Walking The
Labyrinth
Although
the presence of the labyrinth in Christian churches may be new today, it is a
sacred symbol that can be traced back 3,000 years to ancient Greece and many
other ancient cultures as well. In the Middle Ages, the labyrinth was given a
Christian meaning. Labyrinth designs can be found on the stone floors of many
medieval cathedrals. For medieval pilgrims, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in
Jerusalem, the place of Christ’s death and resurrection, was the holy
destination. Most faithful Christians could not travel to Jerusalem, so
pilgrims walked labyrinths as a symbolic journey to Jerusalem. Labyrinths were
designed in many forms, the earliest being in linear patterns. By the ninth
century, however, a more circuitous design appeared, making the path less
obvious and more representative of our own journeys.
How is the labyrinth a spiritual tool?
Our lives
are a journey, a sacred journey, where we encounter joy, sorrow, growth,
defeat, grief, celebration, and all the other experiences that challenge and
transform our understanding of life. Symbolic of this journey, the labyrinth
functions as a meditation tool, a prayer tool, to help us focus and encounter
the presence of the sacred Divine in our changing lives. Unlike a maze, a
labyrinth has no dead ends, and there are no tricks or puzzles to solve. The
path in is the path out, and as such represents the wholeness of our lives.
Therefore, walking the labyrinth is not a left-brain task, but an invitation to
use our right brain and the gifts of creativity, imagination, and
receptiveness.
There is
no ‘correct’ way to walk the labyrinth. It can be walked slowly, it can be
danced; some have entered on their knees. As you become more comfortable with
this prayer tool, you may find yourself experimenting with different
approaches. Free yourself of expectations, and surrender yourself to the
movement of the Holy Spirit as you walk and pray.
Ways to walk the labyrinth
Walk for Inward Peace – Before entering the labyrinth,
recognize relationships or situations that are disturbing your sense of
wellness. As you walk, be very aware of your body and breathing. On the way to
the center, imagine each exhaled breath taking away the stress of your
situation. At the center, open your heart and mind to receive what is offered.
Leaving the labyrinth, imagine each inhaled breath is giving strength and
courage to change what you can and let go of the rest.
Enter with a
Question –
Identify what the questions are in your life or where your attention is focused
at the moment: new job, marriage, grief, parenthood, need for a new direction,
troubled relationships, etc. Walk the labyrinth seeking new insights and
guidance. Ask God for help; then listen.
A Prayer Walk – Use the labyrinth to pray for
someone or to give thanks to God. Pray using a simple, short prayer or favorite
Scripture verse or line from a hymn. Examples for you to try:
U
Lord
Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.
U
Gracious
God, heal my broken spirit.
U
God
of grace, God of glory, fill me with your presence.
U
Keep
watch, dear Lord, with _______.
U
I
come with joy to meet my Lord.
Looking in the
Mirror – While
walking the labyrinth with others, try to perceive a part of yourself in each
person. Open your heart to all those around you. Interiorly, say: “I love you”
to each person you encounter during your labyrinth walk. Pray for the wellbeing
of each person. Open your heart to yourself. Pray for yourself. Be gentle with
yourself and others.
Labyrinth
information from Redemptorist Renewal Center
and Los Ranchos
Presbytery is gratefully acknowledged.
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