Maze Daze at C.W. Post Campus to
Construct Labyrinth as Metaphor for Millennium
In conjunction with the long-awaited Turning 2000 Millennial
Weekend, hosted by the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University
on October 15, 16 and 17, 1999, the campus will assemble an intricate
labyrinth for students, faculty and visitors to roam through.
The canvas labyrinth, more than 37 feet in diameter, is an exact
replica of the one in use at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
The unusual structure was donated by an anonymous local resident,
interested in offering C.W. Post students and the public this
unique experience. "We are grateful that our campus and
local community will have this opportunity," said John Stevenson,
committee coordinator of the Turning 2000 Millennial Weekend.
"A labyrinth is more than a 'maze'. Walking through it
is a spiritual and emotional journey which well represents our
coming millennium, making it a perfect addition to this comprehensive
conference."
LABYRINTH HISTORY: In use for thousands of years,
the labyrinth serves as a resource for prayer, meditation, spirituality
and the journey toward wholeness. For many, the experience of
wandering a labyrinth symbolizes a journey toward unity, holiness
and self-awareness. "How appropriate that the campus is
constructing the labyrinth as we approach the year 2000, when
people the world over are searching for harmony and self-expression,"
said Kay Bromberg, a member of the Turning 2000 planning committee.
"Our community will have the chance to make the same physical
and spiritual journey that has promoted introspection for centuries."
Labyrinths exist on nearly every continent, in every major
culture, and in most systems of religious belief. They currently
are used as the organizing theme of computer games, advertising
campaigns, political analysis and amusement parks. Although
the purpose of traveling a labyrinth has changed since ancient
times - ranging from fertility, superstition, salvation and rebirth
- today's labyrinths are used by thousands to rediscover a peace
and unity of self. In modern churches, gardens, lawns and agricultural
crops, these elaborate structures - mostly comprised of a series
of circles leading toward an open center - offer an opportunity
for a journey of individual purpose. A labyrinth walk has no
rules; entering and leaving, each walker establishes his or her
own pace, map and goals. Some walkers have a particular subject
or question in mind to reflect, while others walk the labyrinth
as a process of prayer or meditation. The walker experiences
four stages: "Going In," in which the mind is quieted;
"The Center," a place to experience oneness, healing
or clarity; "Leaving," a completion of the journey
and a return to daily life; and "Afterward," a chance
to relive the experience and reflect on the journey. As the
millennium approaches, walkers can use the labyrinth to reflect
on the challenges and prospects that the new century presents.
SPECIAL PREVIEW on 9/27/99: The labyrinth at C.W.
Post will be previewed in front of Humanities Hall on Monday,
September 27, 1999 from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. It will then be
reconstructed for the Turning 2000 Millennial Weekend on October
14, and remain in place through the conference. A permanent
structure will be constructed on the campus later, allowing countless
visitors to enjoy the labyrinth experience for years to come.
For more information about the Labyrinth at C.W. Post, the
Turning 2000 Millennial Weekend or details about the conference,
call the Turning 2000 hotline at (516) 299-2700.
The C.W. Post Campus is located on Northern Boulevard (Route
25A) in Brookville, New York.
For more information call the C.W. Post
Public Relations Office at (516) 299-2333 or e-mail pr@cwpost.liu.edu or send
mail to: Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus, 720 Northern
Blvd., Brookville, New York 11548-1300.
