Category: Blog

---

Mixed Traditional and Unorthodox Uses of a Meditation Labyrinth

1. Walking Prayer with a Twist: Reflective Scavenger Hunt (experimental; try it with a friend and let us know how it goes!)
   Purpose: Blend the classic spiritual walk with a modern game to deepen focus or lighten the mood.
   Why It Works: Traditionally, labyrinths were for prayerful meditation; adding a scavenger hunt keeps it engaging without losing the calm.
   Step-by-Step:
   • Prep: Write 5-7 short prompts on slips of paper—e.g., “Recall a moment of peace,” “What’s weighing on you?” or “Find a leaf and drop it here.” Fold them and place them at key turns or the center using small stones to weigh them down.
   • Step 1: Start at the entrance, barefoot if possible (it grounds you), and set an intention—prayer, gratitude, or just curiosity.
   • Step 2: Walk slowly, breathing deeply—inhale for 4 steps, exhale for 4. Pick up each slip as you find it.
   • Step 3: At the center, sit or stand, read all the prompts aloud (to yourself or a group), and reflect for 3-5 minutes.
   • Step 4: Walk out, dropping the slips back where you found them or keeping one as a memento.
   • Tip: Use waterproof paper if outdoors; add a playful prompt like “Hum a tune” for unorthodox fun.
2. Problem-Solving Pace: The Connery Method
   Purpose: Solve a practical issue while channeling a meditative detective vibe (inspired by Sean Connery’s monk in The Name of the Rose).
   Why It Works: Walking boosts creative thinking (research backs this), and the labyrinth’s structure mimics unraveling a mystery—traditional focus meets quirky application.
   Step-by-Step:
   • Prep: Pick a specific problem—e.g., “Where did I leave my phone?” or “How do I pitch this idea?” Write it on a notecard.
   • Step 1: Stand at the entrance, read the problem aloud, then tuck the card in your pocket.
   • Step 2: Walk at a steady pace—about 1 step per second—focusing on the question. Notice each turn; let it feel like peeling back layers.
   • Step 3: At the center, stop. Take 10 slow breaths, then brainstorm out loud for 2 minutes—no filtering, just spill ideas.
   • Step 4: Walk out, jotting down the best solution that hit you (bring a pen).
   • Tip: Imagine Connery’s voice narrating: “The path reveals the truth, lad.” It’s silly but keeps you loose.
3. Stargazing Ritual: Cosmic Center
   Purpose: Combine meditative grounding with an unorthodox night sky escape.
   Why It Works: Traditional labyrinths symbolized cosmic journeys; lying down to stargaze flips it into a visceral experience.
   Step-by-Step:
   • Prep: Check for a clear night (use a weather app). Grab a blanket, a thermos of tea or whiskey, and a flashlight.
   • Step 1: At dusk or later, walk the labyrinth slowly—count steps if it helps (e.g., 50 to the center)—letting the day’s noise fade.
   • Step 2: Reach the center, spread the blanket, and lie down flat, head toward the sky.
   • Step 3: Spend 15-20 minutes staring up—trace constellations (Orion’s easy) or just zone out. Sip your drink; let the labyrinth’s edges frame the view.
   • Step 4: Walk out in silence, flashlight on low, carrying the calm back with you.
   • Tip: Add a star chart app for bonus points; avoid bright lights to keep the magic.
4. Group Feast Quest: Earn Your Bites
   Purpose: Merge social bonding (a nod to communal rituals) with a playful, unorthodox challenge.
   Why It Works: Shared labyrinth walks were traditional for unity; the food twist makes it a memorable event.
   • Step-by-Step:
     • Prep: Set up a small table or basket at the center with snacks—cheese, crackers, grapes, or a mini charcuterie spread. Line the path with solar lights or candles in jars (safety first).
     • Step 1: Gather your group (4-10 people) at the entrance. Explain the goal: walk to earn the feast.
     • Step 2: Send them in one at a time, 30 seconds apart—time each person with a phone stopwatch.
     • Step 3: At the center, they grab a bite, cheer the next arrival, and wait till everyone’s there (or walk out solo if it’s quick).
     • Step 4: Debrief outside—fastest time wins a prize (extra snack?).
     • Tip: Add a rule like “no talking” for a meditative vibe, or “sing a line” for laughs.
5. Pet-and-Pause Play: Animal Meditation
   Purpose: Mix pet joy (unorthodox) with a calming pause (traditional).
   Why It Works: Animals bring chaos that contrasts with the labyrinth’s order, grounding you in a new way.
   Step-by-Step:
   • Prep: Get a tennis ball or treat, a leash if your pet’s wild, and a water bowl.
   • Step 1: Walk the labyrinth with your dog (or cat, if they’ll humor you), letting them lead—don’t tug, just follow their pace.
   • Step 2: At the center, toss the ball or drop the treat. Sit with them for 5 minutes—pet them, breathe, watch their glee.
   • Step 3: Walk out together, matching their energy (slow if they’re sniffing, quick if they’re hyped).
   • Step 4: Set the bowl at the exit; hydrate and decompress.
   • Tip: Film it—watching a dog skid the turns later is pure gold.
6. Art-and-Reflect Loop: Creative Reset
   Purpose: Fuse traditional contemplation with an unorthodox art project.
   Why It Works: Labyrinths were once metaphors for life’s journey; adding art makes it tangible and fresh.
   Step-by-Step:
   • Prep: Buy washable chalk or biodegradable spray paint (eco-friendly brands like Montana work). Plan a simple design—spirals, words, dots.
   • Step 1: Walk in, sketching your design along the path—e.g., “hope” at turn 1, a star at turn 2. Take your time; it’s meditative.
   • Step 2: At the center, sit and study your work—how does it feel? Add a final mark (a heart, your initials).
   • Step 3: Walk out, reflecting on the process—snap a photo before rain wipes it clean.
   • Step 4: Repeat next day with a new theme—anger, joy, whatever’s brewing.
   • Tip: Invite others to add their marks for a collective twist.

