A Sense of Healing

Boone Hospital’s Healing Garden and labyrinth offer holistic paths to wellness. 

A labyrinth is about clarity and peace of mind — not confusion. That’s why we shouldn’t use the terms “labyrinth” and “maze” interchangeably. And it’s the focus on spiritual wholeness and healing of the mind, body, and spirit that is at the heart of the Boone Health labyrinth, located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Williams and Walnut streets.  

Boone Health’s website and the Fall 2024 issue of My Boone Health magazine highlight those healing and peace of mind characteristics.  

Labyrinths can be found in almost every religion and every culture. They are an ancient work of art, a spiritual tool to bring together a community of people of many faiths and traditions.  

• Pause at the entrance, open the heart and clear the mind. Be aware that you are entering a sacred symbol, a sacred path.  

• You may wish to say a prayer, ask a specific question or choose a particular intention for walking (such as physical healing, inner peace, regaining balance, etc).  

• Begin walking slowly, following the winding path towards the center. Walk at your own pace. The path is two ways; those going in will meet those coming out. If you meet another on the path going or coming, simply step aside and pass with reverence—this is easiest at the turns.  

• In the center, pause and stay as long as you like. Let it be a time of meditation and prayer. Receive what is there for you to receive. Then exit by the same path you entered.  

Boone Health’s goal is to maintain the labyrinth as a healing resource for the patients and staff of Boone Hospital Center and for the mid-Missouri community.  

The Barbara A. Weaver Healing Garden at Boone Hospital offers a tranquil place for patients, visitors, and employees. The 12,380-square-foot garden area features trees, flowers, waterfalls, and soothing music. The Healing Garden opened in 2012 with support from donors to the Boone Hospital Foundation, and many of the paving bricks in the garden display the names of donors as well as medical staff, employees, and patient families.  

The Foundation designed the garden based on research that confirmed how healing gardens can help ease patient stress, foster a supportive environment between patients and friends or family members, encourage exercise, and provide a distraction from loud noises, bright lights and the lack of privacy often associated with hospital stays.  

The garden is designed to appeal to all senses. In addition to the sights, smells and textures of the flora, there is the sound of waterfalls and soft music piped in. The garden also is easily accessible from the patient towers. Walks and footbridges are wide enough for wheelchairs, and there are plenty of places to stop and rest.  

The Healing Garden was dedicated in Barbara Weaver’s name in 2016. Weaver became the first woman elected to the Boone Board of Trustees in 1981, and she served in that capacity until 2015. The garden addition came 92 years after construction crews broke ground on Boone County Hospital on May 30, 1920. The grand opening followed on December 10, 1921. 

Photos by Jessica Park/Boone Health