so wonderful discovering the beautiful labyrinth
at the matthaei botanical gardens
i’ve been here a number of times
but have never found this
we slowly walked
round and round and round and round and round and round….
somehow changing directions at one point
i thought it to be a very short path in the beginning
but fell under its spell after a while
way longer than i imagined
it really does lead you to imagine
at last
finally finding ourselves
on the large stones in the center.
‘things outside you are projections of what’s inside you,
and what’s inside you is a projection of what’s outside.
so when you step into the labyrinth outside you,
at the same time you’re stepping into the labyrinth inside.’
-haruki murakami
—
photo credit: taken by Steve Jensen, in the summer
on our recent visit, this week, it was a moody and windy day
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It is fascinating that you hadn’t been able to find the labyrinth when it is usually difficult to find ones way out. I like the quote
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I thought it was kind of funny, too, I’ve been going to the gardens for years, but apparently had never taken that path
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Beautiful.
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beth, you’re a star! you always find stuff nobody thought of finding, and so it’s only natural that you didn’t find a labyrinth – until you found it. and then that precious quote! i read 1-2 books by Haruki Murakami and somehow, although I didn’t fall in love with his writing, I felt enough to read more than just one piece…. this is once more a precious find – thank you.
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I love many of his quotes, though haven’t read a full book of his, yes, I just assume I’ll stumble through life finding things, and I’m happy for that
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That’s a good one indeed. I have always loved mazes and labyrinths, the Maze at Hampton Court Palace is well-known for being very tricky to negotiate.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Court_Maze
Best wishes, Pete.
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ooh, thanks for this
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If you visit London, Hampro Court Palace is a great historical place to visit. Easy to get to by train, or alternatively a 3-hour cruise along the river from Westminster Pier.
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Sorry, ‘Hampton Court Palace’, not Hampro! 😊
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I love walking a labyrinth, and this looks wonderful!
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it was such a great experience
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Wow, such a creative idea!
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it was brilliant
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A fascinating place.
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absolutely and so unexpected
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Yes, very lovely
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Smashing good!
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so good
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A-maze-ing, Beth!
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good one, mark –
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Mesmerizing, Beth …
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the perfect word for it, Ivor
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What a wonderful discovery you made. A perfect way to be one with one’s thoughts. Beautiful.
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I was so happy from beginning to end –
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I believe it.
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That is an interesting landscaped path! Another hopeful sign for Spring-like weather!
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right!
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Oh that looks interesting. You’ve given me the reminder I need to try one of these this summer. Thanks Beth.
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it’s really a special experience
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Lovely, Beth
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Ohhh….”fell under its spell”….I can see that happening. I love labyrinth walks. 🥰
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something special about them
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Agree! Magical! 🥰
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Love this, Beth!!
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thanks!
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A long walk in a compact space!
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yes, quite a different approach to taking a walk
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I would imagine this is quite soothing and calming. My friend Joy built one in her backyard, much smaller than this one, of course.
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oh, how wonderful, that’s quite an undertaking
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I like those labyrinths. There was one in Norwich Cathedral right in the middle in the courtyard.
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Oh, how wonderful!
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I’ve never come across a labyrinth but I’m sure I’d spend a lot of time there if I did.
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It was a wonderful surprise
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I love that, Beth! So beautiful. I’m with you – the effects linger.
Funny thing is that I was just out walking Cooper and noticed that someone in our neighborhood is building a labyrinth in their front yard. How cool!
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I followed the path in the picture and thought that walking in the labyrinth must be so peaceful. I love how it only leads inside. What a wonderful metaphor for our lives. All the paths we walk lead us closer to ourselves.
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Yes, exactly
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I love labyrinths and this one leading only inside is an interesting one, and a fun story.
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I do too I find them fascinating
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Wow, this labyrinth is interesting, Beth! What a surprise that it leads you to the center of the stone. I like haruki murakami’s quote a lot.
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Yes, I was quite surprised too. I like his comment and many of his quotes.
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I have to Google him to see more of his quotes.
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I love labyrinths and have read some wonderful tales about them; I wrote a piece about them: just found it, see if I can post it later —
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oh, I hope you do
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It would be fun to be the creator of such art.
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wouldn’t it though? it takes a special way of seeing things –
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Murakami and labyrinths – two of my favourite things! Thanks for sharing 👍
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same!
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I adore this description of the labyrinths, how stepping into the physical one allows us to step inside ourselves as well. It’s wonderful.
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I really had to think about it
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Sounds wonderful. and magical.
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it really was
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Labyrinths do lead us inward, to wonderful discoveries. Thank you for sharing your visit. 💚
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it was my pleasure
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Fabulous!
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It was fun finding it
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I’d love to walk around there!
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it was really relaxing
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This is still on my list of things to try.
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Wow!
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yes, it was such a wonderful discovery –
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😀
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Most wonderful, Beth. And I love the Murakami quote you share.
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I love how he saw the world and put it into words
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