Labyrinth
Take a Walk Toward Hope & Healing
The labyrinth at Johns Hopkins Bayview is a spiral walking course that leads into the center and back out. There are no dead ends or false turns.
It offers community members, patients, visitors and employees a peaceful, quiet and "healing" space. Labyrinths have served for thousands of years in many world cultures as symbols of hope, healing and spirit. Many who walk these paths say they discover a deep sense of peace.
The labyrinth, which is surrounded by a beautiful garden, is located between the John R. Burton Pavilion and the Francis Scott Key Pavilion. The healing garden and labyrinth serve people in many different ways. Families may visit the garden and walk the labyrinth while waiting for loved ones to come out of surgery. Staff may come during lunchtime to enjoy a few moments of relief from stress.
Our Labyrinth Story
In 2000, Johns Hopkins Bayview partnered with Nancy Romita and The Moving Company, and Nature Sacred (formerly TKF Foundation) of Annapolis to create a peaceful, meditative and healing space for everyone who visited our campus. The opening of the labyrinth was celebrated with an original, commissioned piece of music and dancing by Nancy Romita and The Moving Company.
Since its opening, several enhancements have been added to the labyrinth to provide a more peaceful experience. The peace pole is a handcrafted monument and symbol of peace. The word "peace" is written in many different languages. In 2011, a fountain was added to the labyrinth’s healing space to provide soothing sounds to all who visit.
Using the Labyrinth
The spiral course of the labyrinth leads into the center and back out again, and can be seen as a reminder of one’s journey through the winding path of life.
Entering the labyrinth and moving to the center can be seen as a letting go or releasing daily stress. The center is a place to pause, reflect and receive insight. Moving out is a time for action and renewal.
The labyrinth is a place to open the mind, listen to the heart and heal the spirit. Families may visit the garden while waiting for loved ones to come out of surgery. Community members may walk the labyrinth as a nice break from everyday life. Employees may come to the labyrinth during lunchtime to enjoy a few moments of peace or relief from stress.
No matter what the need, all are welcome to visit this special place time and time again.
Note: The labyrinth’s paths were created so that people can move along the path on foot or in a wheelchair.
Self-Guided Labyrinth Walk
Listen to Dr. Neda Gould’s meditation as you walk the labyrinth at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.
For more information, call the Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Department at 410-550-7569.