Neolabyrinthium - Blog , labyrinthsNeolabyrinthium - Blog , labyrinthshttps://www.neolabyrinthium.com/blogs/labyrinthsWed, 29 Apr 2026 02:51:26 +0200http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Let’s Bring Labyrinths Back into Public Life]]>https://www.neolabyrinthium.com/blogs/post/let-s-bring-labyrinths-back-into-public-lifeLabyrinths are a wonderfull product to create in a restorative city. Do you want to know why?]]>

Visiting the Public Spaces Salon in Brussels 

On May 7th, I attended the Public Spaces Salon in Brussels — a gathering of designers, landscape architects, and innovators exploring how we shape our shared environments. I was especially drawn to one particular talk: for the first time, a speaker was addressing the impact of public spaces on mental health.

As I listened, something deeply resonated. Throughout history, labyrinths have always held a place in the public realm — from cathedral floors to village greens. They were spaces for reflection, healing and community.

It’s time to bring them back into view. Labyrinths are more than design elements — they offer rich emotional, sensory and psychological experiences that nurture wellbeing in ways our cities urgently need today.



Labyrinths are a solution within restorative cities.

🌿 A silence area in your city

Imagine on your way back from work: a quiet, beautiful path winding gently under your feet. You follow it, not in a rush, not to reach a goal — but simply to slow down, breathe,and reconnect. No screens, no traffic, no pressure. Just you, the earth, and your next step, leaving behind the stress of the day before entering your home and be with your family?


Imagine a city where the people have no stress, are feeling mentally well and connected to eachother?


That’s the power of a labyrinth.


In the heart of today’s cities — buzzing, overstimulated and often fragmented — people are longing for space to just be. 

We don’t just need more benches or bike lanes. 


We need meaningful public places that restore us.


That’s where public labyrinths come in.


🌿 A natural remedy for modern stress

Our minds are tired. Our nervous systems are constantly on alert. A public labyrinth offers something rare and needed: 

a place to pause. 

Based on the principles of restorative urban design (J. Roe & L McCay), labyrinths invite us to slow down, reflect, and recharge — right where we are. This refers to the model Restorative Cities for mental health and human flourishing.


🧭 A quiet way to connect

There’s something magical about walking a labyrinth next to a stranger, both silently following the same path. It creates a shared moment without words — a soft sense of togetherness. So needed in times of isolation, loss or burnout. 


Cities should make room for that kind of places to connect.


🌱 A green touch, anywhere

Whether planted with flowers, carved into stone, or marked in soft grass — labyrinths bring nature, ritual and rhythm to even the most urban corners.


 They’re beautiful, calming and surprisingly easy to maintain. And yes — they count as green mental health infrastructure, too!


Interested in a public labyrinth?

🔸 Do you want your city or town to support the mental wellbeing of its people?
🔸 Do you dream of public spaces that invite silence, reflection and healing?

🔸 Do you believe in urban design that touches hearts, not just hurries feet?


Then now is the moment.


💌 Let’s bring labyrinths into your parks, squares, cemeteries, schools or hospitals.
Let’s turn your public space into a space that gives back.


👉 I recorded a video where I explain the opportunities of labyrinths in public spaces. The video is in Dutch.


View my video
]]>Mon, 19 May 2025 12:50:23 +0100<![CDATA["A new form of leadership is taking space."]]>https://www.neolabyrinthium.com/blogs/post/a-new-form-of-leadership-is-taking-space.

What we can learn from Silence and Labyrinths

From Maze to a new kind of Leadership: What If Silence Is the Way?

On May 7th, I had the honour of speaking at CHRO Day 2025, an exclusive gathering of HR leaders from Belgium’s largest companies. My invitation? To offer a different take on leadership—through the lens of silence and... labyrinths.

We often live and lead in “maze energy.” Always figuring out the next move, constantly solving, choosing between right and wrong, success and failure. In that mindset, leadership becomes about control, speed, and solutions. But what if there's another way?

A labyrinth asks nothing of you but presence. There are no choices, no dead ends. Just one winding path, full of curves and turns—but always leading to the centre. It’s an ancient symbol of trust, insight, and surrender. It creates space to slow down, to feel, to listen.

During my talk, I invited the audience to look at leadership through a different lens: not as someone who leads the way, but as someone who holds space. A quiet leader isn’t passive—they are present. They dare to pause, to make space for deeper wisdom to emerge. They don’t push; they hold.

