Blog | Labyrinth Lady

Posted on April 27, 2026April 28, 2026 by dianang — Leave a comment

Walk as One in Surrey: World Labyrinth Day 2026

On Saturday, May 2, you’re invited to join a quiet, meaningful community gathering at Fleetwood Park for World Labyrinth Day.

At 1:00 PM, people around the world will participate in a shared practice called “Walk as One at 1.” Across time zones, thousands will step onto labyrinth paths at the same hour—creating a global wave of reflection, presence, and intention. Here in Surrey, we will gather locally to take part in that shared moment, while grounding it in our own community context.

A Simple Path, A Shared Experience

A labyrinth is a single, continuous path that leads to the centre and back out again. There are no decisions to make, no dead ends, and no hierarchy. You follow the same path as everyone else.

That simplicity is what makes it powerful.

As you walk, there is space to slow down, notice your breath, and reflect. At the same time, you are part of something collective—moving alongside others, each at your own pace, yet sharing the same journey.

In a time when many people are carrying stress, disconnection, or uncertainty, this kind of shared, grounded experience matters.

Why This Gathering Matters Now

This event is more than a walk.

It is an invitation to:

Pause in the midst of busy, demanding lives
Reconnect with yourself in a calm, structured way
Consider how we show up for one another in everyday life
Strengthen a sense of belonging in our community

The labyrinth offers a space where there are no outsiders. Everyone enters the same path. Everyone is included.

After the walk, we will stay for conversation—an opportunity to listen, reflect, and speak honestly about how we support one another and contribute to a community where people feel seen and safe.

Acknowledgement and Community Context

World Labyrinth Day in Surrey has been formally recognized by the Mayor’s Office. This acknowledgement reflects a shared commitment to fostering respect, peace, and a sense of belonging across cultures and communities.

At the same time, the heart of this event remains simple and community-led: people coming together in a public space with intention and care.

Event Details

What: Surrey World Labyrinth Day – Walk as One at 1

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Time: Walk begins at 1:00 PM

Location: Fleetwood Park

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes
A bottle of water
A snack if you’d like to stay and share afterward

You are welcome to come on your own or with others. No prior experience with labyrinth walking is needed.

Join Us

If this feels like something you need right now—a moment of quiet, connection, or reflection—you are welcome.

You can let us know you’re coming here:

https://facebook.com/events/1467748024896427

Registration is helpful, but not required.

Mayor Proclamation 2026

Posted on January 5, 2026 by dianang — Leave a comment

Walking the Healing Path: The Labyrinth at BC Children’s Hospital

Arrival in the Healing Garden

I first heard about the rooftop labyrinth at BC Children’s Hospital during a retreat, and the idea stayed with me. There was something quietly compelling about the notion of a contemplative space tucked high above the city, offering patients, families, and staff a place to pause, breathe, and move in reflection.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to experience it firsthand, walking the five-circuit labyrinth on Level 5 of the Teck Acute Care Centre, nestled within the Healing Garden. At the entrance to the garden, oversized posters featuring the calligraphy of Thích Nhất Hạnh greet visitors, quietly inviting reflection and a mindful approach before even stepping onto the labyrinth path.

Walking the Five-Circuit Labyrinth

Arriving in the garden, I was immediately struck by its calm presence. Flowering trees and shrubs border the paths, and scattered throughout are tables, chairs, and benches. Some visitors sit quietly, lost in thought or conversation, while others tap gently at laptops, balancing work with moments of pause. In the midst of a busy Vancouver city, the garden feels like a suspended breath, a gentle counterpoint to the hum of hospital life.

Walking the five-circuit labyrinth is a gentle, steady experience. Each turn draws attention inward, encouraging a rhythm that aligns with both reflection and release. The labyrinth’s design is approachable—its circuits neither overwhelming nor too brief—making it accessible to people with varying mobility or energy. As I traced the path with my steps, I became aware of the quiet interactions unfolding around me: someone pausing at a bench, another bending to admire a flower, a soft conversation drifting across the garden. Here, stillness and motion coexist; the labyrinth is both a personal journey and a shared, communal presence.

