Churchie students creating paths to prayer and gratitude
Reflections
Churchie Chaplain Stephanie Cotroneo recently asked Religious Education students to create their own labyrinths in their homes and yards – find out what some of the boys have to say about prayer, meditation and gratitude
In the lead up to World Labyrinth Day recently, Churchie Chaplain Stephanie Cotroneo asked Religious Education students in the Preparatory School to create their own labyrinths in their homes and yards, as the boys study at home to help keep their communities safe. When anglican focus heard about this wonderful initiative from the dedicated Vanessa Gamack, the Mission and Education Advisor at the Anglican Schools Commission, we knew the boys would write some inspiring reflections.
Jacob – Year 6 Student, Churchie
I found out about labyrinths when I saw a calming picture on Schoolbox about them. I then thought about creating one myself because it looked fun and peaceful and a good way to appreciate items that you’re thankful for. So, I gathered some items and started to create it.
My favourite thing about labyrinths is that it is so calm and peaceful to pray in. I also love how it is like a maze, but there is only one way in and out. Labyrinths are a way to show peace and appreciation, which is a good thing and a good way to show thankfulness.
I needed to make something quite big, but not too big, so I started to think about what materials I should use. I finally came to using towels, as they’re easy to bend and shape. So, I looked at good labyrinths and decided on a hook shape. Then I got to building.
I used the labyrinth by saying one thing that I’m thankful for which is a good way to show appreciation. And then when I get into the middle I pray. It’s a good way to calm down and relax if you’re stressed or angry.
I would recommend labyrinths to most people as it is really calming and a good way to show appreciation. It’s a good way to meditate because its relaxing and peaceful and there are lots of different ways to use it. So, I would recommend it to most people and schools.
Charlie – Year 6 Student, Churchie
A labyrinth is a certain walk that you can do to remember God. Labyrinths are different to normal walking because they are usually built with a winding path that’s within the shape of a circle. This path leads you the middle of the labyrinth, which is usually in the very centre of the circle. With every step you take towards the circle you think and pray to God. In this way, labyrinths are a very spiritual experience.
I first learnt about labyrinths last year when we were in school chapel, and Chaplain Stephanie was talking about them. We each had a set of finger labyrinths (labyrinths you trace with your finger instead of walking) and, as we were tracing, Chaplain Stephanie told us about labyrinths all around the world. They are all around the place; some in cathedrals, some are in people’s back gardens and some are in public places. You can find them on the internet.
My family and I went for a holiday to Europe around Christmas. Chaplain Stephanie told us that Europe was the region most popular for labyrinths. We tried to go to some of those labyrinths, but because of the weather, it was too cold and rainy, such as -20 degrees Celsius!
I love labyrinths because they are a clear path towards God. So, Chaplain Stephanie asked the class to create a labyrinth for the World Labyrinth Day. So, against my mum’s will, I gathered up all of the socks in the house and laid them out on the lawn so that I had a homemade labyrinth! Why socks? Well I had to use socks because we were in lockdown! However, if we were not in lockdown, I would have gone to the park and collected some big rocks and laid them down.
Because of this our family had a magnificent World Labyrinth Day!
Harri – Year 5 Student, Churchie
I first learnt about labyrinths in Religious Education Week 2 and I got inspired to create my own. I think the best thing about labyrinth meditation is having someone to thank for all the good things in life.
When I watched the PowerPoint in class, I was inspired to make one that I could walk through, so I stripped my bed and my brother’s, too, got a couple blankets and started making it.
I used my labyrinth by walking through it and encouraging my family to walk through it, too. I would recommend this for other schools because it feels so good having someone to thank for everything we have.
Churchie student Sinclair with his pencil labyrinth
Churchie student Noah and his laundry peg labyrinth
Churchie student Oliver and his finger labyrinth
Churchie student Oscar walking his finger labyrinth
