Walk the Labyrinth

Labyrinths have aided Christians for centuries in their spiritual practices and experiences with God. They have existed for thousands of years and are used by many religious and spiritual traditions. Some are simple patterns leading to the center while others are more complex. Our labyrinth is an outdoor labyrinth made of brick embedded in grass. It is based on the design used to create the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth in France in the 1200s. A labyrinth is a single, winding path to the center and back out again. It isn’t like a maze because it does not have dead ends or tricks of any kind. It’s a path designed to help you quiet your mind and center your heart on meditation, prayer, and reflection. There’s no wrong way to use the labyrinth, but practitioners offer recommendations to help us with our ‘journey to the center and back out again.’

• Releasing (the journey inward): as you enter the path and move toward the center, let yourself slow down. Do your best to let go of distractions or worries that might pop into your mind. Let your mind quiet and open your heart to God.
• Receiving (at the center): stay as long as you like at the center. This is a place of stillness. Be open to any insights that might float into your mind or inspiration that may emerge.
• Returning (the outward journey): walk back out the way you came in. Continue to set aside distractions or worries. What’s coming to your mind about your walk today? Consider how to carry the peace or insights you have gained back into your daily activities.

Additional tips

• Setting an intention: Before you enter the labyrinth, pause and see if a specific intention arises within you. Perhaps you come with a question/decision you wish to hear from God about. Many people find it helpful to choose a phrase or prayer word to repeat as they enter and move to the center. The ancient Jesus Prayer is used by many: Jesus Christ, son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Or a shorten version: Jesus, have mercy. St. Francis’ prayer: Lord, who are You and who am I? Or simply a single word that strikes you for the moment: peace, mercy, love. Or maybe it’s just the intention of enter the stillness to know God.
• Pacing: your speed is up to you, although in a fast-paced world, allowing yourself to move slowly and deliberately as you go can be helpful. Let yourself find your own rhythm for your path.
• Exiting: many people find it helpful to spend a few minutes journaling or sitting in the quiet to let the experience soak in.

Questions

Q: How long does it take to walk the labyrinth?

A: As long or as brief as you make it. Some people will finish in 15 minutes, others in an hour.

Q: Do I need to be alone or can a friend(s) accompany me?

A: It’s great to walk alone or with others. Allow for everyone to walk at their own pace. If you meet someone along the path, one person can step aside to allow the other to pass. Maintaining silence is a good practice.

Q: What if I my mind wanders or I can’t keep my focus?

A: There’s no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. You may need to remind yourself of this often as you walk. At times you may experience turmoil that reflects the turmoil of your current life situation. Offer the turmoil to God and focus on your breath. Breathe in God’s peace, breathe out your distress. Focusing on your body like this, helps reset your brain to allow you to let go of what you can’t control. Ask God for help and let yourself move forward at a pace that feels right in the moment. Pause along the way to reflect and recenter yourself as often as you need.