St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

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Walking a Labyrinth

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Did you know that St. Bart’s has a portable labyrinth (printed on canvas)? Our Youth CREW has learned to walk the labyrinth and many parishioners have expressed interest in learning more about labyrinths. What is it, how is it used and why would we want to have one?

What is a Labyrinth?

The labyrinth is a walking meditation, a path of prayer. Unlike a maze where you can lose your way, the labyrinth is a spiritual tool that can help you find your way.

While there are multiple labyrinth types and sizes, each design contains a single circuitous path that winds its way into the center. The person walking it uses the same path to return from the center and the entrance then becomes the exit. The path is in full view, which allows a person to be quiet and focus internally.

Guidelines for Labyrinth Walks

There are no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth, and usually three stages are included in the walk:

  • releasing or letting go on the way in
  • receiving in the center
  • returning when you follow the return path back out of the labyrinth

Symbolically, and sometimes actually, you are taking back out into the world that which you have received while meditating or praying while walking the path.

To prepare, you may want to sit quietly to reflect before walking the labyrinth. Some people come with questions, others just to slow down and take time out from a busy life. Some come to find strength to take the next step. Many come during times of grief and loss.

Benefits of Walking the Labyrinth

Walking the labyrinth quiets the mind, opens the heart, and grounds the body. Some walking the labyrinth find answers to questions long asked, healing, creativity, a sense of wholeness.

Learn More About Labyrinths

www.veriditas.org/New-to-the-Labyrinth

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