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Walking Trails
Prairiewoods features about 2 miles of trails in the woods located on our property. The Center is about a half-mile from the trail head of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, a 50-mile trail system that extends through Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and travels north to Waterloo, Iowa.
The 70 acres of woods and prairie offer a haven for those in search of quiet, solitude and a connection with the natural world. Many guests who have come to Prairiewoods have talked of receiving an instant sense of peace or of experiencing healing energy as they entered the grounds. The noise and activity of the city seems to fade in this contemplative environment.
Guests have opportunities to enjoy the woods with its network of trails and meditation areas. As the woods is home to many species of plant and animal life, walkers may be rewarded by sightings of deer, fox, wild turkey and a variety of birds. Ancient oaks and groves of basswood shelter swings and benches along the trail.
Slightly off one of our trails, a prayer circle welcomes one to rest and reflection. Markers along the trail create a Cosmic Walk which tells the story of the 14 billion year journey of evolution from the original fireball to the emergence of the human. This walk reminds us that we and all life on earth are part of one emerging, sacred story.
The Labyrinth
Prairiewoods has both an outdoor labyrinth and an indoor one that is available at special occasions. The symbol of the labyrinth can be found in ancient cultures around the world. It has become well known in recent years as a tool for the spiritual journey and an archetype of transformation.
The labyrinth can be called a metaphor of our spiritual life. It is a long and winding path that invites us to be present to our own life journey.
There are generally three movements in walking the labyrinth. During the first stage, the walk to the center of the labyrinth, we seek to quiet our mind, soul, heart and body. Arriving at the center, we come to a place of rest where we may pause for prayer, reflection and perhaps clarification. Finally, the third movement of the labyrinth is the journey back out again from the center. We try to find a way to bring what we have learned at the center back out into the world and integrate any insight we have gained with our mind and spirit.
Though there are different designs for labyrinths, those at Prairiewoods are the same pattern as the one embedded in the floor of Charters cathedral around 1200. Pilgrims of the time walked it as their individual pilgrimage of seeking the sacred. You are invited to come to Prairiewoods to walk the outdoor labyrinth and to experience the peace and beauty of the woods.
Prayer Circle
In the midst of a grove of trees, is the prayer circle - a quiet, reflective spot for prayer.
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| Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. |
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- Herman Hesse
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