Marion Patterson (far left) walks with friends in the labyrinth at her home on Thursday, April 12, 2012, in Cedar Rapids. Patterson is working with staff and volunteers to create a labyrinth in the prairie at Indian Creek Nature Center. (Liz Martin/The Gazette-KCRG)

Marion Patterson tells me that the labyrinth is a spiritual tool that resonates with people of many beliefs. The workshop features Sandi Ohlen of South Dakota, Tom Capo of Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist, and Leslee Sandberg of Christ Episcopal Church.  Marion said the workshop connects well with grounding, centering, clearing and receiving. Participants will walk a number of labyrinths, including natural ones.

Here is more information from the Nature Center:

Saturday, Oct. 6, 1-6 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Walking the Labyrinth: Connect to Self, Earth and Community; Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Rd. SE; co-hosted by Prairiewoods. Trained labyrinth facilitator Sandi Ohlen will serve as keynote workshop leader and will guide participants through a series of programs designed to strengthen how we connect with the earth.  Small break-out sessions will focus on different meditations, the strengths of different labyrinths, and how to incorporate the purposefulness of a labyrinth into everyday life.  Participants will experience a variety of diverse labyrinths, including indoors and outdoors.  Sandi has led women’s retreats, labyrinth workshops and contemplative musical programs including Taize worship for several years.  Her passion for the outdoors stems from knowing the connectedness and union of all creation and its life-giving and renewing gifts.  Sandi believes the labyrinth is a powerful ecumenical tool that our world needs to bind together people of all faiths in celebration of common truths as well as to challenge growth toward understanding, acceptance and celebration of differences.  Sandi is a trained Veritas labyrinth facilitator, teacher, certified spiritual director and professional counselor.  The weekend’s other breakout sessions include one for people new to labyrinths, led by Leslee Sandberg of Christ Episcopal Church, and one about natural labyrinths, led by Tom Capo of Peoples Unitarian Universalist Church.  The cost of this weekend workshop is $60 and includes all sessions, handouts, Sunday lunch, beverages and snacks.  (Lodging and Sunday breakfast can be added for an additional $62 by calling Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700.)  Registration is required by September 22.  For more information or to register, contact Indian Creek at 319-362-0664 or www.IndianCreekNatureCenter.org