The Process Of Walking The Labyrinth
Dr. Lauren Artress says in her book Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering
The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995), “Stepping out of
the linear mind is often the most challenging part of the walk. Even though
the person has been assured that the path leads to the center, someone
who does not surrender easily to experience might stop walking during
the first part, trying to visually figure out where the path goes. Of
course, there is no right or wrong way to walk the path. This can be a
valuable lesson about control and surrendering to process… People
have revelatory experiences in the labyrinth. At first I was uncomfortable
with this. I was concerned that someone might have a distorted experience.
After months of walking the labyrinth and listening to the experiences
of others, I began to trust the labyrinth… Seekers frequently meet
their spiritual longing, are greeted by a velvety silence, or hear the
still, small voice within. They gain wisdom, assurance, solace, peace,
and direction. When people take questions into the labyrinth, they receive
direct guidance unique to each person's individual context.”
First take a moment to reflect on where you are in life: what is going
on in the present moment, and what answers are you seeking? What are your
goals? You may want to focus on a question, prayer or statement that will
guide this experience. Some people walk the labyrinth in order to mark
an important time in life, like a birthday, anniversary, or the death
of a loved one. It could be useful to do some journaling before your walk,
and quite interesting to journal again after your walk. The walk in to
the center symbolizes that we are going inward to receive something. The
walk out is a matter of taking what we have received back into the physical
world.
Next, you'll want to quiet the mind and let all thoughts go as you begin
the journey into the labyrinth. It is very important that the mind becomes
still in order to receive insights and revelations from the divine. You
can also focus on a question, prayer or phrase, but do not waiver from
that question or phrase. Meditate on that as you walk, not allowing the
mind to stray. Some people like to read Scripture, or recite Scripture
by memory as they walk the labyrinth. One can also ask for help through
prayer or as one goes through the walk. Walking isn't the only way the
body is allowed to move in the labyrinth. Some people dance or skip, bringing
joy into the body. Sometimes people crawl, or walk ever so slowly as a
baby steps.
Allow the ego to let go. Dr. Lauren Artress says in her book Walking
A Sacred Path: Rediscovering The Labyrinth As A Spiritual Tool (1995),
“If we take a walk in the country expecting to see a frog, the whole
walk can be so focused on finding the frog that we miss the beauty of
the countryside. If we do find the Frog, we miss learning how our expectations
shape our world around us… Expectations cut us off from the flow
of life and set us up for disappointment.” It is important to let
go of any expectations, for they will limit the experience of the labyrinth.
Expectations often lead to disappointment. Rather, it is best to leave
the mind open to anything, for that is when the most creative ideas come
forth, the most divine revelations are revealed, and the answers to our
deepest questions are found. When one reaches the center of the labyrinth,
if the mind is not quiet and in a receptive mode, without ego expectations,
the answer will not come forth and cannot leave the labyrinth.
Find your pace and do not let anyone rush you. The world is full of rushing,
it is important to take one's time in the labyrinth area to the labyrinth
helps us find our natural pace and draws our attention to things that
do not require deadlines and time limits. It is important to wait and
stop if led to do so within the labyrinth. The labyrinth represents many
levels of the self, and various parts of the self may want to be addressed
or acknowledge when there is an urge to stop. Honor these urges, for these
might be the places where messages come. Be conscious of your breath.
Notice if you hold your breath.
Begin the spiritual journey by becoming familiar
with labyrinth walking. Find solace and gain wisdom during the meditation
walk. The circular design is a pathway into the center circle of the maze.
The sacred path is a circuit of patterns to guide you along the passageway.