In the last twenty years
or so the symbolism and healing experience of walking the labyrinth
have returned to public attention. Used for stress reduction these
pathways for walking meditation are being used in locations as
diverse as churches, hospitals, prisons, retreat centers and
community parks.
Traces of these convoluted
paths have been found around the world in many divergent cultures
from as early as 2500 to 2000 B.C.E... Historically they appear to
have been used as an alternative to a spiritual pilgrimage, places to
pace out prayers for healing and mercy, walking to reach a state of
calm, clarity and inner balance.
Walking meditation is
especially appealing to those who struggle with sitting still. Once
you set your feet upon the path you let the steps lead your body
along the way while your mind and spirit are free to contemplate
deeper questions. .. or.. perhaps ..practice mindfulness in motion
by focusing only on the present moment and savoring the rich sounds,
smells, sight of grass, rock and sky…
I didn't really understand
the labyrinth until I had walked the turning twisting pathway;
circling round the goal of the center, confronting the challenge
where the path swings back in the opposite direction. Theoretically I
knew that the labyrinth way is different from a maze in that there
are no dead ends, no chances of getting lost. There is one entrance,
one path, one center… but many twists and turns.
So my first experience
was not quite as enchanting as I had expected. When the path turned
me back around from clear forward progress my logical mind protested.
I wanted the straight route to where I was heading. Going another
direction was not an appealing option. I persevered…..
I walk. I turn. I turn
again. The desired end within sight of eyes, sighs of heart. The path
circles back around, taking stubborn feet in the opposite direction.
I question my progress/ feel ineffective. I keep walking/ pulling my
attention back to the step just ahead. Finally with a prayer of
relief I enter the center… calm.
Will I ever learn to trust the process?
Walking the labyrinth is an amazing experience! I think you have captured the feelings it inspires remarkably well, NJ. It is a kind of duality that I felt - my mind was focused on the movements I had to make, while my senses floated apart from that. I hope to do it again soon!
ReplyDeleteYes--labyrinth is an amazing experience--and NJ writes movingly of the experience of this ancient walking meditation. Walked my first in the UK as a teen, and even with my Mom shouting for me to "hurry up", it was an experience I was hungry to repeat when I finally had the chance again, many years later. Four Quarters Farm in Artemas, PA has a spectacular hilltop one, constructed by pagan youth and many dedicated crone mamas.
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