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A Spiritual Tool to Heighten your Lenten Journey
You are on a path. Your life is a sacred journey. However, it is about to change, move, grow, expand and reach new levels, if you proceed. You are on a path. Your unique path is the destination that was already created for you. You are exactly where you need to be. You can only go forward to grasp on to what is beauty, courage, perseverance and love.
Moving forward in our lives always stirs up more questions than we can answer. During this period of Lenten reflection, Christ Church has a tool to help you on your sacred journey. The Labyrinth.
The Labyrinth is a prayer and meditation tool that is used for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation. "The labyrinth is an archetype of transformation. Its transcendent nature knows no boundaries, crossing time and cultures with ease. The labyrinth serves as a bridge from the mundane to the divine. It serves us well."
--Kimberly Lowelle Saward, Ph.D., The Labyrinth Society (TLS) President
Historically, the Labyrinth comes to us as an ancient symbol related to wholeness. It was adopted by Christian churches in the fourth century. Many major Gothic Cathedrals of the thirteenth century contained labyrinths in their naves. (Although many have since been removed due to space or perishable constructions.) Yet even today, the purpose still remains the same. The imagery of the meandering circles draws us to a purposeful destination. The Labyrinth represents a journey to our own center and back out into the world.
Being of the world, a question arises: What do we do?
There is no right or wrong way to walk a Labyrinth. You simply choose to enter and walk the path. However, on the path you may be faced with new choices. Do you stop and reflect a thought as it comes into your mind? Do you need to sit on your path and be still? Do you walk slowly looking down at your feet and feel the tranquil reassurance of being led by a higher power? Whatever your pace, whatever your condition, remember that the labyrinth is a spiritual tool that will draw you to the center of your deepest self.
Reaching the center of the labyrinth may look, feel, and relate differently to each of you. But before you begin the journey – one that many never choose to begin – two choices are required: to enter and to step.
Through Faith,
Kelly Harris
Director of Communications
As you take each step some general guidelines for walking a labyrinth are:
*1. Focus: Pause and wait at the entrance. Become quiet and centered. Give acknowledgment through a bow, nod, or other gesture and then enter.
2. Experience: Walk purposefully. Observe the process. When you reach the center, stay there and focus several moments. Leave when it seems appropriate. Be attentive on the way out.
3. Exit: Turn and face the entrance. Give an acknowledgement of ending, such as "Amen."
4. Reflect: After walking the labyrinth reflect back on your experience. Use journaling or drawing to capture your experience.
5. Walk often.
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