Walking the Labyrinth

"If we learn to love the Earth, we will find labyrinths, gardens, fountains and precious jewels. A whole new world will open itself to us. We will discover what it means to be truly alive".
- Teresa of Avila

In many respects, walking the labyrinth is a lot like life. Sometimes we may not be sure of where we are on our path, but we just have to trust and to put one foot in front of the other.

There are many ways and reasons to walk a labyrinth - for prayer, centering, problem-solving, walking meditation, reflection, inspiration etc. Walking the labyrinth is a personal experience and there is no right way or wrong way to walk.

One suggestion of a way to walk involves three stages:

Releasing: As one enters the labyrinth, this is the time to clear the mind, focus on breathing and putting one foot in front of the other.

Receiving: When one reaches the center, this is a time for listening and receiving any messages, answers, comfort, prayers, inspiration……

Integrating: If one has had a thought or an answer or inspiration….this is the time, on the walk back out, to integrate the experience and relate it to one's life.

Upon completion of the walk, many people like to write or draw or journal their thoughts. Bringing paper and pen is a good idea.

At any stage of the walk one can “receive” or “integrate” or “release”. Remember, there are no rules on how to walk a labyrinth. It is a personal experience for everyone.

Note: For another suggestion of a way to walk the seven-circuit labyrinth, see the Geomancy link on the Links page.