Spirit of the Labyrinth

Throughout our labyrinth journey we have had some very heart warming experiences with many people, from all walks of life. We are calling these experiences the "Spirit of the Labyrinth" stories. Some day we wish to publish a compilation book about them all, however we would like to share just a few with you here. It is our intent that your heart be touched as warmly as ours. Enjoy!

(The photos accompanying each story aren't always "where" the story took place nor the actual people the stories are referring to, just a visual representation of the "spirit" of the story... and the labyrinth.)

Growing Tomorrow's World Labyrinth
By Debi Kermeen
Centennial Elementary School, Plano, IL
Design collaboration with Sue Anne Foster

A Labyrinth Leader
Standing Bear Park, Ponca City, OK

The Labyrinth as Bridge
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX

Walking in Circles Can Be Good Medicine
By Rick Cousins, Contributor
Copyright © 2007 The Galveston County Daily News, Galveston, TX
Published August 18, 2007

Perspectives and Landscapes Change Lives
Norma Stark's Backyard, Toledo, OH
Design collaboration with John Ridder

Marty and Debi's oldest daughter, Brittany at the age of 17, with a high school friend on the way to the prom.

Debi is working on spiral center of Chakra-Vyuha labyrinth in Washington, DC. The labyrinth is mostly found in India where expectant mothers use it as a charm for protection during childbirth. The labyrinth was created for a 2007 episode of HGTV's "Curb Appeal." On the show, the space is referred to as Peaceful Retreat.

Marty and Debi enjoying a hug while filming the HGTV "Curb Appeal" episode which aired in 2007.
(Photo by Kim Fisher)

Marty and Debi's youngest daughter, Chloe at the age of 9, laying some pavers in the first labyrinth the family created in Naperville, IL in 1999.

Jillian used a hammer to create
chips from leftover pavers. She arranged the chips in the same design as the Heart in the Park project. She entered her piece of art in a competition and won a Blue Ribbon at the County Fair. Congratulations to Jillian!
(Photo by Irene Ackerson)

This labyrinth was designed with a wide path and short walk to the center created specifically for wedding ceremonies. It is embraced by a hedge maze that was designed and installed by Marty and Jeff Saward. The labyrinth is a 5-circuit original design by Jeff.
(Photographer unknown)

Celia is offering Marty and Jorge a complimentary koolaid.
(Photo by Ken Crowder)

Marty speaking with a grade school class and educating a younger generation about the labyrinth and its uses. The children also asked Marty many questions about the labyrinth building process. Every classroom in the grade school took the opportunity to come speak with Marty.
(Photo by Ken Crowder)