Has anyone ever done labyrinth meditation?

[Lydia Leftcoast]

I did for the first time today. We had an Advent "quiet day" at my church, which began with a morning prayer service and a series of questions to meditate upon in either thought or writing. Then we went into another room, where a labyrinth cloth was spread on the floor.

The idea was to ask ourselves a question and meditate upon it as we made our way to the center and back. As I progressed through, I began to see how similar to life the walk was. We might approach a goal, only to find it just out of reach and ourselves headed in the opposite direction. At some points, we had smooth sailing, and at others, we were forced to turn and go in the opposite direction, finally arriving at the center after numerous twists and turns. Then it was time to retrace our steps and find our way out.

As I continued, the relationship to the other people walking the labyrinth also also caught my attention. Some were walking faster, some slower, some in the opposite direction, some on paths that were so close that we brushed against each other. It made me think of how I encounter other people: as exemplars, as obstacles, as chance acquaintances, and how the relationship can work out: me stepping aside, them stepping aside, squeezing past, or trying to avoid them entirely.

I'm not sure what it all means, but it was an exceptionally thought-provoking exercse.

[intheflow]

1. I love walking the labyrinth.

I have experienced the same thought-provoking experience. One time I walked it was with a class. When you finished or if you just wanted to meditate, you had to sit outside the circle. That made me think about "insiders" and "outsiders" in society. So many of us walk our paths inside the labyrinth and ignore the outsiders. It was a very profound experience.

Thanks for bringing me back to it. Peace.

[Rowdyboy]

2. I have close friends who highly recommend it as a meditation method

and a spiritual experience. Never had the chance, myself, but I would love to.

[itzamirakul]

3. Sounds very interesting and mentally healthy...

I began doing Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga (meditation) over 30 years ago when Americans called it an exotic religion and it was whispered about. Today, meditation and Yoga are recognized for the valuable methods they are in finding answers and peace for the heart and soul.

I never heard of the labyrinth cloth, but will try to find out more about it. I hope that you will continue to find peaceful methods to make your life one of great joy and serenity.

Peace and Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas! :)

[Liberal Christian]

4. I've only walked it once

Once during Lent in my former church, we made a labyrinth in the basement room using masking tape, according to directions we found on the internet.

I remember one time feeling blue and out-of-sorts, though I can't now remember why. As I entered the labyrinth and threaded my way through it, I tried to keep my heart open for whatever God might have for me in the experience. At the center of the labyrinth was a large concrete pillar supporting the ceiling. I sat in the center, supported by the pillar, and had the most intense experience of sitting in the supportive and loving embrace of God. I know it sounds "woo-woo," but there it is. It was a moment of utter peace as though I had entered the very heart of God.

I think maybe I haven't walked the labyrinth since because I fear another experience won't equal that one.

[pelagius]

5. My church has a labyrinth...

...in a 40 by 40 "plaza" in front of the portico sheltering the main doors to the sanctuary. It's a scale model of the labyrinth in Chartes Cathedral. There's a weatherproof box containing meditations to be used at various points along the labyrinth's path.

We are located across the street from the county hospital and have chosen, as a congregation, to extend a special ministry to sick, dying, anxious, and bereaved -- and those who care for them. As part of this, we publicize the labyrinth in the hospital.

There are about a half-a-dozen nurses who regularly walk the labyrinth and many, many people who come from the hospital from being with their sick and dying loved ones to light a candle and walk in silence. It brings peace of mind.