In my spiritual journey, a labyrinth has brought both peace and wisdom into my life. I believe that it’s been about 25 years or so that I was made aware of labyrinths. For me it is a walking meditation that helps me to clear my mind, ask questions to my Inner Source, and release that which is ready to be released.
I helped to build a labyrinth in Pittsburgh at La Roche University around 2001 or so. I have used a canvas labyrinth at retreats and workshops and in my studio. Recently, I became a Veriditas trained Labyrinth Facilitator. You don’t necessarily need to find a labyrinth to walk if one is not nearby or own a canvas one. You can easily use the path of the labyrinth on paper, or handheld finger labyrinths, even the app Labyrinth Journey. Starting Friday, October 1st, I am offering a bi-weekly Virtual Labyrinth Meditation with inspiration, music or singing bowls for our meditation, and a sharing by participants. See the calendar for details for this class. But WHAT IS A LABYRINTH? you ask. Read on!
A labyrinth is a pattern of pathways that weave in a circle around a central point. You walk through the pathways to get to the center. Labyrinths are about the journey. They can be calming, as they slow you down while you wind your way through the path.
Herbert Benson, MD, founder of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and author of Relaxation Revolution, says a stroll through a labyrinth can evoke the relaxation response, “a bodily state directly opposite to the stress or ‘fight-or-flight’ state.
“Our more than 30 years of research shows that the relaxation response is characterized by decreased metabolism, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, and [also] slower and distinct brain wave activity,” Benson says.
The Labyrinth is an archetype found in many religious traditions in one form or another. A labyrinth is an ancient symbol of wholeness that combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. This Labyrinth is where we can have a direct experience. We can walk this metaphor for life’s journey. It is a symbol that creates a sacred space and place and takes us out of our ego to ‘That Which is Within.”
Labyrinth patterns have existed for thousands of years in many different ancient cultures During the medieval period, labyrinths were placed on the floors of many of the great European cathedrals. The most famous medieval labyrinth in existence today is at Chartres Cathedral. The pattern of this labyrinth is the inspiration for modern labyrinths. These symbols have been used as protective symbols, pathways to sacred dances, or displays of horsemanship. In the medieval Christian Church, the labyrinth played a part in the ceremonies surrounding Easter.
As stated, the labyrinth is a walking meditation, a path of prayer and an archetypal blueprint where psyche meets Spirit. It has only one path that leads from the outer edge in a circuitous way to the center. There are no tricks to it and no dead ends. Unlike a maze where you lose your way, the labyrinth is a spiritual tool that can help you find your way.
Some find answers to questions long asked, some find healing, creativity, a sense of wholeness …
What will you find on your labyrinth journey?
What to use for our Labyrinth sessions – Download paper labyrinth or you can use a finger or handheld labyrinth purchased through Veriditas or Amazon. Another way to access a handheld labyrinth is through the Labyrinth Journeys app, available in the Google Play and the Apple App store.
At times I will play music or play the singing bowls.
Read more about Labyrinths at on Veriditas.org
This is a great introduction video to using Handheld Labyrinths.
What to use for our Labyrinth sessions – Download paper labyrinth or you can use a finger or handheld labyrinth purchased through Veriditas or Amazon. Another way to access a handheld labyrinth is through the Labyrinth Journeys app, available in the Google Play and the Apple App store.
At times I will play music or play the singing bowls.
Read more about Labyrinths at on Veriditas.org
This is a great introduction video to using Handheld Labyrinths.
In the near future, I will be offering the Labyrinth walk in person again at Peaceful Wellness studio. Please stand by for upcoming events. I have a canvas heart-shaped classical labyrinth currently that fills the space. I have used that labyrinth on multiple occasions at retreats and workshops. I also have a Chartres inspired Labyrinth arriving in October for use in studio. In the spring, my husband and I are building a labyrinth in our backyard.
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