Using the features of the site

Before visiting for the first time, you may wish to know about the following features of the Place of Reflection, which are designed to support the healing process.

The walking paths

People suffering loss and grief are travelling along a pathway, at the end of which they will hopefully find greater peace, understanding and hope for the future. When walking along the winding pathways of the Place of Reflection, it can be useful to think about this journey, and the fact that it has been travelled by many other people before you.

There is also a growing interest in the benefits of walking meditation for people overcoming illness or trauma. Walking meditation is mindful, slow walking with focused attention on body sensations and/or breathing that many people find helpful in stilling the mind and calming the emotions. You may want to try this focused walking while you are visiting the Place of Reflection.

Words of inspiration

The pathways and wooden seating at the Place of Reflection are inscribed with words and phrases relating to the healing journey: hope, renewal, forgiveness, compassion, you are not alone, among many others. It is suggested you select one or more of these words and consider them in relation to your own circumstances as you walk along the pathways. They might help to give greater focus and meaning to your time at the Place of Reflection.

Places for contemplation

There is wooden decking and seating located around the pathways, designed for people to sit or stand and take in the stunning vistas beyond the Place of Reflection: the river, the city skyline and the distant hills. In these protected spaces, you will be aware of not only the sounds of nature, but the low rumble of cars and boats and the soft hum of a city going about its business. This can be a comforting reminder that, while you might feel alone in your grief right now, you are still connected to the life that continues all around you.

"I sat on the seat with my husband and cried, letting myself acknowledge long-held grief. I felt engulfed by warmth, held and protected…"

A daughter remembering her parents

"The Place of Reflection is unique… The view from its location on the scarp of Kings Park is simply magnificent, and the design of the place itself blends beautifully with the natural bush surroundings… What a lovely, peaceful place to go to remember a loved one."

Tuart Place staff member

"A place of peace, calmness, beauty, tranquillity and freedom - I felt like I was in a space where I didn’t have to think about anything. I could reflect or meditate or just enjoy."

Perth Home Care Services staff member

"My friend and I come here together. We sit on the bench, two widows sharing our memories of our partners."

Place of Reflection visitor

"The discreet location amongst nature with such a superb outlook enables individuals and groups to reflect and heal without judgement."

King Edward Memorial Hospital, Grief & Loss Council member

"We really appreciate the sense of peace and serenity that settles on us when we are there."

Adoption Jigsaw staff member

"We can share this place with those needing a quiet time, somewhere to sit quietly or grieve... a place with nature, somewhere they might find peace, calmness, even closure."

Mareena Purslowe & Associates staff member

"We can share this 'A place of complete peace to just reflect and let your worries in the world go. And a place to reflect on the loved ones lost in your life and to honour them.' With those needing a quiet time, somewhere to sit quietly or grieve... a place with nature, somewhere they might find peace, calmness, even closure."

Anglicare staff member

"We really could not have had a more ambient or beautiful setting."

Cystic Fibrosis WA staff member

"The Place of Reflection is an important place to myself and my family. We are able bring our sadness to this place and turn it into a reflection that deepens our lives and our compassion for all those who suffer loss."

Soroptimists International member

"It is a lovely place for thought, meditation and comfort in nature, a place to find peace in the chaos of life."

Place of Reflection visitor

"I really like the words on the path as well as the words on the bench. If you have come through a time of grieving, you do at times feel very alone – particularly if you have experienced the loss of a life partner. The words on the bench ‘You are not alone’ were particularly meaningful to me."

Place of Reflection visitor

"A beautiful, peaceful place for people experiencing grief and loss to spend some quiet time, remembering and healing."

Place of Reflection visitor

healing
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