Guidelines for Walking the Labyrinth:
Please remove your shoes to protect the
life of the canvas. We have socks you may borrow if you did not bring any, and
a basket to return them to after your walk.
Silence is important throughout the walk, for your own reflection and that of
others.
Take some time before you walk to clear your mind.
Walking the labyrinth can be viewed as
a three-stage process:
* Release of distracting cares as you move toward the
center and let your mind gradually quiet.
* Receptivity to whatever illumination you receive as
you pause in the center for prayer or meditation.
* Rejoining the world with your renewed vision or
refreshed spirit as you follow the path outward again.
Move at your own pace. You may pause at any point. Go gently as you pass
others moving at a slower rate or coming from the opposite direction. Do
what feels natural to you -- some walk steadily, some cover their faces with
scarves provided, some dance, some twirl, some stretch, some stop often.
There are no
tricks or dead-ends. The path is unicursal and will lead you to the center and
back out again. The entrance is also the exit.
At the center you may sit, kneel, stand, change positions or directions, pray,
meditate, or do silent reading or writing.
You are welcome to remain in the worship hall after your walk for further
silent reflection, meditation/prayer, or journaling.
Written by C. Haaga, Cedar Lane's Labyrinth Committee, 2003
