What is a prayer Labyrinth?
An ancient pattern, like a complex spiral, marked on the ground with just one path leading into the middle and back out again. In medieval times, labyrinths were usually associated with Christian worship.
Known as the "Roads to Jerusalem," they were often substituted for pilgrimages to the Holy Land when the Crusades were too dangerous and expensive to undertake. The most famous of these, the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France, dates from 1200 AD. Our labyrinth is based on this design. As a prayer tool, the labyrinth helps us slow down and focus on God's love. As you walk among the turnings, you lose track of direction and the outside world, thus quietening your mind.
Unlike mazes, where choices of direction have to be made and it is impossible to see the end of the journey, labyrinths offer no choices and lead to a central goal that is visible at every stage of the journey.
You may "pass" people or let others step around you. Do what feels natural.
Known as the "Roads to Jerusalem," they were often substituted for pilgrimages to the Holy Land when the Crusades were too dangerous and expensive to undertake. The most famous of these, the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France, dates from 1200 AD. Our labyrinth is based on this design. As a prayer tool, the labyrinth helps us slow down and focus on God's love. As you walk among the turnings, you lose track of direction and the outside world, thus quietening your mind.
Unlike mazes, where choices of direction have to be made and it is impossible to see the end of the journey, labyrinths offer no choices and lead to a central goal that is visible at every stage of the journey.
You may "pass" people or let others step around you. Do what feels natural.
Guidelines for the Walk:
Walking a labyrinth for the first time can take a bit of getting used to. The path is yours to walk as you choose – your walk can be serious, prayerful, or playful.
Take time to walk at your own pace – fast or slow – with no pressure to perform. Walk it with an open mind and an open heart. It touches our sorrows and releases our joys – you may have a great sense of calm or you may find yourself feeling unsettled, fidgety, or restless. Just go with your feelings and allow them to emerge.
If you feel dissatisfied with your first attempt, then walk it again. No two walk will ever be the same. The more you walk it, the easier it becomes.
Quiet your mind and become aware of your breath – see if you can slow your breathing to a relaxed pace. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go. The path is two ways. Those going in will meet you coming out. You may "pass" people or let others step around you. Do what feels natural. Rest at the cenre.
Links to Labyrinth resources to enhance our walk
Walking the Labyrinth 1 Walking the Labyrinth 2 Walking the Labyrinth 3
Take time to walk at your own pace – fast or slow – with no pressure to perform. Walk it with an open mind and an open heart. It touches our sorrows and releases our joys – you may have a great sense of calm or you may find yourself feeling unsettled, fidgety, or restless. Just go with your feelings and allow them to emerge.
If you feel dissatisfied with your first attempt, then walk it again. No two walk will ever be the same. The more you walk it, the easier it becomes.
Quiet your mind and become aware of your breath – see if you can slow your breathing to a relaxed pace. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go. The path is two ways. Those going in will meet you coming out. You may "pass" people or let others step around you. Do what feels natural. Rest at the cenre.
Links to Labyrinth resources to enhance our walk
Walking the Labyrinth 1 Walking the Labyrinth 2 Walking the Labyrinth 3
