Hannah More School’s labyrinth, a traditional circular path used for walking meditation, is now open for the community.  Paul Kaplan, the school’s director of clinical services, and Brian Mroz, the school’s nurse, initiated the labyrinth. It is made of brick pavers, and is set in a grassy area behind the school, near the community gardens.  It cost $20,000 in public funds and private donations, and was designed and installed by two local companies.

 

Mr. Kaplan says he first walked a labyrinth four years ago, and had a very powerful and calming experience walking a labyrinth during a conference on conflict resolution shortly after the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Mr. Mroz has also had many peaceful experiences walking a labyrinth, and has built one in the backyard of his Harford County home.

 

Labyrinths are ancient pathways used for contemplation, and their forms can vary from simple spirals to more complex designs.  The labyrinth at Hannah More is a 25-foot Abingdon design, with large rocks to protect the site from cars in the parking lot, and to provide seating.