Labyrinth
Welcome!
You are most cordially invited and encouraged to join
us in walking our labyrinth. It is available for open
walking on Wednesdays from 10:30 AM until 5:30PM in
Gardner Hall. Whoever you are, and wherever
you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome! There
is an abundance of healing to be found in the labyrinth. Come,
be surprised by God.
What is a Labyrinth?
A labyrinth is a sacred symbol
that can be traced back in history some 3,000 years
to ancient Greece. It is a spiritual tool and signifies
different things for different people.
Each time you walk the labyrinth, you will undoubtedly
find something new in the experience.
In the Middle Ages, interest in labyrinths increased.
The most famous one remaining today is located at Chartres
Cathedral, near Paris, France. Our labyrinth is a painted
canvas reproduction of the Chartres Labyrinth. For Christians,
labyrinths served to symbolize the path toward redemption,
both in everyday life and on pilgrimage to sacred destinations.
The labyrinth has one path. Once one makes the choice
to enter it, the path becomes a metaphor for our journey
through life. It offers lessons as we walk the
path. Walking the labyrinth can assist us to address
challenges, meditate, pray, and find peace and serenity.
How to Use the Labyrinth
First, relax. There is no right or wrong way to walk
the path - nor can you fail. You may use the labyrinth
in many ways.
Perhaps you seek some quiet. Perhaps you bring some care
or concern that you wish to release. Maybe you seek direction
to a perplexing question. Perhaps you bring great joy
and thankfulness to your walk.
You may find it useful to sit for a moment before beginning.
Take a few deep breaths, releasing any tension as you
exhale.
Some suggestions for your walk:
• Read a passage from scripture
or, from some other inspirational writing. Pay attention to a word, or phrase,
which captures your attention. Repeat this word or phrase
to yourself as you walk.
• Use a walkman or ipod to provide
music for your journey.
• Skip or dance your way along
the path, or walk slowly.
There is no right or wrong
way to move through a labyrinth.
• Pause in the Center, and rest
awhile in God's presence, before making your way back into
the world.
• Remove your shoes and walk
in your socks to feel the ground beneath you more
completely.
• Walk
once, or several times. Alter your pace through the labyrinth. Pause along
the way.
• Children
will often race through the labyrinth. Let them!
If
you would like more information about our labyrinth, or about arranging for
a group visit, please contact
Beth
Wheldon
or at 508-228-9185. You can also contact the Parish Office.
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