Walking a Labyrinth

I can’t remember my very first experience walking a labyrinth.  I do know I have walked many in my life, and have always been drawn to this ancient spiritual mystery.  My favorite labyrinths have been outdoors:  ones in the forest, like the one I’ve walked the most in the Adirondacks at the Priory Retreat House (above), and (below) the labyrinth at the edge of Long Island Sound at a convent called Mercy by the Sea. 

I’ve walked indoor labyrinths:  one at the 213th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA in Louisville, Kentucky, and at least once a year during Advent or Lent, I’ve walked the labyrinth at Asbury United Methodist Church in Rochester, NY.  (below)

There are some who have journeyed to far-off places to walk ancient labyrinths, like the most familiar Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth in France.  I’m not sure I will ever get to walk a labyrinth quite elaborate and ancient as that, but the origin of even the simple ones we build in our personal sacred spaces date back 4000 years.  So whether we are in France or in Rochester, NY, walking the labyrinth will bring us to the center of a universal holy place that has been seeded in us all.

Why do people walk the labyrinth?  First, one must understand a labyrinth is not meant to confuse or trick the person who is walking it, (that’s a maze). But rather it is a way that leads to the center.   People will walk to meditate, to relax, to pray, to unburden oneself from worry, or to discern over making a decision on a personal issue.

labyrinth petraglyph - India

I frequently use the labyrinth as a metaphor to life.   It is like walking our life on a path that we know will soon lead to the center.  We will make turns that seem to be going back to where we started, but if we continue walking, we will see we are actually moving forward.  We will come across others walking the labyrinth.  Sometimes we will walk along side people and sometimes they will be either in front or behind us.  We may have to go around them or they may have to go around us.  Sometimes we will part ways and travel in different directions.  We will always come to the center.  There we can rest, think, pray, or be still.  If we want we can sing or dance in the center!  

And always, when we are ready, we can continue the journey until we complete the walk.

" ... you will find God where you are –
if you search with all your heart 
and soul.”
(Deuteronomy 4:29)