Walking the labyrinth as a meditative practice has long intrigued me. Labyrinths, such as the famous one at Chartres, were used as a metaphorical pilgrimage when a physical pilgrimage wasn’t possible.
As with any practice that encourages attention, walking the labyrinth, paying attention to each step to and from the center, can be a quieting and calming experience.
I’ve always wanted to visit the labyrinth at Chartres but never have made it there yet. Fortunately, we have a beautiful labyrinth sitting in its own “cathedral” of trees on Bainbridge Island.
Jeffrey Bale, an artist and garden designer from Portland, OR, completed the Bainbridge Island labyrinth in 2014. Visit his blog for the handouts from the park which go into detail about the significance of each circuit of the labyrinth and for his collection of essays about each circuit.
Pay attention to the details in the mosaic as you walk. Each circuit has a special significance. One, for instance, symbolizes Tibetan prayer beads, a connection with the prayer wheel at the park. Spin the prayer wheel when you’ve finished your pilgrimage.
Take a deep breath and follow the path to the center and back out. It’s customary to leave an offering at the end (or, rather, the center) of your journey; a remembrance of someone you’ve lost, a token of gratitude, or just something to mark that you’ve reached your destination.
Where is it?
The labyrinth mosaic is at Halls Hill near Blakely Harbor on Bainbridge Island and not hard to find with GPS directions. The park is on the right-hand side of the street if you are coming up the hill. Parking is on the road right next to the park, but there are usually some spots available.
The map below is a static image of a dynamic map, which you can access by clicking here or on the map image to get more information and directions.
For any other labyrinths added later by us, or by our visitors or members, you can click here. If you’d like to share the location of a favorite labyrinth, you can add one here (you must be registered and logged in to do so).
Read other posts about Kitsap County on our Kitsap Page.
