Friday Photo: Meditation Labyrinth

Our neighborhood has been a busy construction zone for the last five to ten years. No fewer than ten new residential or mixed use high rises are currently under construction within about a five-block radius of ALA HQ. It’s generally exciting, and although my family has been priced out of the neighborhood (hence the upcoming move), overall I’m pleased with the coincident changes.

Not all the changes are happy ones, though. Soon to be torn out during the construction of the incongruously named Canyon Ranch Living high rise across the street from ALA HQ is an outdoor labyrinth located just behind the St. James Cathedral. According to the St. James visitor information page, “labyrinths have been used for centuries as a way to center the mind and heart.” For more information, readers are directed to Veriditas, The Voice of the Labyrinth Movement.

My photo doesn’t do the labyrinth justice. Its placement in a heavily shaded area between the cathedral and the Episcopal Church Center (a 1968 tries-too-hard international style building, also fated for demolition) makes for cool contemplation but lousy photo lighting.

While looking for a better image of the labyrinth on the Veriditas site, I came across this cool Online Finger Meditation Tool. My favorite part? The adjustable inertia level. Now that’s something I could use in my everyday life, especially on a Friday afternoon.