Labyrinths - A Journey

According to Wikipedia labyrinths have been around for ages. The earliest ones were even found in the third century. Labyrinths appear as designs on pottery, etchings on walls of caves or churches, floors in tile or even of mosaic. They are even found in the basements of cathedrals throughout Europe.

Labyrinths are meant to be walked or at least allow the ‘mind’ to walk. As you walk towards the center of the labyrinth you are taking a journey inward. One is encouraged to think and reflect on things that they need to let go. Time to process where life is going, perhaps think of people or situations that need to be put aside so that time to mediate and allow peace to come.

When you reach the center of the labyrinth you are encouraged to think on what you need at this point of your life; perhaps strength, clarity, depth, understanding, encouragement, etc. As you begin your journey back out of the labyrinth one can gather the strength or fortitude to face their life from the experience.

A number of years ago I went to Sacramento to attend a conference, prior to the conference beginning I was able to make a retreat for two days. During this retreat we were ‘expected’ to complete the labyrinth experience that evening. My assigned time was nine at night. I had just traveled in early to attend the workshops on the retreat, I was tired and I don’t think anyone likes to be forced to do something. So needless to say I was NOT happy to be a part of the experience.

So I showed up for my time and began the process. We were given headphones with a guided meditation English accent voice to guide us through the labyrinth. There were eleven stations to pause at and reflect on a part of your life. Honestly, I was in no mood for this exercise. But when I reached station three, Letting Go – it hit me! I had many things, including the huge chip on my shoulder to let go! As I progressed through the Labyrinth, station seven, how we are perceived was also very hard for me, as it dealt with how wonderful and gifted we each are made. My favorite station was eleven, impressions. You stepped into sand and it talked about what impressions we are leaving on the earth, a global perspective besides our everyday impressions. I was blown away by walking a labyrinth. It was truly a profound experience.

I honestly have reflected on my experience with the Labyrinth many times. Just this past week I saw some designs on pottery that reminded me of the Labyrinth. It made me think how is my journey these days through life? Am I being true to myself? Am I allowing myself time to reflect on life? Where do I get my strength from? How am I being perceived? Who are valuable people in my life? Have I thanked them lately? And what impressions am I leaving on the earth? Who will remember what I have done when I am gone?

These are just some of the questions that I reflected on and honestly I don’t always have the answers! But I do know that I am a seeker. I am a seeker of knowledge, of knowing myself, of being important to people – to be an encourager. Are you a seeker?

I want to encourage anyone out there to seek out a Labyrinth and allow time for you to know yourself. You may wish to think of it as a quest!