Excursion Activity Research Proposal. Building and Walking a Labyrinth on Mars

by Kay Sandor

I propose introducing the MDRS crew members to the labyrinth as a meditative self-care activity. I will start the excursion activity indoors by teaching the crew to draw a 3-circuit and 7-circuit classical labyrinth on paper. This drawing can be used as a “finger” labyrinth walk. During this time I will share the elements and metaphors of a labyrinth walk-the entrance, the center, the return.

Background

I’ve been a certified labyrinth facilitator for almost 20 years and an advanced labyrinth facilitator for 12 years. I’m interested in the bio-psycho-spiritual responses of meditative labyrinth walking. I weave the labyrinth into my psychotherapy and frequently facilitate labyrinth walks in Galveston. I have been organizing and facilitating Full Moon walks and Seasonal Sunrise walks since I first became a labyrinth facilitator. I, along with others, draw a 7-circuit classical labyrinth in the sand prior to the walks. My monthly Full-Moon Labyrinth Walks on the beach on the Gulf of Mexico are well attended. I am a Lifetime Member of The Labyrinth Society and a Lifetime Member of the Australian Labyrinth Network.

Activity and Intervention

I propose introducing the MDRS crew members to the labyrinth as a meditative self-care activity. I will start the excursion activity indoors by teaching the crew to draw a 3-circuit and 7-circuit classical labyrinth on paper. This drawing can be used as a “finger” labyrinth walk. During this time I will share the elements and metaphors of a labyrinth walk: the entrance; the center; the return.

Then we’ll move outside. A classical 7-circuit labyrinth will be drawn on the Martian surface (desert sand) for the crew to walk. I’m not sure about the quality of the Utah desert sand and whether it will hold a path, particularly in this winter season, but we know the Rover left tracks on Mars years ago. Journaling and discussion of the experience will be invited. In addition, participants will complete a quantitative questionnaire (PANAS SF– Positive Affect-Negative Affect Survey-Short Form) before and after a walk and report their responses to several qualitative research questions. This line of research based on meditative practices will seek the active collaboration and informed consent of the crew members, with the understanding that a report on this activity will be submitted for presentation at the Annual Labyrinth Society Gathering.

Here are several photos of my Labyrinth Walks on the beach in Galveston:

Supported by