Some Background on Labyrinths

Labyrinths have existed in different forms since ancient times as part of the myth and ritual of many cultures and religions. It is a model of spiritual wholeness and order, which when walked enables you to heal the separation between body, mind and spirit. It is a path of prayer and meditation for all people seeking wholeness. Each person walks the Labyrinth in their own style, and takes from the experience their own unique spiritual lesson.

Labyrinths differ from mazes. Mazes have choice points and dead ends. Mazes stimulate and engage the thinking, problem-solving mind. Labyrinths engage the heart, with no decisions about directions needing to be made. By simply yielding to and following the path, the mind quiets. The voice of the heart can then be heard.

Mirroring the path of life, every Labyrinth journey is different – contemplative, painful, joyous, even boring. It can be walked, skipped, run, bounced; alone or with others; in silence or with music. When walking the Labyrinth, it is helpful to let go of all thoughts, concerns and stresses, and open yourself to experience whatever your Divine guidance has for you. You can hold in your heart a challenge or personal issue you are dealing with. As you enter the Labyrinth with an open mind and heart, prepare yourself to receive answers and insights about your life.

Guidelines for Walking the Labyrinth

Releasing: As you begin your walk, you may choose to focus on your breathing, letting your body relax. Your mind starts to clear, and you may be able to release the concerns, pressures and stresses that distract you from your own deeper intuition. Acknowledge and then let go of emotions, thoughts, and feelings.

Receiving: Reaching the center, you come to find your true center, a place of peace and spaciousness. Here you can pray or meditate, and receive clarity or illumination. Pray about certain parts of your life, or just rest in presence.

Integrating: You walk out from the center along the same path that brought you in, focusing on integration and commitment. You take what you found at the center back into your relationships, roles and responsibilities. You re-renter the world with a new sense of yourself and your relationship with source of life.