Labyrinth
What are Labyrinths?
A labyrinth is a circular pattern with a circuitous pattern in it. It is not a maze. There are no tricks to it and no dead ends. Labyrinths are not associated to one religious group, but are used in many different cultures to meditate and pray.
Where did these come from?
No, they are not some New Age phenomenon. Labyrinths are ancient. Labyrinths can be found in many ancient Roman Catholic Cathedrals in Europe. Labyrinths have also been found on pottery and clay tablets dating back 4,000 years. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Spaniards, Native Americans, Vietnamese, and South Americans have used labyrinths for thousand of years to grow closer to the divine. It was used as a pilgrimage and/or for repentance. As a pilgrimage, it was used to symbolize a journey to become closer to God.
How do I do this?
There is no right way to walk a labyrinth. You only enter and follow the path to the center. Move at your own pace. It is fine to pass someone or to have someone pass you. Simply step out of the path then continue on your walk. When you come to the center of the Labyrinth, pause. You are welcome to sit down and linger if you wish.
Your walk can be drastically different every time you walk the labyrinth depending on your attitude. Although the path will never change, the way you walk the path will. You can be serious, playful, thoughtful, or prayerful. You can notice the nature and sounds around you. You can play music or sing. The only thing you must do is pay attention to your experience.