Lisa Watson had never heard of a labyrinth before she started to help build one.
The 40-year-old Levittown woman, one of six residents living at The Women's Recovery Center in New Britain Township, said creating the brick, heart-shaped path symbolized the "new journey" she and others struggling with addiction find themselves on.
"It was painstaking, but an awesome project to work on," said Watson. "It's a place to come and reflect and think of what's in your heart."
The labyrinth, dedicated Wednesday, is the brainchild of Carol Hannan, the nonprofit center's peer coordinator.
Hannan said a labyrinth was the perfect way to honor two women in the program who died from alcoholism this year. One was a master gardener, the other loved to walk.
"It is a walking meditation. Just a quiet place where you'd like to be."
Connie Fenty, a retired teacher who became a labyrinth designer 10 years ago, took on the project for free. The bricks and stones were also donated.
Although the Langhorne artist has created a number of other labyrinths in Bucks County, she said this one is unique.
Because of its special location, Fenty said she added a sixth path to allow for a total of 12, symbolizing the 12-step recovery program. Heart-shaped labyrinths typically have five paths, she explained.
Women at the center were involved with all aspects of the project, including laying the stones.
"It was very interesting," said Fenty. "It's a real community-building experience."
She hopes the labyrinth "will be an oasis of peace and tranquility" for everyone who visits.
The women's recovery center is part of the Bucks County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, which has several similar centers in the five-county region.
Freda R. Savana can be reached at 215-345-3061 or fsavana@phillyBurbs.com.
The Women's Recovery Center 24-hour hot line: 800-221-6333 or visit helpline@bccadd.org
New Britain Twp.
