Pictured is a new labyrinth built on the property of former Cavan residents Maureen and Andy Harjula.
In early June, former Cavan resident Andy Harjula offered a presentation about labyrinths and Forest Healing Trails to a group at St. John’s Ida Anglican Church.
A retired park planner, Andy brings a keen interest and extensive expertise about landscape. He is well-known for promoting the production of local food, including unusual nuts and fruit. The event was well-attended, and audience members were treated to samples of heart nuts and hazel nuts harvested from the presenter’s property.
Andy has spent the last few months developing a labyrinth on the new property he purchased with his wife Maureen located just north west of the City of Kawartha Lakes last year.
The labyrinth covers an area that is 100 by 100 feet with ten foot wide walking trails. He explains that it was inspired by an ancient labyrinth design.
A labyrinth is a complex structure with an intricate path that leads to a center or end point, and usually has a single route in and out. Historically, labyrinths have appeared in various cultures around the world, serving diverse purposes and embodying distinct meanings. In Native American cultures, some indigenous tribes see labyrinths as symbols of life’s journey or as reflective paths leading to self-awareness. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has a single, unambiguous route leading to a centre point, whereas a maze includes multiple paths and is designed to challenge and confuse. A labyrinth represents an inward journey, where travelers engage in reflection and self-exploration as they walk the path. It is a meditative journey that encourages participants to slow down, observe their thoughts, and connect with their inner selves.
Andy’s labyrinth is a type of forest healing trail which are based on the principles of mindfulness. While forest healing trails usually meander through the woods, this one is built as a labyrinth. This labyrinth is designed for a slow, contemplative walk, not for exercise. To receive the full benefit of the exercise, participants are encouraged to leave their phones and any other distractions aside while they travel the path. The intention is to release worry and anxiety while walking the path during an inward journey. Contemplation occurs once visitors reach the centre, where they pause and reflect, carrying that insight as they retrace their steps back. This process is known to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure and increase oxygen in the blood. Andy has planted edible items along the path, including figs, gooseberries from his native Finland, kiwi, raspberry, daylily, peaches, currants, blueberries, haskaps as well as aromatic plants along the path. A grove of heartnut trees is located near the sitting area in this labyrinth. These are knowns as “beef on a tree” because of their high protein value, they also have the ability to sequester carbon more effectively than cedar trees, which boosts the oxygen levels in the immediate area.
For many years the Harjula’s have supported a com-munity in Belize, taking annual trips bearing plants, sports sup-plies and free labour to help the residents become more self-sufficient. He has also developed three forest bathing walks in that community. This labyrinth will continue his sup-port of this community as any donations received from visitors will be directed to providing scholarships for financially challenged students in Belize.
There is an old labyrinth a bit closer to home: Millbrook resident Grace Glass was instrumental in the creation of a labyrinth beside the community garden at the Old Millbrook School. A couple is currently working on its rehabilitation. It might provide anew outlet for residents seeking stress release that is often found by submersing ourselves in nature- if only we can put down our phone!