14 January 2023 , 16:32
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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”.
'I ventured into Alcatraz after dark and was terrified by what I saw and heard'
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.