I also explored the rich history of labyrinths—from Egyptian temples to French cathedrals, from grand pilgrimage paths to the smallest fingertip labyrinths. And yes, science now confirms what practitioners have long known: walking a labyrinth, even with your finger, supports emotional balance, improves focus, boosts creativity, and promotes healing.


That morning, just before sunrise, I laid out a real labyrinth in the garden outside the venue. I invited participants to walk it with a question—about silence, or leadership—and simply listen. What does your own centre have to say?


Are you looking for a fresh, meaningful perspective on leadership? 

Would you like to inspire your team or organisation with the unexpected power of silence and labyrinths?
I would love to bring this experience to your event, seminar, or leadership training.

👉 Get in touch  and let’s explore the transformative power of slowing down.


Contact me
]]>Wed, 14 May 2025 19:15:40 +0100<![CDATA[Ceremony of my daughters growth party]]>https://www.neolabyrinthium.com/blogs/post/Labyrinth-ceremonies

Ceremony of My Daughters’ Growth Party

For centuries, labyrinths have held a sacred place in ceremonial traditions. Across time and cultures, they have been used as spaces to mark seasonal transitions, honor labor rituals like going out to sea, gather communities in celebration, and guide individuals through important stages of life—whether from childhood to adulthood, from singleness to union, or from endings to new beginnings.

This weekend, I had the honor of continuing this ancient tradition by creating a ceremonial space for my daughter and my plus daughter. We celebrated a deeply meaningful moment in their lives—the transition from preschooler to young girl, and from girl to young woman. In Christian tradition, such a moment is often marked as a ‘communion’, but for us, it was a broader celebration of growth, identity, and passage.

Using a simple rope, I shaped a temporary labyrinth—a living symbol of inner journey and transformation. We gathered with intention, stepping into ceremony to mark this sacred threshold. It was a quiet, intimate event, yet rich with meaning.


Why a Ceremony? Why a Labyrinth?

In recent years, there has been a growing desire to bring back ceremonies—rituals that ground us, make us pause, and invite us to be fully present. While many social events tend to move quickly—greeting, gift-giving, quick thank yous—a ceremony slows down. It allows us to tune in to what is truly being celebrated. Whether it’s a birthday, a transition, a farewell, or a remembrance, a ceremony brings awareness, depth, and connection.

In walking the labyrinth together, we created a shared experience—something to reflect on, to talk about, to carry with us. We honored tradition, gave it new life, and crafted a memory that will live on in all of us.


Creating Meaningful Moments

Let us bring beauty and meaning back into our celebrations. If you are marking an important moment in your life or the life of someone you love, I would be honored to co-create a unique ceremony with you—guided by the timeless energy of the labyrinth.

Feel free to reach out if you would like to celebrate something special and turn it into a meaningful experience.


🌿 May the labyrinth energy be with you.

Cathy

📧 contact@neolabyrinthium.com | 📞 +32 456 77 58 13


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]]>Wed, 14 May 2025 19:15:40 +0100<![CDATA[Building my own labyrinth @Oase van Rust]]>https://www.neolabyrinthium.com/blogs/post/building-my-own-labyrinth-oase-van-rust

The making of a labyrinth in a garden


For the past two years, I’ve been transforming my garden. I started without a clear plan, letting my intuition guide me step by step. This journey has been healing for both myself and the garden. As I worked, the garden began to reveal its potential. However, there was one area I left untouched: the space at the end of the garden where a small wooden chalet once stood. In 2023, I wasn’t sure what to do with that spot. But a year later, as I prepared to sell my house, it became clear: that area was perfect for my own labyrinth!
It’s funny how I didn’t see it before.

In the summer of 2024, I finally had the time to take my garden to the next level. I wanted to complete this project before moving on and giving my garden a new life with someone else. This external transformation mirrored my inner journey, reflecting the new life that was unfolding step by step.

Typically, building a labyrinth is a social activity that you can do with your community. However, in this case, I had to undertake the project alone. I needed to stay connected to the space, myself, and the labyrinth throughout the entire process. Let me guide you through my journey.

Phase 1: Choosing the space

At a certain moment, you begin to see and feel the space where the labyrinth can be created. It was always there, but it had different purposes over the years. This area served as a fireplace, a potential workspace for my office, a play area for my daughter, and a sunny spot to relax. It had many identities, but ultimately, it became what it was meant to be: the perfect space for my labyrinth.

This location offers a beautiful view of the garden, and I realized that placing the entrance on the east side would be ideal. 

