THE LABYRINTH:  A SACRED PATH

 The labyrinth is an ancient archetype, a divine imprint, for the journey of life.  It is found within many religious traditions in various forms around the world.  By walking the labyrinth one is discovering a long-forgotten mystical tradition that is insisting to be reborn in our present time. 

 The process of walking the labyrinth is a variation of a walking meditation. When walking the labyrinth one follows the same path out as they followed into the center.  The circuitous path contains no tricks or dead ends, which distinguishes it from a maze.  The meandering path becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives; it touches our sorrows and releases our joys. 

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR WALKING THE LABYRINTH

CENTER—Before walking, pause at the entrance to take a moment to clear your mind, calm your spirit, and become aware of your breath.  Become quiet and centered. 

 EXPERIENCE—Walk purposefully and observe the process.  As you walk, allow yourself to find the pace your body wants.  You may meet people on your journey, allow room for them to pass or step around you.

 WALK—There are three stages to a labyrinth walk:

Shedding – release and let go of the details of your life.  Free your mind of everything that keeps you from focusing on the here and now.  Pay attention to your feelings, thoughts and/or emotions.  This stage lasts until you reach the center. 

Illumination – The center of the labyrinth is a place for meditation and prayer.  It is the place where meet God, a Higher Power or the healing forces at work in the world.  Stay in the center as long as you like.  Listen.  Breath.  Release what you do not need and receive what is there for you to receive. 

Union – accept and carry with you what your spirit has received as you retrace the path outward. 

EMERGE—Upon exiting the labyrinth, turn back towards the labyrinth and give thanks for your experience and the presence of this sacred space.  Give acknowledgement through a bow, nod, or other respectful gesture.

 REFLECT—After walking the labyrinth reflect back on your experience.  Use journaling or drawing to capture your experience. 

 REALIZE—Each walk will be different, as you bring different attitudes, needs or burdens to your walk.  Each time you walk the labyrinth, walk it with an open mind and an open heart.

 FIND BLESSING—May you find unexpected blessing in the walking of the labyrinth.  May every step you take on life’s journey empower you to find and do the work for which your soul is searching and reaching. 

Click on an image below for pictures of the new labyrinth, located outside the new NC Cancer Hospital, as it was being made.