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| Grace
Church Labyrinth - What is the Labyrinth? |
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| It is old |
The labyrinth, in fact, is ancient.
In many of the great Christian cathedrals of Europe, labyrinths
were built right into the pattern of the floor tiles. The Celtic
cross and know bear similarities to the pattern of the labyrinth.
Even sacred circles of ancient civilizations resemble features
of the labyrinth. |
| It is a tool |
The labyrinth holds no special
powers. It isn't sacred, alone. The labyrinth is a tool for
a sacred experience in the same way the music and artwork can
help us experience something sacred. Alone, it is only an object.
But put to use, like a hammer to a nail, it can achieve the
purpose for which it was designed. |
| It is not a maze |
Keep in mind that the labyrinth
isn't a puzzle to be solved. It is not a maze with many choices
to make. There is only one path to follow so were aren't supposed
to get lost like in a maze. The labyrinth is not intended to
confuse, but to clarify. The journey toward the center is clearly
marked so you can move confidently into and through the labyrinth. |
| It is within our
tradition |
The labyrinth is appropriate for
Christians of all traditions and people of all faiths. It doesn't
have a doctrine. You don't have to believe a certain way to
use the labyrinth. It allows people to bring to the experience
of walking their own unique heritage and doctrinal beliefs.
It is, in the best sense, an experience of unity in the midst
of diversity. We walk on a spiritual pathway alongside those
whose beliefs and practices may be different from our own. |
| It is shared |
Walking the labyrinth can be a
very solitary experience, but it is still important to remember
that on the labyrinth you are not alone. The path is shared
by others. Often times you will encounter others on this path.
They will walk behind, in front, alongside, towards, or away
from you. It may be appropriate to greet some with an embrace,
acknowledge others with a nod or eye contact, or simply allow
others to pass by. In all cases, remember that the labyrinth
is a shared space of mutual respect. |
| It is an opportunity |
Walking the labyrinth provides
an opportunity to be attentive to God's presence in new and
fresh ways. For many, the labyrinth is a new tool, but even
for those who have experienced it before, each entry into the
labyrinth can be an opportunity to encounter the divine in a
new way. Allow the rhythms, movements and silence of walking
the labyrinth to help your contemplation and nourish your imagination
to life. |
| It has many purposes |
One great feature of the labyrinth
is that it provides a place for a variety of spiritual exercise.
The labyrinth is a journey that can help us get to many destinations.
Christians can use the labyrinth for many purposes. Some examples
include:
- Prayer - if you wish you may use
the labyrinth as an experience of prayer. Instead of sitting
with bowed head, you simply walk and allow the prayer to
happen.
- Presence - the labyrinth may be
the place at which you experience the presence of the triune
God. A time of "union" with Christ is possible.
- Discernment - it may be that you
bring a very particular concern, decision or request to
the experience of the labyrinth. The labyrinth can be the
place where you seek divine wisdom and guidance.
- Metaphor - at times the labyrinth
is useful as a metaphor for living. Reflection on your experience
of the labyrinth can tell you something about your life.
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| It is without
judgment |
There really isn't a "right"
way to experience the labyrinth. While these suggestions can
help you in your walking, they do not ensure a particular experience
or outcome. Like entering the biblical text when reading scripture,
each time you enter the labyrinth is a new opportunity for an
encounter with the living God. Let the Spirit move according
to its will rather than your own. Let go of your "planned"
outcome. Sometimes will will seem that nothing has happened
or the experience has "gone wrong." If that is the
case, accept the outcome and explore its meaning for you. Trust
that the Spirit of God has spoken even in the unexpected or
confusing outcomes. |
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