Walk Your Life in a Labyrinth
As a child I went to France and visited Chatres Cathedral. Inside lies one of the most famous labyrinths, upon which pilgrims who, unable to afford the camel fare, would walk on their knees instead of going to Jerusalem. This trip must have planted a seed…
For many years later I found myself walking around another labyrinth at the ecological Schumacher College, Totnes, Devon. There I got the book by Tchenka Jane Sutherland, who has designed a few magnificent labyrinths in her time.
Just what is a labyrinth?
Liverpool Cathedral by Tchenka Jane Sutherland
It is not a maze. It is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. Labyrinths have been an important part of many cultures spiritually for thousands of years, and have also been used to create decorative art.
Walking through a labyrinth is usually intended to be a meditative and contemplative act, and many religions, including Christianity, integrate walking meditation in labyrinths into their spiritual practices.
It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. The Labyrinth represents a journey to our own centre and back again out into the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools.
We can have a direct experience. We can walk it. It is a 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.”
How do you use it?
It can be used in many ways. If you have something bothering you, are looking for some breathing space, walk it. Allow yourself to find your natural pace, balance. Have no expectations, as this tripped up someone recently who was trying to figure out what I intended.
Jem Winston, owner of Rosalie Eco-Forest agreed to have one below made for the “Yoga as a Path to Wellness and Wholeness Day” at Eco-Fest. Here are some of my group going through their paces. Just imagine how expansive your life can feel amidst this setting.
A big thanks to the hardy student of Dominica’s State College who, in the pouring rain, provided the muscle work, as well as some of my Nature Isle Retreat participants.
From the plains of ancient Peru
[...] who is seen in the photo walking a labyrinth with friends, expressed similar sentiments in a lovely post with a perfect title – Walk your Life in a [...]
Labyrinth Walking Meditation | Meditation Oasis said this on August 31, 2010 at 6:12 pm |