With this new age of awareness, people are flocking to labyrinths found all over the world. With rich history in old religions and cultures, labyrinths have represented the metaphoric journeys of man. Early Christian labyrinths were used to represent the symbolic pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

The popular 11 circuit labyrinth has 11 circles before entering the center. Types and uses of a labyrinth have evolved as man has evolved.

A labyrinth is often a plot of ground with stones lining a simple pattern. Don’t confuse a labyrinth with a maze. There is only one way in and one way out. Sure there are loops and turns. But there are no tricks. There are no dead ends. It is a journey. What is your journey?

Two Questions Before Entering a Labyrinth

There are two questions that you should ask before entering a labyrinth. Explore these questions. Understand why you ask them, and what you hope to gain or release. Be honest with yourself and allow your fears to dissipate into ultimate truths.

·       Where am I now in my life?

Take a moment to see yourself in the overall grand scheme of time and the epic universe. Reflect upon your status. Allow your mind to clear so that you can take an objective perspective. See your difficulties and obstacles. Embrace the blessings and gifts. Know your strengths and your weaknesses.

·       What would I like to receive?

Prepare yourself to ask and receive the gifts needed. Trust that what you ask for will come when the time is appropriate.

Three Phases to Walking a Labyrinth

1.   Release

It’s time to just let go. Let go of all those thoughts. Clear your mind from the constant distractions. This begins before entering the labyrinth. As you walk towards the center of the path, breathe in the clarity and peace and exhale your insecurities and fears.

Feel every step. Hear every sound. What do you taste? See? Smell?

2.   Connect

Connect with your higher power as you enter the center of the labyrinth. This is the time to meditate or pray with a clear and calm mind. Allow yourself to receive the gifts that you are looking for. Feel it.

Breathe in the strength. Let go of the fear. Live in the peace. Exhale the chaos.

3.   Return

As you leave, follow the path of which you came. Your higher power walks with you now. With each step, allow the gifts you need to come to you. Feel these gifts with every step and breath you take.

Walk with greater ease and greater confidence. You must take this connection and bring it back to your own world. Feel powerful, clear, and peaceful in your every day life.

Tips for Walking a Labyrinth

·       Go at your pace. Do what feels comfortable but yet meaningful. Allows others to pass. Meditate for as long as needed. There is no rush.

·       Go barefoot and feel the ground and the dirt.

·       Walk with your palms down to let go of energy and then walk palms up to receive.

·       A daily labyrinth sets the tone for the day or allows an opportunity for your mind to rest.

·       Table, hand drawn, sand, and other portable versions also work. Its not about what you do just how you do it.

·       Be respectful and reverent. Thousands may have walked and thousands more to come. You may feel energy left by others. Know your own energy and do not take on other’s energy.

·       Breathe! Breathing helps us clear our mind and release unwanted tension.

Make this your own personal journey. What would serve you?

Other Uses for Labyrinths

A labyrinth is just a tool. You can adapt a labyrinth to serve your needs.

Loss

To help clear the mind of the despair and understand why we mourn. We mourn because we love. And a labyrinth can be an opportunity to let go and love.

Goodbye Ritual

Saying goodbye? To a friend or to a toxic drug, use a labyrinth to symbolize the action of goodbye. Find your peace.

Answers

Clear your mind from the clutter. Connect and find the simple answers. Know where fear holds you back and make the best decision. Trust your instincts. Allow your answers to come.

Celebration and Joy

A labyrinth can be used to enjoy the blessings of life. We have much greatness around and this is a perfect time to become aware of it. This would be a great time to honor and celebrate.

Walk for Others

This can be a powerful tool as you walk for others in need of guidance and help. However for this to me most powerful, you must master loving yourself before you can love others authentically. Put the O2 mask on yourself in a plane before your kids type of deal.

Notable Labyrinths

There are thousands permanent labyrinths in the US. Notable labyrinths include Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, CA, Serra Retreat in Malibu, CA, and near Crescent Park in Playa Vista.

Where have you been?