Walking the Labyrinth

Thanks to the generous support and ongoing work of San Leandro 2050, we have a labyrinth that is open to the public.

 
 

(the following information comes from Unity Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill, South Carolina)

What is a Labyrinth?
A Labyrinth is a walking path for prayer and meditation found in almost every religious tradition around the world. The earliest Christian labyrinth dates back to the 4th century and was used as a way to teach about the spiritual journey when most people could not read. Labyrinths come in different designs and can be made from a variety of materials, but all are based on the sacred geometry of the spiral and circle found in nature.\

There is only one path into the center and back out again. It is different from a maze in that there are no tricks or dead ends. The same labyrinth can generate a variety of experiences for those who walk it. The act of moving quiets the mind. “The simple act of walking the labyrinth invites us back into the center of our being.” (Artress, Lauren. Walking a Sacred Path. Riverhead Books. New York: 2006.)

Why Walk the Labyrinth?
Persons may walk the labyrinth for many reasons, including curiosity. You may begin walking and discover your reasons along the way. Here are some possible uses of the labyrinth:

  • Discernment and decision-making

  • Search for meaning

  • Self-reflection’

  • Processing grief

  • Reducing stress

  • Healing and wholeness

  • Meditation

  • Establishing or maintaining a mind-heart-body connection

How Do I Walk the Labyrinth?
There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. The labyrinth is a metaphor for your spiritual journey. Allow everything that happens to you on the way speak to you about where you are on your journey. Find your natural pace and move as you wish. Some people find it helpful to journal about their experience once they finish walking the labyrinth.

There are three stages to the walk:
Releasing – The journey in – As you walk toward the center, release the details of your life, letting go of distractions. This stage quiets the mind and opens the heart.
Receiving – The center – The center is a place where you open yourself to wisdom and comfort. Stay as long as you wish, and receive whatever insight, peace, or inspiration may arise.
Returning – The journey out – As you exit, follow the same path back, integrating what you’ve received. Leave the labyrinth feeling renewed and ready to carry your insights into daily life.

Other ways to walk the labyrinth:

  • Choose a Spiritual Companion: Walk with the memory of an ancestor, a loved one, or a spiritual guide in your heart.

  • Repetition: Repeat a prayer or mantra as you walk.

  • Letting Go: Release a burden or worry as you walk, and leave it at the center.

  • Express Gratitude: Use your walk as a moment to offer thanks for life’s blessings.

  • Reflect on Life’s Journey: Use the labyrinth walk to consider your path in life.

  • Keep a Journal: Reflect on your labyrinth walk afterward to capture insights and experiences.