Walking a Labyrinth - Spiritual Practice

Walking the seaweed labyrinth on the Iona

Have you ever walked a labyrinth? 

About 15 years ago, just when I was beginning this new growth in my spirituality, walking a labyrinth appealed to me. A good friend drove me to a grassy one built on the back acreage of a retreat center, explained it to me, and invited me to enter in. That first step into its winding circle was also my initial step into my next phase of spiritual growth.

Based on the form of a circle and the spiral, the labyrinth is an ancient and powerful symbol of wholeness and transformation. It is found in cultures throughout the world and has been added to many retreat centers as a form of walking prayer. Some of the earliest labyrinths were found in Greece dating back to 2500-2000 BC.

A labyrinth is a metaphor for the spiritual journey.

The labyrinth is not a maze. Mazes have many paths and dead ends and they evoke a very different feeling than when we walk a labyrinth. A labyrinth is a unicursal with only one path in and the same path out. 

Its path meanders its way to the center. Walking this path enables you to experience peace, listen deeply, and reflect on where are you in your life. Some find healing or new ways to celebrate. Occasionally nothing is experienced.

I wrote about my experience walking the seaweed labyrinth in Scotland on the Island of Iona last fall. You can read about it here on thepost titled Iona: A Thin Place.

I find entering the labyrinth like stepping into the sacred. My mind is slowly quieted, I let go of concerns, fears and attachments, and deeper insights emerge. Once in the center I pause as long as needed to hear God in new ways. The return trip out refocuses me outward to my next step and how to serve others.

I have learned there is not a right or wrong way to experience a labyrinth. I let the Spirit be my guide. I seek out this form of spiritual practice when on retreat or going through a time of disquiet or confusion.

You will find different types of labyrinths, often at retreat centers or at churches.  One web site will help you locate one, Worldwide Labyrinth locator.

If you have walked a labyrinth, what was it like for you?

Abba’s Children - Lectio Divina

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!"

it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ--if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 8:14-17

Just when I doubt,

At the time I feel abandoned, unloved,

Whenever I wonder if anyone really cares,

My Abba, my Papa, wraps His arms around me and cradles my heart.

Lord, I am not my job.

I am not defined by my roles.

Where I live, what I look like and how much I make, means little.

My Abba, my Papa created me as His child.

Lord, Your fingerprints are all over my soul.

Your mighty spirit ignites with my minuscule core, lighting the fire of life.

My breath, in slowly, out gradually, mirrors the steady rhythm of the beating of Your heart.

You are the One; we are one together.

Papa and child.

Forever genetically connected, but even deeper, fused with love.

Your love.

Papa’s love for me, His child.

Thank you Abba.

Quote of the Week - Julian of Norwich

"The place which God takes in our soul he will never vacate,

for in us is his home of homes,

 and it is the greatest delight for him to dwell there. . . .

 The soul who contemplates this is made like the one who is contemplated."

~Julian of Norwich

Slowness - Spiritual Practice of Keeping Tempo

I was amazed at the comments and emails I received after Tuesday’s post about soul rest. You all made me feel better realizing I am not the only one struggling with busyness. Your words also reminded me to be grateful for the ability to be busy and to savor the opportunities as blessings.

Thank you.

Practicing slowness is a valuable spiritual discipline.

At one of the retreats I attended a few years ago we intentionally practiced slowness. We spoke slowly. We chewed our food longer. We put our forks down between bites. We deliberately looked one another in the eyes.

The routine at this retreat that struck me the most though, was how we physically moved from sitting to standing. I normally bounce up and get going. We moved in slow motion. More Eyorye than Tigger.

Try that sometime this week. When you need to stand up or sit down, move very slowly.

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.



- Eddie Cantor 

Slowness will help free us from this addicting fast pace and increase our awareness of the present moment. Slowness will help make room in our inner being for God. It creates space for stillness and peace.

"Life is so short, we should all move slowly."

Thich Nhat Hanh

Musicians know the value of keeping tempo. The notes move quickly through many places but the best music also holds pauses and slower movements. If I keep racing all the time, I am sure not following the Conductor.

Pay attention to your speed this week. Make a conscious effort to slow down and savor the moments. 

"Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it."

 -- Soren Kierkegaard

What has being slow taught you?

PS:  I am also guest posting over at Johnnie Donley's blog.  Check it out when you get time: