What is a Labyrinth?
Labyrinths date back thousands of years and have been used by many cultures. During Medieval times, many Christian churches incorporated labyrinths into floor designs. Today garden labyrinths are getting new attention at places of worship, medical centers, conference centers, parks, colleges, even backyards. Basically they are a meditation tool. A good suggestion for walking a labyrinth is as follows:
The entrance is a good place to stop, reflect and set an intention for your spiritual walk. Perhaps you’ll have a question that you are seeking guidance about. As you walk, focus on the intention. At the center, you can take as long as you wish, being open and receptive to spiritual guidance. Take time to turn and look in all directions. On the return journey, focus on what you bring from the center.
The important thing to know is that there is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. If you want, you can run or skip or play a flute. You can use a labyrinth in whatever way works for you.
Labyrinth Bricks...
Sponsoring a brick in our labyrinth is a special way to remember someone who has passed, acknowledge someone important in your life, or just put a message on brick that will bless all those who walk the path.
Bricks may be ordered online here or through our church office.
There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth, but here is A WAY – take what works for you and leave the rest!
Suggestions for how to walk the labyrinth:
Before you step into the labyrinth, pause and take a few conscious breaths, perhaps, a bit more deeply than usual. Consider what might be on your heart that you would like more clarity on. What are you feeling now and what would you like to be feeling? From this awareness, form a question for your labyrinth journey, such as how can I bring more joy into my life?
Step into the labyrinth with your question, then let it go. Become more fully aware of your senses as you mindfully begin your labyrinth journey. What are you tasting, smelling, touching, hearing and seeing?
When you reach the center, pause and again become aware of your breath. Bring your question to mind again and slowly look and turn in each of the 4 directions. Pay attention to what you notice. How does what you are tasting, smelling, touching, hearing and seeing apply to your question? Even though seemingly unrelated, there may be a hidden gem of clarity or inspiration. Perhaps you are wondering if you should make a certain change in your life and you notice a lot of doors that look interesting and appealing – ones you’d like to walk through and see what’s on the other side – this could mean it’s time to open a new door, or make that change. Or maybe you see and perceive the doors as shut tight and uninviting - this may mean that change is not right for you, or at least, not at this time.
When you are ready to start the return trip, again, let go of the question and what you noticed while in the center. Breathe and mindfully re-trace your steps back to the entrance.
When you reach the spot where you began, turn and look to the center. Give thanks to the space and land for journeying with you. Give thanks for any new insights you received and trust more insights will flow to you in the coming minutes, hours and days!