Walking the Labyrinth
Suggestions for Walking the Labyrinth
Take your shoes off
This is consistent with the biblical image of standing on holy ground. As this labyrinth becomes for you a place of prayer and holy encounter, allow yourself to walk on it in socks or stockings. For practical reasons, this helps to take care of and preserve the Labyrinth.
Maintain the quiet
It is important that the labyrinth remain a peaceful and quiet place, though not a silent one. Often music, like the kind of music from the Taize community, accompanies and enhances the experience of the Labyrinth. But the labyrinth is not a place for conversation. Feel free to talk with others about your experience of the labyrinth,
outside the room.
Pause
Pause at the entry into the labyrinth. You may choose to take a deep breath, to say a silent prayer or to gently ring the chime to begin your journey, Allow what comes naturally to guide you.
Take your time
WaIk at your own pace. You don't need to rush it or prolong it Take it at a tempo that feels right.
Follow the path
Allow yourself to be guided and to trust the beauty of the labyrinth is its singular path that leads and allows you to focus on the experience of walking without worrying about direction. Submerge yourself in the
experience of walking a spiritual path.
Rest
Rest when you need to rest The path is a long one and will ordinarily take 20 minutes to complete. Turning points are good places to pause out of the way of others. The center of the labyrinth also provides a place of rest. Be mindful of those waiting to get into the center when there are many people on the labyrinth.
Be considerate of others
Remember that you are not alone. Many times there will be several people walking the labyrinth at the same time. Though the path may seem narrow, there is plenty of room. Feel free to walk around others or allow them to walk around you. You can also step slightly from the path, noting your place, and then return to it after another has passed. AIso, as you wish, you may acknowledge the presence of others with eye contact, a nod, or an embrace. Always be respectful and considerate of those who share the journey
Finish well
Finish the labyrinth in a way that seems appropriate. As you walk off the labyrinth you can gently ring the chime, breath a long deep breath, silently say a one word prayer or simply depart.
SPIRITUALITY CENTER
From "Centering on the Spirit"
Carl E. Horton, 2003
Take your shoes off
This is consistent with the biblical image of standing on holy ground. As this labyrinth becomes for you a place of prayer and holy encounter, allow yourself to walk on it in socks or stockings. For practical reasons, this helps to take care of and preserve the Labyrinth.
Maintain the quiet
It is important that the labyrinth remain a peaceful and quiet place, though not a silent one. Often music, like the kind of music from the Taize community, accompanies and enhances the experience of the Labyrinth. But the labyrinth is not a place for conversation. Feel free to talk with others about your experience of the labyrinth,
outside the room.
Pause
Pause at the entry into the labyrinth. You may choose to take a deep breath, to say a silent prayer or to gently ring the chime to begin your journey, Allow what comes naturally to guide you.
Take your time
WaIk at your own pace. You don't need to rush it or prolong it Take it at a tempo that feels right.
Follow the path
Allow yourself to be guided and to trust the beauty of the labyrinth is its singular path that leads and allows you to focus on the experience of walking without worrying about direction. Submerge yourself in the
experience of walking a spiritual path.
Rest
Rest when you need to rest The path is a long one and will ordinarily take 20 minutes to complete. Turning points are good places to pause out of the way of others. The center of the labyrinth also provides a place of rest. Be mindful of those waiting to get into the center when there are many people on the labyrinth.
Be considerate of others
Remember that you are not alone. Many times there will be several people walking the labyrinth at the same time. Though the path may seem narrow, there is plenty of room. Feel free to walk around others or allow them to walk around you. You can also step slightly from the path, noting your place, and then return to it after another has passed. AIso, as you wish, you may acknowledge the presence of others with eye contact, a nod, or an embrace. Always be respectful and considerate of those who share the journey
Finish well
Finish the labyrinth in a way that seems appropriate. As you walk off the labyrinth you can gently ring the chime, breath a long deep breath, silently say a one word prayer or simply depart.
SPIRITUALITY CENTER
From "Centering on the Spirit"
Carl E. Horton, 2003