Phase 2: Choosing the form of the labyrinth

Choosing the design for your labyrinth can be a challenging yet rewarding process. Considering the specific measurements of your space, the intended use of the labyrinth, and the materials you wish to incorporate, it’s essential to make an informed choice.
After some contemplation, I decided to adapt a newer model called "Lunity," modifying it slightly to create my own design, which I named "Female Balance." 

When selecting a labyrinth design, you generally have three main styles to choose from:
1. **Classical**: These designs are often circular and feature a single, non-bifurcating path leading to the center. They have a timeless quality and are widely recognized.
2. **Medieval**: These labyrinths may incorporate intricate patterns and historical elements, often reflecting the artistry of the time.
3. **Modern**: Contemporary designs can be more abstract and may incorporate unique shapes and pathways, allowing for personal expression.
Each style offers various adaptations and variations, so you can find a design that resonates with your vision and the space you have available. 
By thoughtfully considering these aspects, you can create a labyrinth that not only fits well within your garden but also serves its intended purpose beautifully.

Phase 3: Creating a sacred  space for the labyrinth


Bringing a labyrinth into your garden is about more than just the structure itself; it’s about creating a sacred space that embodies serenity, stillness, and beauty. To achieve this, some work was necessary.
#### Step 1: Framing the Area
I began by outlining the frame of the labyrinth area. This layout was designed to align geometrically with the overall shape of the garden, ensuring harmony within the space.
#### Step 2: Test Drawing
Next, I created a test drawing of the labyrinth. This step allowed me to visualize the design and identify any adjustments that needed to be made. It was crucial to ensure that the labyrinth would fit well within the designated area
#### Step 3: Physical Cleanup
The final step involved physically cleaning up the space surrounding the labyrinth. A clean area is essential for maintaining the energy of the sacred space. In my case, this meant removing stones, weeds, and other debris to create a welcoming environment for the labyrinth.
By taking these steps, I ensured that not only the labyrinth itself but also the surrounding area would carry the energy of peace and beauty, making it a truly special place in my garde

Phase 4: Start to decorate

While working on the layout of the labyrinth, I also focused on fixating the frame and selecting materials for decoration. This phase is just as important as the initial planning, as the right materials can enhance the overall aesthetic and energy of the space.
#### Fixating the Frame
I ensured that the frame of the labyrinth was sturdy and well-defined. This structure serves as the foundation for the entire design, so it was crucial to make it stable and visually appealing.
#### Choosing Decoration Materials
When it came to decoration, there are multiple possibilities to consider. I decided to use materials sourced directly from my garden. This choice not only adds a personal touch but also ensures that the materials harmonize with the location and orientation of the labyrinth.
By selecting natural elements from my surroundings, I created a unified look that improves the sacred space and helps it blend in with the rest of the gardenThis thoughtful approach to materials will contribute to the labyrinth's beauty and serenity.

Phase 5: Decorating

### The Exciting Part: Decoration
Finally, I reached the most exciting part of building the labyrinth: the decoration! Each material that entered this sacred space was purified, ensuring that only positive energy would be present. With pure intentions and a mindful approach, I began the decorating process.
It was wonderful to watch the form emerge step by step—or should I say, stone by stone. Each piece added to the beauty and essence of the labyrinth, making the vision come to life.

Phase 6: Initiate the labyrinth

After a summer of building my labyrinth, it was time to share the results with you and celebrate this creation. On September 22nd, I hold an opening ceremony for the labyrinth at Oase van Rust in Brecht. It was a wanderfull ceremony through the garden. We ended with a group circle in the labyrinth. It was wanderfull. You can read more on the page of the Oase van Rust.
Labyrinth at your place?

After reading this, your garden also wants to transform

If this blog has inspired you to create a sacred space in your garden through a labyrinth, I would love to help! Together, we can transform your garden and add a beautiful labyrinth that resonates with your vision. Please feel free to contact me, and let’s start this exciting journey together!

Get in touch
]]>Wed, 04 Sep 2024 21:22:34 +0100<![CDATA[Labyrinths in universities and schools]]>https://www.neolabyrinthium.com/blogs/post/labyrinths-in-universities-and-schools

Did you know the university of Edingburgh had three labyrinths?

All over the world you can find ground labyrinths in universities and schools. At this moment there are 150 and 200 labyrinths, going from permanent labyrinths outside and inside, to temporary at the playground or in the school garden. 


Using labyrinths in educational surroundings is very useful for several challenges that students face e.g. stress during exams, mental fatigue when learning, learning blockages, emotional transformations and so on.

