On Saturday, October 19th we will embark on a very special project in the garden at St. John’s Episcopal Church: the creation of a meditative community labyrinth.
Labyrinth walking is an ancient practice used by many faiths for spiritual centering, contemplation, and prayer. Entering the serpentine path of a labyrinth, you stroll while quieting your mind and focusing on a spiritual question or prayer.
PCG Board member and horticultural therapist, Fred Ellman, has envisioned developing this meditative walking path at St. John’s for months and has been working with our community partners at The Nicholas Center all summer.
St. John’s Reverend Chris Veillon, who has supported this effort since its inception says, “Transforming the serene corner behind the Community Garden into a space for contemplation really highlights the impact of PCG’s mission—nourishing bodies through good food, partnering in service, and connecting with the sacred, all from one small plot.” She added, “We hope the labyrinth will invite everyone in the community to find that refreshment and sense of meaning and purpose.”
Fred, who offers a range of respite support services to individuals in need through his work at On Growing Mindfulness, confirmed that “This is the start of an inclusive new respite program at St. John’s, which will open in April of 2025.”
Work began slowly over the summer, with the initial bricks used on the path salvaged from the former Girls Scouts building which was being demolished across the street. The project really took off this fall when Fred, working with St. John’s, secured a grant from Respite for All to help fund the additional materials needed for the project.
Fred says that, “A labyrinth can be surprisingly calming and clarifying for your thoughts as well as provide much needed respite for those experiencing anxiety, stress, mental health or memory care issues and their care partners.”
On Saturday, October 19th members of PCG as well as students from Pace University will be working on the labyrinth as well as “putting the garden to bed” after a very productive season; we grew, gathered and shared over 4,500 pounds of fresh produce with those in need.
Community members are welcome to join us anytime between 11am and 2pm to participate in the project or just come celebrate the creation of this exciting new addition to the community.
If you can’t make it, please follow our progress on Facebook or Instagram at @pvillegarden.
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