Finding Calm on the Labyrinth

The Labyrinth at Natividad is located in the heart of the hospital in the Nora Dowd Community Courtyard. In 2022, Edward Dowd honored his mother, Nora Dowd, with a transformative gift to the Natividad Medical Foundation. This donation funded the creation of the Nora Dowd Community Courtyard, a peaceful sanctuary for patients, visitors, and staff at Natividad, offering comfort and healing to all who enter. 

A Brief Labyrinth History

Labyrinths have appeared around the world for thousands of years, from ancient mosaics and carvings to cultural, ceremonial and meditative spaces. Today, labyrinths in hospitals, parks, and wellness spaces offer a calm, gentle way to pause, slow down, and reconnect with the present. A labyrinth is a single winding path to walk for calm and reflection.

A Gentle Guide for Walking the Labyrinth

Welcome

The labyrinth is a quiet invitation to pause and be present. Just walk, breathe, and move at your own pace.

Step 1: Releasing

Take a deep breath and step onto the path. Let go of stress, worries, or the busy rhythm of your day. With each step inward, imagine tension melting away.

Optional focus or mantra of choice: “I am letting go. I am walking in peace.”

Step 2: Receiving

Pause at the center. Settle into stillness and receive calm, clarity, or comfort. Notice what arises without judgment.

Step 3: Returning

Walk back gently, carrying the calm or insight you received. Let each step bring lightness, gratitude, and gentle renewal.

After the Walk

Take a mindful breath. Sit, journal, or rest if you like. The labyrinth is always here when you need a moment to walk, breathe, and reconnect.

Audio Labyrinth Walks:

Sharondalyn Y. DuPree, BCC, MDiv, EdS

Spiritual Care Advisor

Peaceful Music options for your Labyrinth Walk

• Walk with or without music.
• This playlist uses continuous mixes from YouTube for ease of use, providing a smooth backdrop for your entire labyrinth walk.

Calming Meditation | 1 Hour Handpan Music – Malte Marten

Steel Drum Music: 1 Hour of Best Steel Drum Music Playlist – Various Artists

Guided Labyrinth Walks are Available

Guided labyrinth walks may also be available:

• Day Shift for Staff/Families: Facilitated by Spiritual Care Advisor/Chaplain Sharondalyn DuPree
• Evening Shift for Staff: Facilitated by HAN Cassie Mills

To schedule or coordinate a walk, please contact Spiritual Care Services at 831-783-2387