Written by Kerrie Alexander
When you’re feeling stressed or frustrated, heading outside for a leisurely walk to sort out your thoughts and feelings can often help.
There’s something so healing about being outside surrounded by natures many gifts like water, sunlight, trees, animals, scents, sounds and fresh air, that stimulate the senses and help calm the nerves.
Fraser Coast residents are lucky to have the added benefit of Hervey Bay’s foreshore being right on our doorstep with exquisite sea views as far as the eye can see.
This is where Hervey Bay’s Veronika Grant (Ronnie) uses nature’s blank canvas to slow down, quieten the mind, and go on a mindful journey using the ancient practice of drawing and walking a Labyrinth.
Ronnie is a local social worker who’s always learning and exploring evidence-based ways to help people heal from trauma.
She recently came across a book called Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection by Deb Dana who is a clinician, consultant, author, and international lecturer on polyvagal theory-informed work with trauma survivors.
Amongst the chapters was a small piece on Labyrinths that caught her eye.
“The book is about strategies and exercises for regulating the nervous system, finding safety and connection —something I focus on a lot in my work,” Ronnie said.
“However, before I read the book, I had never once considered a labyrinth as part of that process.”
Cultures around the world have utilized labyrinths for about 4,000 years.
These circular or spiral structures, depending on who is creating them, have a single path that leads in and out of the centre.
Unlike a maze in which you have to work to find your way around, there are no tricks to a labyrinth, and no dead ends.
The goal is to move slowly without having a specific destination in mind as you follow along the twists and turns of the path.
A few months ago, Ronnie bought simple tools like a rake, hoe and a bamboo stick and headed to the beach to give it a try and just loved it!
The magic of these beautiful creations on the beaches between Point Vernon and Torquay has now been appreciated by many beachgoers who have been amazed to see the Labrinth just appear from nowhere.
“I find myself entering a relaxed state of mind while I draw.”
“I enjoy it when friendly and curious people on the beach stop by to say hello and walk the labyrinth.
“I’m very new to it, but so many people have shared how much they like it, which motivates me to keep going.
“Nature presents us with this blank canvas and then takes it away again (at high tide).”
Ronnie said the ancient practice is very symbolic as there’s only a short window of opportunity to draw at low tide.
“As I walk the labyrinth, I hold a piece of coral or a shell in my hand, take a deep breath, and embrace a sense of peace and calm.
“By the time I arrive in the middle, I feel grounded.
“I hope that walking the labyrinth inspires more people to find their inner peace and creates a ripple effect that spreads throughout the community.”
There’s no doubt that we live in a society where everything is fast, Ronnie added, and slowing down for even just five minutes can make a difference.
“There’s no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth – just follow the path and enjoy the journey.
“The labyrinth in the sand compares to our short existence as humans.
“It’s a fleeting moment, a window of opportunity. If you spend your weekend scrolling on the phone, you’ll miss it.”
There will be one very special creation drawn on Saturday, May 3 to celebrate World Labyrinth Day that Fraser Coast residents can enjoy.
The intention of World Labyrinth Day is to bring people from all over the planet together in celebration of labyrinths as a symbol, tool, passion, or practice.
It’s an opportunity to inform and educate the public, host walks, build permanent and temporary labyrinths, make labyrinth art, or explore the archetype in other ways.
Participants are encouraged to “Walk as One at 1” in the afternoon to create a wave of peaceful energy around our planet as it turns in space.
The time Ronnie draws her creation will be tide dependant, but she would love the community to follow the Hervey Bay Labyrinth Facebook page for more details and take part.
Or just simply keep an eye out on our beautiful beaches for her magical creations, have a wander, and rediscover the beauty of simply slowing down.