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Labyrinth
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The labyrinth is a single path or “unicursal” tool for spiritual transformation. There is no right way or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. We walk the pathways of the labyrinth in any way that meets our needs while being respectful of others who are walking. The labyrinth can be walked in as many ways are there are people who walk it! Before we begin we invite God to join us. If we are in a group, we gather at the center to "warm" the Labyrinth as we welcome the Holy to join us on our Journey. Say a prayer or create a litany or invite the communion of saints or whatever feels right. You have several options to add a canvas labyrinth to your event or to wrap an event around in the greater Houston area. Contact Cindy to check on availability and fees which are based upon ability to pay, either accompanied by Cindy, who is an advanced certified Veriditas facilitator or picked up and unaccompanied as a rental.
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These days you can easily find an outdoor labyrinth near you. I encourage you find one to walk on your own or with friends. Here is a simple way to think about walking the Labyrinth. You may want to set an "intention" before you walk ... ask a question, meditate on a verse of scripture ... or you may want to simply "experience" what you experience.
As we make our way on our pilgrimage, we engage in 3 movements:
As you finish your walk you may walk to turn and acknowledge your walk with a bow or a gesture. Take a moment to breathe and remember your experience. What will you take with you from your experience?
Going Deeper:
Everything that happens on the labyrinth is a metaphor. As your walking unfolds, these movements are a simple and easy way to envision what is happening in your soul as you walk with your body. However, our journey is not really that simple, and the labyrinth reflects that. As you walk, notice how you are often very far away from the center, and at other moments how close you are to that same center. What I have found is that coming away from the linear thinking of moving into these 3 "stages" of awareness invites us to allow ourselves to lean into the reality that life is much messier. We are in all of those stages of movements at the same time, all of the time. Yeah, it's a paradox but one in which the labyrinth holds us quite soundly. Come join me on the pathway sometime and let's explore the messy life we live!
As we make our way on our pilgrimage, we engage in 3 movements:
- RELEASE: Notice the body and any tension Acknowledge and walk it out. Set a pace that is in tune with where you are in your life. Breathe deeply as you become aware of things you may need to let go of so that you can be fully present to God. Be aware that deep emotions may arise and it is ok ...
- RECEIVE: Reaching the center ... pause, sit, relax, breathe deeply, pray, spend precious time … Become aware of the gift that God has for you and linger in the center as long as it takes to prepare your heart for your continuing journey.
- RETURN: As you walk out, you will return by the same path. Take time and notice any changes in the way your body feels. Do you feel drained or energized? Are you content or unsettled as you prepare to return to the place we began and re-enter the world you live in? Breathe deeply as you find strength for your spiritual journey.
As you finish your walk you may walk to turn and acknowledge your walk with a bow or a gesture. Take a moment to breathe and remember your experience. What will you take with you from your experience?
Going Deeper:
Everything that happens on the labyrinth is a metaphor. As your walking unfolds, these movements are a simple and easy way to envision what is happening in your soul as you walk with your body. However, our journey is not really that simple, and the labyrinth reflects that. As you walk, notice how you are often very far away from the center, and at other moments how close you are to that same center. What I have found is that coming away from the linear thinking of moving into these 3 "stages" of awareness invites us to allow ourselves to lean into the reality that life is much messier. We are in all of those stages of movements at the same time, all of the time. Yeah, it's a paradox but one in which the labyrinth holds us quite soundly. Come join me on the pathway sometime and let's explore the messy life we live!