Welcome to Eco Surf US ! Located in New York. All garments are handmade to order by the owner who has been sewing professionally for about 10 years. Please allow up to 7 business days for turnaround. Shoot a message or email for custom inquiries and we will do whatever we can to accommodate!

Ecosurfus@gmail.com

Steampunk Lake George: A Victorian Fantasy Reimagined

Lake George, New York – Imagine a world where the steam engines of yesteryear never gave way to electricity, where the elegance of the 19th century melds with fantastical technology. That would be terrible. What would we do for Internet?

But imagine a world where Lake George, the famous resort area of Upstate New York, Steampunks out every year in deference to the history of the land? QED: Wonderplace Alpha, set against one of America’s most historically rich backdrops!

Steamboats: The Steampunk of Yesteryear

The very essence of steampunk can be traced back to the steamboats that once graced Lake George’s waters. In the 19th century, these vessels were marvels of their time, embodying the spirit of adventure and industrial innovation.

• The Steampunk Connection: Steamboats, with their ornate brass fittings, towering smokestacks, and the rhythmic chug of steam engines, are quintessential steampunk symbols. At Wonderplace Alpha, modern interpretations of these boats might include whimsical modifications like brass propellers, fantastical controls, and perhaps even the illusion of airship capabilities, imagining them soaring over the lake.
• Historical Echoes: The Lake George Steamboat Company’s legacy lives on, with vessels like the “Minne-Ha-Ha” still offering rides. These steamboats serve as a living link to the past, providing a tangible connection to the steampunk ethos of blending historical elements with speculative technology.

The Fashion of the Victorian Elite, The Pleasures of the Wise Countryfolk

When the rich and famous of the 19th century descended upon Lake George, they brought with them the fashion of the times, which today serves as a rich inspiration for steampunk attire:

• Victorian Elegance: The fashion of the era was all about opulence, with women donning corseted dresses, elaborate hats adorned with feathers, and men in top hats, tailored waistcoats, and tailcoats. This period’s clothing, with its intricate details and structured forms, is a perfect fit for the steampunk aesthetic.
• Wise Townspeople: Of course, rich or poor, the townspeoples’ skill and many artistic talents often permitted fashionplates among the inhabitants, as well!
• Steampunk Reinterpretation: At Wonderplace Alpha, you’ll see these historical styles reinterpreted with a steampunk twist. Corsets might feature gear motifs, dresses could have hidden pockets for gadgets, and men’s wear might include functional yet decorative elements like pocket watches with mechanical innards or goggles for that adventurous look.

