Labyrinth

Walk the Labyrinth

Walking our beautiful new stone pathway located in the courtyard symbolizes a sacred pilgrimage to God. The labyrinth may be used to pray, to help relieve stress or to work through grief or other life issues. Unlike a maze, the labyrinth has only one path which leads to the center and out again. Walking the path can represent a spiritual practice of letting go of daily concerns and opening one's self to God's healing presence as one approaches the center. As one retraces the path from the center, the insights received are now seen in the light of one's relationship with God and are then incorporated into one's life and living. At the most basic level, walking the labyrinth focuses the attention, stills the mind, and quiets the breathing.

May God abundantly bless your journey!

Linda Motter

Please, no food or drink on the labyrinth

You may download a Walk the Labyrinth brochure to use in preparation for and during your walk.

 

What is a Labyrinth?

The labyrinth is an ancient sacred symbol of pilgrimage to the Divine. Unlike a maze, the labyrinth has only one path which leads to the center and out again. The path winds throughout and becomes a mirror for where we are in our own lives. Walking the path is a letting go of daily concerns and opening ourselves to God’s healing presence in the center. The insights we receive are then taken back out the path into our lives.

Walking the labyrinth naturally causes our attention to start turning inward, focusing in the present moment. Labyrinths can be used as a spiritual practice to help relieve stress, to help persons work through grief, and also to provide comfort during illness. At the most basic level, walking the labyrinth focuses the attention, stills the mind, and quiets the breathing.

The Experience

There are three stages of the walk.

  • First, the ‘inward’ journey, as you enter the labyrinth: The theme of the 'inward' journey is letting go of things which hold back our wholeness and inner approach to God.
  • Second, the center. The center of the Labyrinth is a space of meditative prayer and peace.
  • Third, the ‘outward’ journey, as you exit the path: The theme of the 'outward' journey is relationship - with ourselves, with others and with the earth - seen in the light of our relationship with God.

PREPARATION FOR THE WALK

  • Take time before you begin to disengage from your day and relax. Consider the issues, concerns, questions or dreams you want to take with you on this walk. Or, simply decide to clear and quiet your mind and put yourself into a receptive state.
  • Maintain silence throughout your walk for your own and others’ reflection
  • Move at your own pace. Feel free to pause at any place. You may pass others who are moving at a slower rate. The path is two ways -- those going in will pass those coming out.
  • Upon reaching the center, you may sit, kneel, stand, meditate, face several directions, pray or read something you brought along with you. Stay in the center as long as you wish.
  • Walking out of the labyrinth is a time for integration and gratitude for the gifts received.
  • Feel free to take some time after your walk to remain in the area for further reflection and meditation until you are ready to leave.
  • May God abundantly bless your journey!

The DUMC Labyrinth is available from dawn to dusk for all who wish to walk the sacred path.