The Miracle of Labrinyths

 This beautiful labyrinth is located on St. Croix in the Virgin Islands at Mt. Washington Plantation near the rain forest where I stayed when I first came to the Island. Here is information about  labrinyths in general and this one in particular:

Walking the Labyrinth – There are many ways to walk a labyrinth. There is no right or wrong way. As you allow yourself to surrender to the path you will find your own pace and posture. You may pass people; let others step around you, or stay where you are. More than one person at a time can be in the center. We are all at a different place on the same path…journeying toward our center. You do not walk the labyrinth to learn about the labyrinth to learn about the labyrinth. You walk it to learn about yourself. Consider everything as a metaphor; be self-observant.

The modern journey calls for self-reflection, a contemplative practice, and a softening towards oneself and others.

What is a labyrinth?

·         It is an archetypal design – a universal divine imprint found in all spiritual traditions, including the Buddhist mandala, the Native American Medicine Wheel and the Jewish Tree of Life

·         It is an outward experience of our inward journey to our center

·         It is an ancient symbol for reflection and growth

·         Its circular, spiral-like shape stands for unity and wholeness

·         It is a walking path of prayer and mediation

·         It is a metaphor for walking the path of life

Who walks a labyrinth?

·         All ages and backgrounds walk a labyrinth

·         A labyrinth is non-denominational and cross-cultural

What is the difference between a labyrinth and a maze?

·         A labyrinth has a single, circuitous path into the center

·         The same path exits the center and returns to the beginning. Thus the entrance becomes the exit

·         There are no tricks or dead ends on a labyrinth

·         There are usually no high walls

·         No thinking is engaged to try and figure out the path

·         The symbolic, intuitive mind is able to come forth

How Do I walk a Labyrinth?

There are three stages:

Release and Reflection

·         Upon entering, acknowledge the labyrinth in some way

·         Release, let go of the details of your life

·         Quiet your mind, become aware of your breath

·         Pay attention to the present moment

·         Meditate on a word, phrase or mantra

·         As other thoughts intrude, let them go and return to the present moment.

Receive, illumination, union

·         When you reach the center, spend as much time as you wish

·         The center is a place of contemplation or prayer

·         The center is a place for you to receive what is there for you

·         Open yourself to joining with the Divine, your higher power, or the sacred healing forces at work in the world

·         Sit or stand in peace.

·         Meet with your inner self, your soul

Return and Integrate

·         As you leave the center, follow the same path back to the start

·         Meditate on the insights, gifts, or healing you received

·         Allow yourself to be renewed as you return to the world

·         Integrate your experience into your life

Why Walk a Labyrinth?

·         Artistic inspiration

·         Celebrations

·         Grief work

·         Healing

·         Meditation

·         Pastoral care

·         Personal transformation

·         Problem solving

·         Prayer

·         Recovery

·         Spiritual direction

·         Spiritual discussions

·         Staff support

·         Therapy

Where are Labyrinths found?

·         Churches/synagogues

·         Colleges/universities

·         Community parks

·         Corporations

·         Gardens

·         Hospices

·         Hospitals

·         Mental health clinics

·         Nursing homes

·         Prisons

·         Schools

·         Spas

·         Theaters

·         Woods and forest clearings

·         Private residences

How Old is the Labyrinth?

Over 4000 years old

·         Chartres Cathedral in France – built in 1201 – oldest existing labyrinth in a Christian cathedral

·         Oldest surviving labyrinth – found in rock carving at Luzzanas in Sardinia (2500-2000 BCE)

·         Oldest European form – Knossos on isle of Crete

·         Earliest surviving labyrinth designs found on ceramic vessel (1300 BCE) in Syria and on inscribed clay table (c. 1200 BCE) found in Greece.

·         First labyrinth  built to be walked – in Egypt (c.1800 BCE)

·         Labyrinths are found on all continents

(source: Nancy Ayer – owner/designer and advanced labyrinth facilitator – stxnancy@gmail.com

Mt. Washington Labyrinth is a medieval Chartres-Style, 7 Circuit Labyrinth

Q. What challenge have you presented yourself? What spiritual practice have you employed to promote your self awareness and development? What stands between you and living your dreams?

Q. What would need to happen for you to get started?

Blessings! Rev. Qiyamah