A unique feature is being added to Dublin Methodist Hospital. The rooftop courtyard outside of the second floor surgical waiting area is being converted into a one-of-a-kind rooftop Healing Garden. Rooftop gardens have existed throughout the world for centuries in various forms, but the new Dublin Methodist Hospital’s Rooftop Healing Garden will have a unique twist. A 900 square foot paver labyrinth will be installed with a path winding its way to the center point and a 2,400 pound rotating granite sphere fountain.
The oldest labyrinth known is that of Crete, which according to Greek mythology was built by a skilled craftsman, Daedalus, to contain the part-man, part-bull Minotaur. Labyrinths have existed around the world for well over 4,000 years and have long been used to create a calm, contemplative atmosphere. They have played an important role in many ancient cultures including that of the Greeks, Celts, Mayans, and Native Americans. It is even speculated by some that the Serpent Mounds created by the Adena Indians right here in Ohio around 500 A.D., were created as a “Needle-and-Thread” form labyrinth.
Later, in the Middle Ages, labyrinths were placed in many churches to symbolize a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Travel was not quite as easy in those days as it is today, so instead of an actual trip to Jerusalem that could take months and cost a small fortune, many Christians would make a symbolic pilgrimage by walking the path, or even crawling on their knees, while praying. The oldest Christian labyrinth, constructed in 328 A.D., is a mosaic in the Basilica of San Reparatus near Orleansville, Algeria. Rather than the more familiar spiral pattern we often see today, this labyrinth was a square “Roman-Style” pattern. This is the pattern that you will soon see taking shape in the Healing Garden. Traditionally upon entering a labyrinth, you are entering a sacred space and time. Whether you physically walk the path or simply follow it with your eyes, the labyrinth can be used as a path for prayer and meditation.
The sight and sound of the central water feature, the many seating areas, and the soft landscape plantings are all designed to help create a place of calm and peace. Whether you are awaiting surgery for you or a loved one, anticipating the birth of a child, or working to recover from a physical illness or injury; we know that the visitors of Dublin Methodist Hospital come here with a wide array of hopes, fears, thoughts, and emotions. While the doctors and staff of Dublin Methodist Hospital work to heal your body, it is our hope that we are creating a space where all patients and visitors can comfortably spend time in peaceful reflection, healing their mind and soul.