Hospital Labyrinths in Context

I found myself wondering whether this hospital labyrinth might be the first of its kind in British Columbia—or even in Canada. A little research revealed that it is not. Two permanent, outdoor, medieval-style labyrinths were installed on the grounds of West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni, BC, with the support of the Port Alberni Labyrinth Society. That society, a small community group, helped advocate for and coordinate the installation, emphasizing the potential of labyrinths to foster reflection and wellbeing.

Knowing that other hospital labyrinths exist in the province adds context to BC Children’s Hospital’s labyrinth: while it may not be the first, it contributes to a growing tradition of contemplative spaces designed for healing, connection, and calm.

Words of Peace

The oversized calligraphy posters by Thích Nhất Hạnh at the entrance of the garden set a reflective tone that carries through the labyrinth walk. His words do not instruct or guide; they simply accompany the movement, offering gentle invitations toward peace, presence, and attention. Reading them before stepping onto the labyrinth, I felt a subtle alignment between body, breath, and mind. The posters, the plants, the path itself—all combine to create a space that is grounding and expansive, where reflection is encouraged without expectation.

The Gift of Pause

What struck me most was how these spaces create small opportunities for pause in environments that are, by their nature, filled with urgency. Hospital grounds are often associated with stress, waiting, and care delivered under pressure. The Healing Garden, and the labyrinth at its center, offers a different tempo: one of slowing down, noticing, and being present with whatever arises.

For patients, this might be a respite from pain or worry; for families, a moment of quiet reflection; for staff, a chance to breathe and regain clarity before returning to demanding work. In each case, the labyrinth facilitates an embodied form of care, one that engages the body, the mind, and, for a moment, the spirit.

Returning from the Path

The labyrinth at BC Children’s Hospital is more than a walking path. It is an invitation—an ethical, gentle invitation—to pause, notice, and move with attention. It reminds us that even in busy, high-stakes environments, spaces can be created that prioritize presence, reflection, and peace. And in doing so, these spaces quietly affirm what we already know: that care is not only something delivered but something shared, experienced, and lived.

For those who visit, or for anyone curious about the potential of labyrinths in hospital or urban settings, this garden offers a model of thoughtful design, integration, and accessibility. It is a reminder that movement, observation, and stillness can coexist; that a five-circuit labyrinth can hold as much meaning as hours of meditation; and that, sometimes, healing begins simply by following a path, step by step, toward the center and back again.

Posted on July 28, 2025August 4, 2025 by dianang — Leave a comment

Reflecting on a Day of Mindfulness and Anti-Racism: Surrey World Labyrinth Day

Introduction:

On May 3, 2025, the City of Surrey came together to celebrate Surrey World Labyrinth Day: Walk as One for Peace. As a mindfulness instructor and wellness educator, I had the privilege of participating in this transformative event, which not only nurtured our minds and spirits but also deepened our understanding of anti-racism and social justice. This unique gathering brought together healing and advocacy, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Event Highlights:

On a cool sunny Saturday afternoon, embraced by a grove of red maple trees and nearby the old growth of the fragrant blue Wisterias in full bloom, women gathered on the large 42-foot diameter labyrinth at Surrey’s Fleetwood Park to walk for peace—on Surrey World Labyrinth Day. Labyrinth walks have been celebrated worldwide for their ability to bring people together in a shared journey of reflection and peace. This event was no different, as it offered a unique opportunity for connection and introspection.

Since I did not know all the women and they did not know each other, I facilitated a brief round-robin self-introduction, asking each for their name, whether they had walked a labyrinth previously, and what they expected to gain from this labyrinth walk. After clarifying the guidelines for walking the labyrinth in a community of walkers, the women, each pleasant and eager, followed one another, entered the path for mindfulness and walking meditation. At the end of the walk, we did a round-robin debrief. Many felt calm, still, and ready to entertain their reflections. One woman shared that she felt relieved from the grief experienced from the recent Lapu-Lapu horrific incident. The mention of the Lapu-Lapu incident highlights the labyrinth’s ability to provide solace during times of personal and communal tragedy. Another woman expressed that she felt she had made the right decision on her recent retirement. Another participant claimed she would like the City of Delta to build a labyrinth like this in her city. This gathering exemplifies how labyrinth walks can facilitate personal reflection and community, providing a shared space for individuals to connect with themselves and others.

