Labyrinth walk for coping with depression and loss set Dec. 13

Even before the Halloween pumpkins were put away, the sights and sounds of the holidays were all around. In spite of the traditional expectations of joy, closeness and celebration, this season often brings unwanted guests such as stress, depression and grief. Death, illness, separation, divorce, family conflicts, job loss or moving to a new location are just a few of the losses that can make the holidays a painful, challenging time.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Delaware Hospice will offer an opportunity to learn more about coping and finding comfort during the holidays with A Gentle Path into the Holidays, a Labyrinth Walk for Inner Peace from 3 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13, in St. Peter's Church Parish Hall.

Facilitated by two grief counselors, Midge DiNatale of Delaware Hospice and Mary Van House of St. Peter’s and Milton Wellness Center, the event will open with an optional half-hour orientation about walking the labyrinth and suggestions for coping with the holidays.

During the remainder of the time, the indoor labyrinth will be available for walking, and the public is invited to drop in to experience this simple, ancient form of meditation. This walk will use the 30-foot-diameter canvas labyrinth at St. Peter’s Church, a replica of the 13th century design found in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France.

“We are offering this event because we know how many people find the holidays stressful or painful. We hope they will join us to find strategies for coping and a few minutes of comfort and peace,” said Van House. The counselors will be available throughout the walk to answer questions about walking the labyrinth and/or coping with the holidays. Visitors are encouraged to allow approximately 45-60 minutes for walking and contemplation. Journaling is highly recommended. Gentle music will accompany the walk.

Found in numerous cultures around the world for thousands of years, the labyrinth is a spiritual practice that is not tied to any one religious tradition. The winding path becomes a mirror for where people are in their lives, drawing on inner wisdom to bring comfort and insight, and opening up new possibilities.

St. Peter’s Parish Hall is at Second and Mulberry streets, Lewes. For more information, contact Mary Van House at 302-542-8878 or mvanhouse_@hotmail.com or Midge DiNatale at 302-300-2179 or mdinatale@delawarehospice.org.