Labyrinth Meditation

Discover the Path to Inner Peace In our fast-paced, modern world, finding moments of stillness and tranquility can seem like an elusive task. However, there is a centuries-old practice that can guide you on a journey towards inner peace ─ labyrinth meditation. Engaging in this ancient form of meditation allows you to reconnect with yourself, quiet your mind, and find solace in the complexity of life's twists and turns. So, what is labyrinth meditation? ​

A labyrinth is a geometric pattern etched into the ground, acting as a path for meditation. Unlike a maze, which is designed to confuse and challenge, a labyrinth's path leads you on a single, winding journey towards its center. Each step takes you closer to finding clarity and calmness. To begin your labyrinth meditation, find a labyrinth in your area or consider creating one in your backyard. It can be as simple as drawing a labyrinth on paper or using stones to outline the path.

I was honoured to work with composer, sound healer and performing artist Wendalyn Bartley in the creation of ours. Wendalyn had supported the creation of the labyrinth on Center Island, and offered to help us find a suitable location and design the 90' chartres labyrinth we have at the Sanctuary.

The important aspect is to ensure the integrity of the labyrinth's design, allowing it to become a sacred space for your practice. Donned in bug jackets with wood stakes in the June, about half a dozen of us marked the perimeter, paths, and the turns in our field, and in the proceeding years we have maintained the labyrinth with care and reverence for guests to enjoy. It has since been used for group meditations, ceremonies, and solo walks. Hundreds have walked the path under father sun and mother moon, through morning mist and sunset rays, in silence and through song.

We mow our labyrinth with an electric push mower, leaving enough room for the grasses and wildflowers to bloom between the paths through the summer. We keep the stakes in through the year, to help us mark the turns.

How to Walk the Labyrinth

As you embark on your labyrinth journey, approach it with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. I was taught that there are some key steps to consider when walking the labyrinth: Intention, The Journey to the Center, Pausing at the Center, and the Journey Back. There is no right or wrong way to navigate the labyrinth; instead, trust your instincts and let your intuition guide you. Use these steps as a guide, however I invite you to play with different techniques and approaches.

Beginning with Intention
Before you begin your walk, bring yourself to your intention. This can be an aspect in life you'd like clarity on, a challenge you are navigating, a state of mind that you'd like to align with. When your intention is set, begin your walk.

The Journey to the Center
Walk at a pace that feels natural to you, allowing each step to be deliberate and mindful. As you follow the twists and turns of the labyrinth, notice each sensation: the feel of the ground beneath your feet, the gentle breeze on your skin, and the scent of nature surrounding you. Immerse yourself in the present moment, letting go of external distractions and inviting a calmness to settle within. As you move through the turns, be mindful of your intention and any insights that you are receiving.

The morning mist coming up through the field - a mystical and magical time to walk the labyrinth.

Pausing at the Center
You have arrived at the heart of your intention. As you reach the labyrinth's center, take a moment to pause and reflect. This is a sacred space of introspection, where you can tune into your inner self. Feel the energy swirling around you, letting it recharge and replenish your spirit. Take notice of your intention, the clarity you have received, and soak in the wisdom. Allow the sacred geometry of the labyrinth to align with your state of being, amplifying your intention and preparing you for re-entry into the world.

The Journey Back
When you are ready, begin the journey back out of the labyrinth, carrying with you the sense of peace and clarity you have found. Each step away from the center mirrors the path towards the outside world, but now you are armed with a renewed sense of self and purpose. ​

A Versatile Practice with Profound Benefits

Engaging with labyrinth meditation can bring about a range of benefits. Many practitioners report feeling a sense of calm, clarity, and connection after a labyrinth meditation session. The rhythmic movement and focused attention required during this practice can help quiet the mind, release stress, and allow for deeper introspection. Furthermore, labyrinth meditation is not limited to physical labyrinths. There are also finger labyrinths, portable labyrinth designs, and even virtual labyrinths that can be used for meditation purposes. This accessibility makes labyrinth meditation a versatile practice that can be incorporated into one's daily routine, regardless of location or physical limitations. In conclusion, labyrinth meditation is a powerful practice that can lead to self-discovery, spiritual growth, and inner tranquility.

​Incorporating labyrinth meditation into your regular practice can have profound effects on your overall well-being. It offers an opportunity to quiet the mind, release stress, and gain perspective on life's challenges. As you walk the labyrinth, you'll find that the physical movement becomes a metaphor for the twists and turns of life, teaching you to embrace uncertainty with grace and poise. So, if you are seeking a path towards inner peace, consider exploring labyrinth meditation. Allow yourself to get lost within this ancient practice and discover the profound beauty that lies within. It is a journey well worth taking, and the peace you find will ripple out into every aspect of your life.

Further Reading

​Further reading and exploration of this practice can provide a deeper understanding of its historical and symbolic significance, as well as practical guidance on how to engage with labyrinths for a transformative meditation experience. Whether through books, articles, or online resources, there are numerous opportunities for those interested in labyrinth meditation to delve further into this ancient and meaningful practice.
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One of the most well-known books on labyrinth meditation is "Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool" by Lauren Artress. In this book, Artress shares her personal journey with labyrinth meditation and explores the history, symbolism, and potential benefits of this practice. She also provides step-by-step instructions on how to engage with the labyrinth in a meaningful and transformative way.

For those interested in a more scholarly exploration of labyrinth meditation, "The Labyrinth in Ancient Culture and Consciousness" edited by Lauren Artress and a team of contributors offers a comprehensive examination of the labyrinth from various cultural, historical, and spiritual perspectives. This book delves into the ancient origins of labyrinths, their use in different societies, and the psychological and spiritual implications of engaging with labyrinthine patterns.

The Labyrinth Society, a global organization dedicated to promoting labyrinth awareness and education, offers a wealth of information on their website, including a list of recommended readings and links to other labyrinth resources. 

Friends of the Labyrinth Community Network of Ontario is a facebook group that also offers a local source of community and way-finding to support you in your discovery process. 

Author

Melanie Ollenberg: Eco-spiritualist and Founder / Co-Creator of the Rosseau Sanctuary.