As the year gets into full swing, many people are looking at ways to start the new year off on a new slate. It\u2019s human nature: the desire to exercise more, stress less, be more present and learn to say no. Sometimes, however, we lose our way and revert to old habits, landing up feeling frazzled too soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Candide, a free gardening app that connects South Africa\u2019s green lovers, believes in the power of nature and is always looking at ways to harness green spaces for healthy living, noting the calming influences found in labyrinths \u2013 the one place you really can\u2019t lose your way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s believed labyrinths date back to the Neolithic Age. The word is derived from the Greek labyrinthos, which describes any maze-like structure with a single path through it. However, it is not the same as a maze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A maze can have many paths, while a labyrinth is a single route to the centre, with one entrance which is also the exit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is no right way to walk the path and there are no decisions to be made on which way to turn. With no pressure of \u201cfinding your way\u201d or getting lost in a maze, it\u2019s no wonder people find it calming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The repetition of the route is perhaps also why so many people find walking labyrinths meditative. Slow, intentional walking on a set path in a quiet, safe place allows for focus and tends to relax the body, while concentrating on one\u2019s steps is a way to get centered and be present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lorelei King, former director of surgery at Michigan\u2019s Mercy Hospital, noted how patients were visibly relaxed after walking the hospital\u2019s labyrinth. He gives tips on how to use the path to reap the benefits:.<\/span> Before entering, consider a contemplative question, phrase, prayer or image to hold in your mind..<\/span> While walking, just follow the path and concentrate on your steps..<\/span> On reaching the centre: Sit or stand with your eyes closed or looking downward. Take three deep breaths and ask yourself: What am I feeling right now?.<\/span> When walking back, repeat the contemplation you began with..<\/span> After walking, reflect on your time in the labyrinth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To help kickstart your journey of discovery, Candide has put a list of some cool and calm labyrinths in South Africa together, including two in Stellenbosch \u2013 The Labyrinth at Simonsig and The Hydro Stellenbosch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more labyrinths in SA, go to https:\/\/labyrinthlocator.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As the year gets into full swing, many people are looking at ways to start the new year off on a new slate. It\u2019s human nature: the desire to exercise more, stress less, be more present and learn to say no. 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