The art of walking the labyrinth is a practice that has dated back 4,000 years or more. It is a meandering path with a singular path leading to a centre. Labyrinths are used symbolically, as a walking medication, choreographed dance, or site of rituals and ceremony, among other things.

 

They are toos for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation, also thought to enhance right-brain activity. Labyrinths evoke metaphor, sacred geometry, spiritual pilgrimage, religious practice, mindfulness, environmental art, and community building.

 

If you have not walked a labyrinth for a while, then perhaps you might want to follow the pattern below:

The Labyrinth.  

Name your intention
Often we enter a labyrinth in order to hear and respond to God. Take a moment to invite God to walk with you. Ask for the grace to hear. You might have a particular need or focus…take a moment and name them, walk with them and ask God to respond to them these intentions with you during the walk.

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Walk the Path
Start walking the path, go a pace that feels natural. As you move along the path, notice what is happening in your heart. There does not need to be an agenda to your prayer or thoughts… rather trust in God’s guidance and let it unfold as you walk. If your mind wanders to thoughts that seem like distractions, name the distraction, lift it up to God and ask God to guide your mind back. If the distraction returns, explore it with God.

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Give thanks
When you reach the centre of the labyrinth, thank God for having walked with you along the way.

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Reflect
When taking the journey back out of the labyrinth take time to reflect on what you were thankful for. When you exit the labyrinth, you might want to write down your thoughts, feelings or anything else that came up. If something stands out, consider exploring it further at another time or with your supervisor/spiritual director or a peer.