Significance of the Proclamation:

The proclamation by Mayor Brenda Locke declared May 3, 2025, as “Surrey World Labyrinth Day.” This recognition highlighted Surrey’s commitment to peace, respect, and pluralism, fundamental characteristics of the community. The proclamation acknowledged the contributions of all people, cultures, philosophies, and religions, and emphasized the importance of mindfulness and peaceful energy.

The Mayor’s Proclamation is posted on the City of Surrey’s website.

World-Labyrinth-Day-Walk-as-one-for-Peace-May-3-2025

Impact of the Event:

Surrey World Labyrinth Day was not just a day of activities; it was a powerful journey of self-discovery and social awareness. By participating in this event, attendees invested in their personal growth and contributed to the broader movement for social justice. The event fostered connections among like-minded individuals committed to creating positive change, exploring the intersections of mindfulness and anti-racism.

About the Author:

My name is Diana Ng, also known as the Labyrinth Lady. As someone deeply passionate about the transformative power of labyrinth walks, I have dedicated my career to promoting this ancient practice. I led the project with the City of Surrey to build the first public park labyrinth in Fleetwood Park, Surrey, marking the first labyrinth in Metro Vancouver. In collaboration with the Surrey Mayor, I successfully proclaimed Surrey World Labyrinth Day: Walk for Peace as One, an event I facilitate annually. I have also authored and published a book on mindfulness and walking meditation in labyrinths. As a mindfulness educator, retired nurse, and anti-racism advocate, I am dedicated to promoting practices that enhance well-being and foster inclusivity. My journey in these fields has allowed me to explore various practices that promote well-being and spiritual growth. Today, I am excited to share with you the profound health and spiritual benefits of labyrinth walks.

The Health and Spiritual Benefits of Labyrinth Walks:

Labyrinth walks are an ancient practice that has been used for centuries as a tool for meditation, reflection, and spiritual growth. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has a single, non-branching path that leads to the center and back out again. This simplicity allows the walker to focus inwardly, promoting a meditative state that can lead to numerous health benefits.

From a physical health perspective, walking a labyrinth can reduce stress and anxiety. The rhythmic and purposeful movement helps to calm the nervous system, lower blood pressure, and improve overall heart health. Additionally, the act of walking, combined with deep breathing, enhances circulation and can lead to a sense of physical well-being.

Spiritually, labyrinth walks offer a unique opportunity for introspection and connection with one’s inner self. As you walk the path, you are encouraged to let go of distractions and be present in the moment. This practice can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself, increased clarity, and a sense of calm. Many individuals find that walking a labyrinth helps them to connect with their spirituality, providing insights and guidance that are often difficult to access in the busyness of daily life.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into the transformative power of labyrinth walks, I encourage you to read my book, “Walking the Labyrinth: Your Path to Peace and Possibilities.” This book is filled with stories that illustrate the profound impact labyrinth walks can have on one’s life. In addition, the book discusses techniques to use during a labyrinth walk to maximize its health and spiritual benefits, and a seed pattern to create your own labyrinth. For a limited time, you can get a signed copy directly from my website: http://www.labyrinthlady.ca.

For those who may not have access to a physical labyrinth, I invite you to explore the benefits of using a finger labyrinth. This portable instrument allows you to experience the meditative journey of a labyrinth walk from the comfort of your home or office. By tracing the path with your finger, you can achieve similar relaxation and mindfulness benefits. Visit my website to learn more about my environmentally friendly bamboo finger labyrinths and how they can be a valuable addition to your wellness practice: http://www.labyrinthlady.ca.

Incorporating labyrinth walks into your routine can be a powerful tool for enhancing both your physical and spiritual health. Whether you are seeking stress relief, spiritual growth, or simply a moment of peace, the labyrinth offers a space for reflection and renewal.

I hope you find this practice as enriching and transformative as I have.

Feel free to connect with me on these platforms!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vancouverlabyrinth