I did not dress for aerobic endeavor.
I did not snap the leash on the dog we should have named Lugnut.
I got into the car. Hungry for sole-to-soul wonder, I visited a local labyrinth.
We all know walking benefits the body as well as the spirit, and mind. “One recent study showed a 20% improvement in memory and attention after people strolled through an arboretum!” writes Shirley S. Wang. “Even viewing pictures of beautiful scenery had a positive, though lesser, effect on their productivity.”*
If you’ve braved a cornfield or hedge maze, you know there’s usually more than one path. The wily maze designer offers you choices.
It’s easy to get turned around, or fooled. Even lost.
The labyrinth designer offers one path that leads you gradually, though never directly, to its center. No dead ends.
I flunked Labyrinth 101
At a retreat, amid too many shoes walking the modest labyrinth’s circuitous path, mostly, I tried not to giggle. Picture bottleneck traffic. On foot. My Tevas inadvertently rammed the clogs ahead of me. Apologies, then a lurch as a Rockport behind me rammed my heel.
Awk-ward.
My second, solo attempt, at Wellspring Labyrinth, near Mt. Rainier, convinced me that reorientation and riches arise from this meditative practice, used by seekers for centuries.
This sign pointed to the path’s beginning.
In a labyrinth, each step forward invites us to heed Creation for its own inimitable self, and for possible news of its Maker.
It’s a slow gift, shaped from attention, paid. And time, given.
“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” —Henry Miller
Release, Receive, Return
Walking a labyrinth asks of us three distinct yet intertwined gifts:
- our intentional release of mental/emotional stress
- our willingness to receive something new, in exchange
- our thoughtful return from the center to our (never) commonplace lives
Who hasn’t waited for guidance, or peace—sometimes so long it seems mold starts creeping over our shoes? Our soul?
At the labyrinth that day I flagged down Hamster Brain, spinning its wheel. Switched over to Coast Mode.
Needing a focus, I settled on this phrase: “I am walking my way into peace.” It seemed a promising thought to repeat, as needed.
Are you game?
Click on the embedded track, consider closing your eyes, and I’ll narrate you through a woodland space you’ll imagine. (No fair listening while trolling Facebook.)
With any labyrinth, as with life itself, to complete the course we trust its designer.
We release to God what weighs on our minds and hearts. We pay attention to small things along the way because the simplest details often speak deeply into our lives. A ladybug. Dew on a fallen leaf. In a moment, sight becomes insight.
We absorb that insight, along with a dose of peace, and carry them forward, into our everyday-knocking-around-the-neighborhood lives.
Thank you for cyber-strolling with me. I’d love to hear how this worked—or didn’t work—for you.
Would you like me to include more of these guided scenes on the website?
I’d also enjoy hearing your experience with labyrinths . . .
CREDITS AND CRAZY IDEAS
*Shirley S. Wang, Wall Street Journal: http://tinyurl.com/o7hqdzx
My thanks to sound engineer, Bill Klein!
People are endlessly resourceful. If you don’t have access to a labyrinth or have mobility issues, try one of these ideas.
Fill a 13 x 9 inch pan with fine sand, or sugar. Trace a simple or complex pathway to the quiet center. Visit http://tinyurl.com/odpruku for pattern ideas. Holding a prayer, a question, or calming thought in your mind, relax, breathe deeply, and walk your fingers along the path . . .
Alternatively:
Using a long rope, create a spiral on the floor or ground. Choose a verbal steppingstone from which to embark, such as “Show me the way,” or “God, I release ____ into your hands.” Or pose a question. You’ll know what’s right for you.
Move along your makeshift path gently. Hold your steppingstone thought without urgency, without trying to force a solution. Notice what you’re feeling without condemning it. Often new understanding emerges through our resistance.
When you reach the center, pause. Picture leaving what you need to release there. Sometimes a gesture is helpful.
When you feel ready, turn and retrace your steps. You may wish to write down new thoughts that came to you.
RESOURCES
For those living in or near Spokane, WA, visit the Betty Stratton Memorial Labyrinth in Colbert, WA, on the property of Colbert Presbyterian Church, Hwy 2 (pictured at the top of this post).
All are welcome!
For other labyrinths in the Spokane area, visit: http://tinyurl.com/oevhsv8
For labyrinths in other areas, visit: http://tinyurl.com/qa6xcw3
If you’re in need of retreat and feeling free with your cash, visit Wellspring Spa, just outside Mt. Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA. More here: http://wellspringspa.com/considerations/
QUESTIONS ABOUT LABYRINTHS? Visit http://labyrinthsociety.org/about-labyrinths/ or http://tinyurl.com/qjd9hg5
Janet Ray says
I would love to follow you!
Laurie Klein says
Janet, I would love that. I am subscribing you. An email will appear in your Inbox asking you to confirm this is your wish. Looking forward to seeing you inside . . .
Linda Jo says
Thank you, Laurie, for this post. I have meditated in labyrinths and love it. It’s a holy time. Thank you for giving us locations, too, I’m going to visit them!
Laurie Klein says
Hi Linda Jo. Yes, it so calming, especially walking the path without others around, pausing as long as one needs to, wherever seems right and good. The labyrinth at Colbert Presbyterian uses the pattern found in the Chartres cathedral. Wouldn’t it be something to walk the one in France?!
Nancy Ruegg says
‘Love that Henry Miller quote, and this one of yours: “Sight becomes insight.” Profound wisdom in three simple words, Laurie! God DOES keep some truths hidden, revealing them only when we look carefully, listen intently, and avail ourselves to his instruction. Close encounters in nature provide just such opportunities. Thank you for urging us to get out there and SEE the INSIGHTS waiting to be discovered. I keep promising myself I will get outside and really focus my attention on the indescribably magnificent world of God’s creation. I needed this push! Gratefully, Nancy (another Glory Writer)
Laurie Klein says
Nancy, thank you for giving me a gentle push this morning! What a gift. I woke up muzzy with Nyquil’s aftereffects, and your energy points me, lifts me, forward and outward—toward the amazing sunshine today . . . for a close encounter of the best kind. 🙂
Tim Barber says
Thank you Laurie, for that beautiful narrative journey. You have no idea how much I needed that today. And I was thinking recently about how many things we miss, just because we are always hurrying on the way to somewhere else.
Laurie Klein says
Tim, you are so welcome. Thank you for walking alongside. May your desire to see be continually blessed!
Jan Cline says
There is a path we walk to the water from our cabin in the woods. We are always in such a hurry. It’s a beautiful path along some rock formations they call the bear caves. The next time I walk it I will go slowly and savor it.
Laurie Klein says
Jan, how wonderful to have a path through woods to water. And water does feel like a destination. Being a lake kid, I completely understand. I’m glad to think of you ambling toward the water next time and finding riches along the way. Thanks for reading!
Judi Carlson says
Peace came when I kept company with the question. It was exactly enough. Once more I am deeply satisfied and abundantly grateful for the blessing of spending time with you this way, Laurie.
Laurie Klein says
You could not have picked a better day to tell me this, Judi. Thank you so much! I am glad for the peace that came. May it rest on you all week. I was newly taken with the verse in Isaiah this morning that says, “In quietness and confidence will be your strength.” I’ve found myself repeating it throughout the day. And my experience too is that in the moment it is enough. Love you, dear friend!