A labyrinth is a powerful ancient symbol of our journey through life. It has been a part of almost every culture and religious tradition in history. The labyrinth is not a maze, with dead ends and wrong turns. It is a single path that leads to the center of the circle and then back out. This winding path takes us on an inward pilgrimage to our own center and leads us toward the Divine. Even though we each have our own unique path to follow in life, in many ways our journeys are similar as we are drawn to search for truth, to overcome obstacles, to face our fears and to deal with our grief. Walking the labyrinth is a spiritual practice that can help us in that process.
Why should I walk a labyrinth?
People walk a labyrinth for various reasons, such as to receive insight about a decision, to be transformed spiritually, to heal, to reduce stress or to bring about changes in their lives. Christians might simply open themselves to traveling with Christ along the way. One traditional approach is based on a three-fold path that includes:
Shedding: As you make the inward journey, become conscious of all the things you need to let go of in your life in order to live more like Christ: past hurts, resentments, addictions, compulsions, worries about selfish desires. Empty your mind of the concerns of everyday life. Receiving: As you rest at the center, be open to new inspirations, insights and clarity about your life. Receive whatever gifts are given. How will these gifts fit into your future? Stay in the center for as long as you wish. Integrating: As you journey outward from the center, be conscious of taking ownership for any gifts or insights you have received. Ask for the power to act on new insights. Be aware of God’s presence and carry the Divine light forward into the world.
How should I walk a labyrinth?
There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. You simply follow the path to the center, going at your own pace. It is helpful to walk in mindfulness and with a specific intention. Before entering, you might choose an intention and state it to yourself. You could also take a suggestion from Buddhist spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hanh to focus all your attention on the soles of your feet, using the image of moving away from the old and into the new with every step of the journey. You might simply align the pace of your walking with the pace of your breath. You may want to pause briefly at each turn to say a prayer, repeat a meditative phrase or simply focus on your breathing. Or you might find it helpful to repeat a phrase, prayer or mantra in your mind throughout your walk. It may help to ask yourself as you step into the labyrinth, “What am I seeking?” Then leave all expectations behind. As you walk, consciously observe what is going on within you and around you. So pay attention. Be open. Relax and enjoy the experience.
Information on this page was provided by Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha. Contact Prairiewoods about praying their outdoor labyrinth or other opportunities for spiritual growth at: ecospirit@prairiewoods.org