Labyrinth Journeys

Filmmaker Cintia Cabib's documentary Labyrinth Journeys serves up an interesting exploration of the ancient ritual of labyrinth walking, which dates back some 4,000 years and is still very much alive today in all sorts of public spaces. The process is simple: one chooses an entry point into a large flat circle and then walks a twisting and turning path that ultimately leads to a center. This activity is said to be meditative, lifting participants out of the hurly-burly of daily life and allowing them to gain a little distance from their problems. For people with anxiety issues, labyrinths are said to help give a walker a useful time out. Much of the film tours places where labyrinths can be found, from the Washington Cathedral in our nation's capital to the Walter Reed military medical complex, as well as green rooftops, parks, and even schools. Viewers hear from an Iraq War veteran whose scrambled emotions following a head injury were improved by daily walks in a labyrinth, as well as a U.S. Army sergeant who found comfort in labyrinth walking while dealing with breast cancer. A number of other folks here have myriad reasons for engaging in the practice, and viewers will see how simple it is to construct a personal labyrinth, using anything from tape to the services of a landscaper. A solid look at an off-the-beaten-path contemplative activity, this is recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)