Wonderplace Alpha: Beyond the Steamboats

The festival itself is a celebration of all things steampunk, unusual, magical, strane, and wonderful set in an environment that naturally complements this theme:

• Art and Design: Artists at the festival craft everything from steampunk jewelry, where cogs and cogs become necklaces, to furniture that looks as if it could belong in a Victorian workshop with a twist of sci-fi.
• Interactive Experiences: Workshops teach attendees how to turn everyday objects into steampunk relics, while demonstrations might show how a simple steam engine works, connecting the dots between past technology and steampunk’s imaginative leap forward.
• Cultural Immersion: The event dives into the lore of steampunk, with performances and storytelling that might reimagine Lake George’s history with airships docking where steamboats once did, or inventors showcasing their latest steam-powered contraptions.

Why Lake George for Steampunk?

New York State’s Lake George, with its historical significance in the Industrial Age, provides the perfect stage for steampunk enthusiasts. The landscape, the architecture, and even the very air seem to hold the whispers of a time when steam was king, making it an ideal setting for a festival that celebrates the fusion of history, technology, and imagination.

Conclusion

Wonderplace Alpha at Lake George isn’t just an event; it’s a journey back to a time that never was but could have been, where the elegance of 19th-century fashion meets the boundless creativity of steampunk. Whether you’re aboard a steamboat with a twist of the fantastical or dressed in the finest steampunk attire, Lake George becomes a portal to an alternate Victorian age. So, set your timepiece, adjust your goggles, and step into a world where history and fantasy steam together into the future.

Wonderplace Alpha Scavenger Hunt

Objective: Complete the following fantastical tasks to capture the essence of an event where reality bends to imagination.

Tasks:

1. Mirror Library Books
   • Task: I’ve swapped all the books in the library with their mirror versions. Read backwards, shall we?
   • Action: Find any book in the library or at the event and take a photo of the book’s text backward, either by physically reversing the book or digitally flipping the photo.
2. The Green Moon
   • Task: I’ve painted the moon green tonight, just to hear the poets’ confusion!
   • Action: Take a picture of the moon when it’s green. If you can’t find a green moon (since this is quite a magical request), you can draw a green moon or find an image of one to share.
3. Cat Tail Parade
   • Task: I’ve tied all the cats’ tails together. The parade starts at midnight!
   • Action: Bring two pieces of cat art (paintings, sculptures, drawings, etc.) together in one photo or physically if they are movable art pieces. Emphasize that this is about art, not involving live animals.
4. Reverse River Flow
   • Task: I’ve convinced the river to flow backward for an hour. Watch the fish swim upstream!
   • Action: Find a river or stream at the event, take a video or photo where it appears to flow backward (you might need to flip the video/image or use effects).
5. Echoing Laughter
   • Task: I’ve captured all the laughter in bottles. Find one and let it free!
   • Action: Record or capture an image of someone laughing at the event, or find a piece of art that symbolizes laughter (like a painting or sculpture).
6. Upside-Down Trees
   • Task: I’ve turned all the trees upside down for a bit of fun. Spot one!
   • Action: Find a tree and either take a photo or draw one where the tree appears upside down, either by physically hanging an image or using digital means.

Rules:

• All photos or actions should be taken at the event or within the spirit of the event’s theme.
• Creativity is key; if you can’t do something literally, interpret it creatively.
• Respect for art, property, and attendees is paramount; no live animals are to be used in tasks.

End Goal: Share your findings or creations with other attendees or at a designated spot for a collective viewing or event wrap-up. This could involve a gallery of the scavenger hunt results, celebrating the unique, imaginative interpretations of each task.

Additionally:

Absolutely, let’s weave some more imaginative tasks into this whimsical scavenger hunt:

