Walking The Labyrinth
Labyrinths have an ancient history, occurring in many faith and cultural contexts and in many parts of the world. Unlike a maze (with dead ends, designed to confuse) a labyrinth has a single convoluted path leading to the centre and back again. A labyrinth walk is a peaceful experience and can lead to unexpected insights.
People walk the labyrinth for many different reasons:
- For relaxation
- To let go of stress or anger
- For a quiet break: time out
- As part of a healing process, or dealing with grief
- For spiritual development
- For team-building and creativity
- For enjoyment and fun!
Walking the labyrinth is time for you: time to allow your mind to quieten and to let go of the burdens and worries of daily life. There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth, but these suggestions may be helpful.
- Respect the quietness of the labyrinth, for the benefit of all who walk there. If you want to pause or rest, just do so.
- As you enter the labyrinth, take a few moments to let go of the outside world and concerns. Be aware that you can trust the path as it twists and turns. Take your own time to walk to the centre; walk at your own pace.
- If you find that you want to overtake another walker, do so quietly with care, and keep your eye on the path that you are following so that you do not miss your way. (Even if you do mistake your path, you can only end up at the centre or at the beginning – you can’t get lost).
- When you reach the centre, you can choose to spend some time there in quietness. This is a resting place, time to receive and absorb the experience.
- As you return, reflect on your path. These are your first steps out towards the world, taking the quietness of the labyrinth with you.