Dr. Robin Dilley discovered the healing effects of the labyrinth in 1999, after being diagnosed with breast cancer. After her treatment, she walked a labyrinth once a week for a year. The walks eventually inspired Dilley to become an avid labyrinth walk facilitator, founder of Arizona Labyrinth Connections and regional rep for the Labyrinth Society.

On World Labyrinth Day, May 4, Dilley will lead The Global Walk for Peace hosted by Doing Grief Community Healing Project. The walk takes place at 9 a.m. at Labyrinths at the Palms, 14808 N. Boswell Blvd.

This year marks the Labyrinth Society’s 16th annual Global Walk for Peace. Thousands of walkers across the globe in at least 35 countries will be participating. There are 10 confirmed walks in Arizona, including the walk at Labyrinths at the Palms.

“Peace seems so elusive right now. So, there is no better time to join in The Global Walk for Peace,” Dilley said. “This is an opportunity to be part of a global movement to create a wave of peace around the world.”

The Healing Project’s walk will take place on the 11-circuit medieval-style Labyrinth at the Palms – modeled after the oldest walkable Labyrinth in Europe, Chartres Cathedral.

“The Palms labyrinth is beautifully landscaped,” Dilley commented. “It is one of my favorite places to share the peace and healing of the labyrinth with others.”

Labyrinths have been used since ancient times as a walking meditation in various cultures around the world. Often outlined with placed stones on the earth, the labyrinth provides a walker with a singular path from the outer edge of the labyrinth to its center.

“There are no particular religious dogmas attached to the labyrinth,” Dilley explained. “The labyrinth invites people of all religions or none to come to the center with a contemplative, meditative heart, seeking peace.”

Dilley, an advanced Veriditas labyrinth facilitator, uses the labyrinth in her work as a licensed psychologist and offers workshops through Arizona Labyrinth Connections. At the May 4 event, Dilley will offer a brief introduction to the labyrinth before facilitating an outdoor walk. Afterward, participants are invited to a 30-minute presentation by Dilley on “Compassion Practices.”

RSVP for this event and other Healing Project programs at 602-315-8480, Connect@DoingGrief.com or fill out the RSVP form on the “Healing Project” website, DoingGrief.com. A suggested donation of $5-10 can be donated online or at the door. All are welcome regardless of an ability to pay.