A labyrinth is a place for cultivating mindfulness, quiet reflection, prayer and healing. For most, it is a spiritual experience, however the benefits of the labyrinth are enjoyed by all. It is an ancient symbol that has been used by many cultures and evidence of labyrinth use dates back 4,000 years to ancient cave drawings in Spain. While some may mistake a labyrinth for a maze, the two couldn’t be more opposite. A maze is intended to get you lost with its many twists, turns, blind alleys and dead ends. It confuses you and leads to stress. A labyrinth is a reflective path to one’s center. There is only one path in to the center, and the same path is used to return. As long as you follow the path, you can’t get lost. It is said that the point of a maze is to find its center. The point of a labyrinth is to find your center.
There are many labyrinths being used around the world, in parks, hospitals, churches, schools and prisons as well as on private property. Look for labyrinths in your neighborhood and on your travels with this world-wide labyrinth locator.
Susan Madden has received extensive training in labyrinth facilitation, design and construction from Veriditas (www.veriditas.org) founder and leader of the modern labyrinth movement, Lauren Artress. For more information on a facilitated labyrinth walk, or if you are interested in installing a labyrinth at your school, church, home or other location, please contact Susan via the contact page.
What in your life is calling you,
when all the noise is silenced,
the meetings adjourned,
the lists laid aside,
and the wild iris blooms by itself
in the dark forest,
what still pulls on your soul?
~ Rumi