth on school property will help students visualize
and strengthen these various activities because they will be able
to actually see and use a labyrinth.
· A new playground activity for all the students may encourage
the students to play and help each other with their own interpretations
of how to "play" in a labyrinth.
The process that involves the participants in planning
the labyrinth at the school is as important as the project. Students,
parents, school administrators and staff, and others in the community
who are interested in a livable community have been invited to help
establish the details of the labyrinth at the school.
