Lags meditating in prison labyrinth to 'calm anxieties' and 'enhance creativity'

14 January 2023 , 16:32

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HMP Bristol has a labyrinth for prisoners to practise walking meditation (Image: PA)

Lags can find themselves in an “om” from home by meditating in a prison labyrinth.

The winding path, where cons ­practise walking meditation, is popular for many of the 530 men in category B HMP Bristol, once home to paedo rocker Gary Glitter.

But there is no hiding from officers because, unlike a maze, there are no walls or hedges – or chances to get lost.

A source said: “It’s just a pleasant circular walk, during which you are meant to self-reflect and meditate.”

The four-week course, Labyrinth: A Journey to You, lets cons “centre their spirit” and “contemplate” their wellbeing while “calming anxieties” and “enhancing creativity”.

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The prison wants to help lags to boost their creativity (Getty Images)

They also get a seven-week course on the natural world and “mindfulness meditation” in the jail labyrinth, said to be the UK’s first. And there are five beehives, so prisoners can enjoy wild honey.

A report by prison watchdog the Independent Monitoring said: “Work continues on the Harmony Garden, including a small labyrinth, scented flowers, herbs, a water feature, and benches.

“It is envisaged ­assessments and religious events could also take place in the garden.

The winding path is popular for many of the 530 men in category B HMP Bristol (BristolLive)

“The aim is to help ­prisoners learn new ways of looking at themselves through nature and change how they ­interact with ­others.

“The beehives have been a success.”

The Ministry of Justice declined to comment.

Stian Alexander