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investigate with jam

Jam investigates a labyrinth

7/3/2015

1 Comment

 
A labyrinth is a path, typically designed in a circular form, which leads to the center of the forms design. Labyrinths are incorporated into a variety of cultures, ideals, and philosophies, and are popular to the secular world for their beautiful patterns. The most common use for a labyrinth is meditation and focus. 

Jam visited a stone labyrinth in Baltimore, MD.
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I explained Philippians 4:8 and then asked him what good thing he wanted to meditate on before he started the path. His response: “When I grow up I want to be on a construction site. So I want to think about being a construction worker” (we had just come from a construction site on Morgan State University’s campus).

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His journey along the path started as a reflective walk then slowly transitioned into a brisk walk of excitement as his meditation shifted from construction to the fun twists and turns of the path. By the time he reached the end it was clear the path became a game of exploration. I asked him how he felt at the end of the path. He responded, “I’m happy”, taking in deep breaths, dancing as if he completed another journey with Dora the Explorer.

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What are some other ways to meditate outdoors?

activity 


Visit a labyrinth near you http://labyrinthlocator.com/
If there isn’t one close, you can walk the lines on the basketball court, walk the perimeter of your yard or playground.  


Case #1: Download the labyrinth activity sheet and "walk" with your finger or a crayon. Ask your child what good thing they would like to meditate on, and then ask them how they feel once they reach the end. I would love to know their response. Feel free to share below.
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1 Comment
Erica Wilkening
7/30/2015 10:11:30 pm

So I will start of by saying – isn’t it funny how things work out?
I took my 8 year old son to a park where I was sure there would be a labyrinth but when we arrived to my disappointment, there wasn’t one. I was determined to do this project with him anyway, so I took the time to show him pictures and explained to him what a labyrinth was. I used the scripture reference my friend Courtney used with her son and had Christian think about good things. Since there was not a physical labyrinth for me to use, I improvised by having Christian walks stairs as he mediated. When I asked him about what he thought about, he said he thought about the ducks that were there at the park and how he likes them.
Now here’s the kicker - I took him to a walk through garden last week and when we arrived, what did we see?? Labyrinths. So I jumped on the opportunity to remind him of what one was and what we did at the other park. Christian and his cousin took off running to it and had the best time following all of the patterns.
I enjoyed doing this project because it allowed my son a moment to reflect on God’s word, creation and how God can use our minds to create beautiful works of art.

EW

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    Investigate with Jam is an activity blog in the 
    Radicle Roots Series. Our mission is to get out and explore our environment.

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    Courtney McQueen is a landscape designer and children's book author from Columbia, MD

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  • Radicle Roots
    • About
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  • Books
    • Come Plant a Seed
    • 30 Day Design Adventure Journal
    • ABCs of Land Arch
  • Activity Blog
    • Free Activites
  • Teachers
    • Author Visit
    • Classroom Activities
    • Testimonials