Having a labyrinth at your school has many advantages:

          • having a safe space to wonder about life
          • supporting choices during transition phases
          • developping professional identities and values
          • having an area for well-being and silence-experiencing
          • stimulating creativity
          • deepening self-knowledge and self-acceptance a profound level
          • and many more


Most of the time universities and schools have public spaces for students to go to. Finding the right spot for a labyrinth is an important step in the process. Creating a labyrinth is a community event.


The different effects of labyrinths have been researched for some time now, although they have been in use by humanity for more then 4000 years (see blog about the history of labyrinths). A lot of research on the effects of labyrinths has been done by the Labyrinth Society and different authors and experts and has been written down in several books on labyrinths.


In educational surroundings specifically all types of labyrinths (permanent, temporary and fingerlabyrinths) can be used for different schooling ages and different kind of institutes.

In elementary schools for example we can use it for just having fun and sensory development and in dealing with transition to go to secondary school

In secondary schools we can use labyrinths for personal development, emotional release and reflection on life and individuality

In high schools or universities we can put these labyrinths for preparation into the professional life,  dealing with learning stress and cognitive performance.





To finish let me share a personal story about my visit to Edinburgh and her university in August 2023. In the spring of 2023 I was called to go to Edinburgh. A message was there for me to receive. Not knowing what it was, my best friend and I planned our trip. Walking around the mystical and magical city, my friend discovered there was a labyrinth at the University of Edinburgh. This beautifull labyrinth was sacredly hidden in the University park, at a place surrounded by high bushes. It is a very beautifull Chartres model  labyrinth. We walked it several times. At the entrance there was a beautiful fingerlabyrinth to walk as well. Apparently the labyrinth project was in cooperation with a local Church community. 

The third labyrinth was inside he University but was not to visit at that moment.

Returning home, I had a dream: "How would it be if also our universities and schools had labyrinths?" How would it be experienced by the teachers, professors and the students?" What would be the effects?


Do you have the same curiosity for your university or school? Let's get in touch.

Get in touch
]]>Tue, 21 May 2024 19:54:59 +0100<![CDATA[Do you experience life as a maze or a labyrinth?]]>https://www.neolabyrinthium.com/blogs/post/do-you-experience-live-as-a-maze-or-a-labyirnth

Learning the difference will change your experience of life itself


In 2019, I travelled around Europe for 4.5 months to discover the power of silence. I came back with the answer. For me, the answer are labyrinths. During the 2nd half of my trip and by following the messages from my daughter, I was shown something I had never seen before: a labyrinth. Knowing me, I dive into the subject. Gathered knowledge like a sponge, followed training, read books, get into it myself, meet top people in the world of labyrinths, .... After walking at least 30 labyrinths, I can say that I have felt the power and its effects.

In this article, I want to zoom in on an insight and that is: "your life story is 100% linked to your own worldview." That worldview is coloured and often linked to experiences from your childhood and young adulthood. Certain positive or negative experiences begin to shape that picture. The labyrinths story is the perfect representation of that. Labyrinths are often confused with mazes. Better known in our context. A maze is a mental guessing game. You constantly have to make choices and dead ends. You can make wrong choices, there are challenges on your path, you have stress and anxiety, want to find the centre like a contest you want to win. You live in duality where you constantly have to choose between a winning choice and a losing choice. The feeling is not really relaxing in a maze but it does give you a thrill when you have found the centre. Unfortunately, you have to go back out and the stress starts all over again.  How do you step outside the maze? Does anyone  recognise our rat race in this?

However, you can look at life differently. Namely what if life is like a labyrinth? 

You life intentionally. You walk life one step at a time. You know that each step or stumble, brings you closer to your centre and anything that doesn't belong to you falls away for the sequel. You focus on yourself, your feelings, your intention and others who are also walking their lives. Sometimes together then apart again. You walk and keep walking.
Sometimes you get close to your core or move further away from it. But finally you reach your core and want to dwell there in silence for a while. You deepen and feel an intense recognition and gratitude. you discover yourself like you never have before. You are excited and now want to start showing, feeling and living the new ‘I’ and you walk out. The same way in a different energy and in a different state. You meet people and you arrive at the exit liberated and recharged!

More on the technical fysical level these are the following differences between a maze and a labyrinth:
 MazeLabyrinth
 entrance # exit entrance = exit
 dead ends in the pathwaysno dead ends
sequence of choicestrust and follow
 goal: to confuse goal: to get insight and focus
 essence: puzzle to solve essence: contemplation, medidation or ceremonial
  
Get in touch
]]>Fri, 03 May 2024 19:13:04 +0100