A labyrinth is a pattern, usually in the form of a large circle, that has only one path beginning at the outer edge and leading in a circuitous way into the center. Unlike a maze which is designed to make you lose your way, a labyrinth is created to help you find your path.
Labyrinths are archetypes for wholeness, and labyrinths are found all over the world. When Erin was in Austria last year, she was hiking at the top of a mountain, and came upon a labyrinth made with grass paths outlined with stone. The simplicity of the labyrinth against the incredible beauty of the view from the mountain was breathtaking. Cara enjoyed walking one when she was in Sedona last year, and was surprised to find one in a park in Lewes, Delaware. In recent years, people have been rediscovering labyrinths as tools for spiritual transformation and for contemplative meditation. Like sitting meditation, walking invites you to enter into the experience with an open heart and open mind. It asks you to be present while letting go of each moment and releasing what arises in the body and the mind.
There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. You may walk it at any pace, you may pause and stop in certain places, you can even dance if you’d like! Some people walk labyrinths to reduce stress and some to inspire creativity and imagination.
One of the ways to approach a labyrinth walk is to pause before entering the labyrinth and allow yourself to focus on an intention for the walk, such as “what is the next step on my path?” or “ how can I deal with this difficult situation?” Once an intention is made you can step onto the path of labyrinth and start walking, and in following the path towards the center you can release or let go of the distractions. When you reach the center, pause for several minutes to receive clarity or illumination. When ready, follow the path back out. As you do so, this is a time for integrating what has been discovered about your intention, and gathering a renewed sense of direction.
If you are interested in finding a labyrinth in your area or when you travel you can go online to the world wide labyrinth locator on the web at www.labyrinthlocator.com
Share your stories about walking a labyrinth.