Walking the Labyrinth

When I go to visit my family at Lewes Delaware several times a year, I stop by the Episcopal church there in the morning before going for coffee. They have a labyrinth in their church yard (not the one pictured here), which is basically a stone path that forms a circular maze.

The labyrinth was an early Greek symbol, that was later powerfully transformed into a meditative symbol widely utilized throughout the ancient Christian community.

Walking and meditating at labyrinths is an ancient spiritual tradition dating back thousands of years. The idea is to enter the labyrinth path with a question, prayer, or intention to meditate upon as one walks in concentric loops toward the center.

Once the center is reached, at least when I walk it, I pause for a moment of meditation and breath prayer. Then, gradually as I feel moved, I begin the unhurried journey back out from the center. As I walk out from the center, I meditate on what guidance or discernment the Holy One may be speaking to my heart.

This simple exercise has given me a deep sense of peace, renewal, and discernment each and every time I have embarked upon it.

Look in your area for a labyrinth:

http://wwll.veriditas.labyrinthsociety.org/

and give it a try. If you can't find one, you can always make a simple one in your backyard using one of the diagrams of classic labyrinths, or even print out a drawing of one, sit in a peaceful place, and meditate upon an intention in this way as you gently trace your finger along the path of the labyrinth outline.

May you breathe in and exhude God's perfect peace on the journey!

John