MPRA: Labyrinth Opened in Urban Park

From the Mouille Point Residents Association ( MPRA) 

http://bit.ly/15SXRb6

The labyrinth in the Urban Park has been officially opened.
Thank you Alderman Nielson, Alderman JP Smith, Councillor Schaefer, the Contractors and all the Mouille Point Residents and Businesses who contributed to make the labyrinth a reality.
Some background and how to use the labyrinth:

There is a difference between a labyrinth and a maze. A maze has many different
paths and can be confusing to walk with the possibility to get lost. It is a left-brain,
problem solving exercise.

The labyrinth on the other hand has only one path with many turns, there is only one
way in and one way out of a labyrinth. It is a right-brain, creative, intuitive and
spiritual experience.

When we look at the history of labyrinths we see that their origins date far back in
time. The earliest known designs are about 3000 years old. How they developed
from one place to another (or simultaneously appeared in several) is often
mysterious and difficult to understand.

The Romans adapted the ancient labyrinth symbol as a decorative floor pattern, and
the Christian artists and thinkers of early medieval times developed the Roman
pattern into a new and beautiful form which was used as a feature in many medieval
cathedrals. A range of designs were explored, but the pattern used at Chartres
Cathedral in northern France is the archetype and perfection of all medieval
labyrinths.

Following on this ancient tradition the MPRPA have facilitated the building of our very
own Labyrinth. Following a 2 year process we are proud of this facility, especially as
it’s in effect a contemplative space catering inclusively for everyone including folks
with disabilities and can be accessed by all who visit this magnificent Urban Park.
Walking of a labyrinth:

At its most basic level the labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey to the centre of your
deepest self and back out into the world with a broadened understanding of who you
are.

It is also a symbolic journey. A spiritual journey taken in the safe space created by
sacred geometry. The circular shape signifies wholeness and unity and walking the
path can be divided into three stages:

• Walking IN:
   - signifies cleansing, emptying and letting go. It deals with the past.• Time in the CENTER:
   - signifies a time of focus, reflection, introspection and inspiration. It deals with the present – being in the NOW.
• Walking OUT:
   - signifies integration, action, being grounded, becoming energised and empowered. It deals with the future.

If we consider these three stages of walking the labyrinth it becomes clear that there
is balance to be found in walking the labyrinth:

• You walk in and out
• You deal with past, present and future
• There is balance between your right side and your left side
• All of this contributes to make the walking of a labyrinth a special experience.
• There is a saying: “Attitude colours every situation” and this rings true for your
• walk as well. You can choose the attitude with which you approach your walk.
• Serious, playful, prayerful: it is up to you
• Some guidelines for the walk
• Focus – pause at entrance and become quiet (inside and out)
• Experience – walk purposefully – notice what is happening – when you get to the
• center, spend time there – focus – receive whatever you can – leave whenever
• you feel it is time – pay attention on the way out
• Exit – turn towards entrance and give some form of acknowledgement that your
• walk has ended
• Reflect – what did you experience?
• Walk the labyrinth often

Please enjoy walking this labyrinth, it is a gift to the People of Cape Town from the
residents and businesses of Mouille Point and the Mouille Point Rate Payers
Association.