Creating a New Intentional Labyrinth Design for You
An Intentional Labyrinth Designed for You means that the labyrinth is a translation of your intention into an energetic pattern that becomes a labyrinth. This translation occurs after a discussion that is usually around two hours but has gone as long as four and a half hours.
During this time, we work together exploring what you mean by your intention, in order for me to be able to state your intention to you in your terms. Throughout this process, I am seeking to enter into the energetic world of your intention so that I can feel this energy. When I do enter this world and feel the energy of your intention, I can say what I think your intention is. I take notes and write drafts of your intention as we talk. We continue to work and periodically I state what I think your intention is. You respond by either re-stating what you mean or adding to my attempt. When we agree, I am ready to create your labyrinth.
The Intentional Labyrinth Design Process:
1. The Conversation
In this step, the client and I sit* and discuss the problems or issues with which the client is concerned. The purpose is to have the client agree that I understand the client’s intention in the client’s terms. The labyrinth design is an energetic translation of this intention.
*This step is usually done in person where possible but can be done over the phone. The conversation usually takes about two hours.
2. Design and Models
I develop the initial sketch of the labyrinth usually within two hours of the conclusion of the conversation. This initial sketch in my notebook is developed into a series of formal drawings that will be the same size as the labyrinth.
As I work, there are no preconceptions about what the labyrinth will look like. Each drawing is an outgrowth of the conversation with my client and the energy of her or his intention. Therefore, there are no set patterns or colors or elements. The design grows from the feelings and energy flow of the client’s intention as I draw. When the design feels done, I put the sketch aside for several days. I, then, return to the drawing and see how it feels. If I feel that I need to do so, I revise the pattern.
3. Fabrication of the Labyrinth
All the labyrinths are made on unbleached canvas and painted with acrylics. This step includes the cutting of the canvas, the drawing of the design, the selection of colors, painting and the final hemming and addition of the hanging bar. As said earlier, the colors are selected because of how they feel as I connect with the feeling of the intention and its energy. I just place my paint box next to the drawing, begin to move through the labyrinth, register how I feel, and select a color or colors for that segment of the pattern.
4. Writing the Labyrinth’s handbook
Each labyrinth comes with a handbook. The handbook contains an essay describing the intention of the labyrinth. This is the element that is missing from historical labyrinths and led me to begin creating my own, that is, my desire to share the intention of the labyrinth with the user. The handbook also contains a section of approaches on how to begin to use the labyrinth. As it says in the handbooks, these approaches are ways to allow the client to begin to connect with and use the labyrinth. After this initial period, the client’s intuition, sense of play, and curiosity can lead to many more ways to use the labyrinth. Lastly, the handbook contains material that is common to all the handbooks – an introduction about what a labyrinth daily practice is, a bit about what an intentional labyrinth is, and brief notes on particular aspects of the design that a client may find helpful.
5. Time line
From the initial conversation to the mailing or presentation of the labyrinth to the client at my studio takes about two months. During this time, I send periodic updates about where I am in the process. Sometimes, the time is shorter, and sometimes, the time is longer.
6. Upon completion of the labyrinth and handbook, the client can arrange to either pick her or his labyrinth up at my studio or to have it mailed
7. Cost
The labyrinth and its handbook cost $800.
Where appropriate, there is additional sales tax.
Finally, there is shipping and handling. The labyrinth is shipped Priority Mail and is insured. The exact shipping costs can’t be determined until I have made the labyrinth because I do not know the size of the labyrinth until it’s done.
If you would like to order a new design or to discuss the process, please email or call me.
Notes:
1. Payment plans can be arranged.
2. Labyrinths can be designed for a group or business as well as an individual.
3. These fees apply to new outdoor designs as well and are in addition to the costs of creating the labyrinth on the ground.