Return to the Source: The River of Life. A Veriditas Qualifying Workshop with Lars Howlett

Like a labyrinth, the river traces a long, winding path from source to sea. The twists and turns slow its pace, allowing more time and space for absorption. Nature’s wisdom is woven into this organic design and replicated in the labyrinth. For thousands of years people have designed,
drawn, and walked labyrinths to reflect and reconsider their own life journey. The labyrinth was born from the meander—a pattern that takes its name from an ancient river. The mystery of the meander forces us out of linear thinking and our rational mind allowing us to get lost in the present moment and tap into timelessness and innate wisdom.

Join Labyrinth Designer and Facilitator Lars Howlett for this online workshop reflecting on the journey through life as a meandering river from the headwaters (birth) to the sea (death). Learn about the history and design of labyrinths and return to your source through guided handheld labyrinth experiences. Reflect on the twists and turns of your life and how to embrace the magic and mystery of the meander. Handheld labyrinth walks will feature live cello accompaniment with Rob Hodges. 

Prior to, or during, the workshop you are invited to create a life map using the On Being River of Life exercise. This workshop is a Veriditas Qualifying Workshop for those wishing to complete the Facilitator Training online or in-person and can also be taken for independent study.

Bio: Lars Howlett is a professional Labyrinth Designer, Master Builder, and Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator. He is a member of the Veriditas Faculty and part-time staff member based in the Washington DC Area. After twenty years of living in relationship to the Pacific Ocean he now finds himself living next to Rock Creek and the Potomac River. He is fascinated with sacred geometry and natural patterns through which he discovered labyrinths. He created and walked a labyrinth for healing which led to mentorships by Lauren Artress and Robert Ferré, leaders of the modern Labyrinth Revival. In 2015 he launched Discover Labyrinths LLC to design custom labyrinths he creates by hand for schools, hospitals, public parks, churches, retreat centers, and backyards. Learn more about his work at www.DiscoverLabyrinths.com 

 Rob Hodges is a cellist, singer, and composer who enjoys collaborating with artists of all stripes.  He earned his Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from UC Santa Barbara in 2009 after having spent many years teaching in higher education as well as conducting fieldwork research on funerary ritual and songs of grief in North Sumatra, Indonesia.  Rob’s ongoing musical interests and explorations involve mind – body – spirit connections to music in relation to healing, ritual, and collaborative improvisation.  Rob is a labyrinth designer and builder as well as an Advanced Labyrinth Walk Facilitator, having trained with Lauren Artress through Veriditas in 2017 and in 2022.