Wonderplace Alpha Scavenger Hunt – Part Two

7. The Whispering Wind
   • Task: I’ve taught the wind to whisper secrets. Catch a whisper in your ear!
   • Action: Record a moment where the wind seems to be whispering, perhaps near a fan, open window, or outside. You can also write down a secret or a fun fact you learned at the event as your “caught whisper.”
8. Invisible Ink Letters
   • Task: All the correspondence today is written in invisible ink. Decode one message!
   • Action: Find any piece of paper or message at the event and “decode” it by either writing over it with a contrasting color pen (to simulate revealing invisible ink) or by writing your own hidden message and revealing it.
9. Color-Swapped Flowers
   • Task: I’ve made all the flowers change colors when no one is looking. Spot a color-swapped bloom!
   • Action: Take a picture of any flower and then edit the photo to change its color, or find an already colorful artificial flower and claim it as your “swapped” bloom.
10. Gravitational Anomaly
    • Task: I’ve made a spot where gravity is just a suggestion. Find it and float for a moment!
    • Action: Find a place where you can mimic floating – this could be a trampoline, a bouncy castle, or even just jumping in a photo where you appear to defy gravity.
11. Shadow Puppets of the Past
    • Task: I’ve brought back shadow puppets from ancient times. They perform at noon.
    • Action: Create or find a shadow puppet show, or simply make shadow puppets with your hands and take a photo or video of them “performing.”
12. The Singing Stones
    • Task: I’ve taught the stones to sing when the sun hits them just right. Listen to their melody!
    • Action: Find a stone or rock at the event, and either record the natural sounds around it or play music next to it to simulate the singing stones.
13. Reverse Daylight
    • Task: Today, the sun sets at dawn and rises at dusk. Capture this phenomenon!
    • Action: Take a photo or video of the sky at an unusual time, like sunrise at night or sunset in the morning, or edit an image to reflect this reverse lighting effect.

Rules:

• Embrace creativity; these tasks are about bending reality with imagination.
• Ensure all actions are safe, respectful, and considerate of the event’s environment and attendees.
• Share your results in a fun, communal way, perhaps through a digital gallery or in-person sharing session.

End Goal: The culmination of these tasks could be a collective storytelling session where attendees share their interpretations of these magical events, creating an oral tapestry of the day’s adventures.

Definitely Not An ARG.

No, really. This ought to be an ARG, but we haven’t built one yet.

I’m going to suggest to Jim that we could make this into a visual scavenger hunt and Jeremy and Jeremy that it could be…well, let me just bring this to them now.

• In the moonlight, I’ve turned all the town’s shoes into fish! Let’s see them dance now!
• I’ve swapped all the books in the library with their mirror versions. Read backwards, shall we?
• I’ve painted the moon green tonight, just to hear the poets’ confusion!
• I’ve tied all the cats’ tails together. The parade starts at midnight!
• I’ve filled the mayor’s fountain with honey. Sweet dreams to all who drink from it!
• I’ve changed every door knob in town to be invisible. Good luck getting home!
• I’ve turned all the street signs upside down. Let’s see who can navigate this new world!
• I’ve made it so every time someone sneezes, a flower blooms from their nose. Bless you, indeed!
• I’ve enchanted the town clock to chime backwards. Time for a rewind, perhaps?
• I’ve set the stars to twinkle in Morse code. Can you decipher my message?
• I’ve made all the dogs speak in rhyme. Poetry in motion, indeed!
• I’ve turned all the windows into portals to different worlds. Look, but don’t fall through!
• I’ve winked at a cat. Now I’m turning into a cat…
• I’ve turned every teacup into a tiny pond with swimming goldfish. Drink at your own risk!
• I’ve hidden a rainbow in the town square that appears only when someone laughs genuinely.
• All the leaves on the trees are now whispering secrets from last winter. Listen closely!
• I’ve made the shadows dance to their own silent symphony tonight. Watch the show!
• I’ve switched all the signs at the bakery so you’ll never know what you’re biting into.
• I’ve enchanted the street lights to glow in colors that reflect your mood. Feeling blue?
• I’ve turned the local pond into a mirror that reflects not your face, but your heart’s desire.
• I’ve made it so every step you take tonight leaves behind a trail of glowing footprints.
• All the birds are now singing lullabies in reverse. Sleep on if you dare!
• I’ve hidden a door to the fairy realm in the most mundane place imaginable. Find it if you can!
• I’ve made all the statues wink at passersby, sharing a secret only they know.
• I’ve turned the wind into a messenger, whispering forgotten dreams into your ear.
• I’ve painted the night sky with invisible ink; only those with a child’s wonder can see it.
• I’ve made every handshake tonight seal a pact of friendship with a small, unseen spark.
• I’ve turned the town’s clocks into hourglasses with sand that runs upward. Time to rethink time!

If we shadows have offended,
Note my knee is yet unbended

Think you have but slumber’d here?
Let that illusion disappear
That’s some weak and idle theme,
Crushed by the force of unpent dream

Gentles, do not reprehend:
That’s breath you’d better elsewhere spend
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If you’re unscathed, know it was luck

Now to ‘scape the serpent’s tongue,
Behold! A Fairyland unsprung
Else the Puck a liar call:
Magic rise, and reason fall.

Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And let’s celebrate as Reality bends.