Walking The Labyrinth
Posted by terrepruitt on August 17, 2013
In 
Greek mythology, the Labyrinth was an elaborate structure so cunningly designed and built that he who did so barely escaped it after he built it . . . .so sayeth Wiki. If that were the case, to me it sounds more like it was a maze then what I know to be a labyrinth. Seems as if there are some typical patterns of labyrinths. There are Medieval labyrinth patterns, Classical Labyrinth patterns, Christian Labyrinth patterns, etc. Seems like they are found in many cultures and places. As I mention in my post about my first Sound Healing and Labyrinth Walk, the walk you take on a labyrinth is your own. It is your own quiet time. The time could be a meditation, could be a prayer, a time for you to give gratitude, a time for reflection, a time for planning, a time for a good ol’ heart to heart with yourself. You could be reciting a poem or signing a song . . . . whatever it is it is what you want to do. Walking the labyrinth is what you make it.
The walk could be a mental journey, an emotional journey, or a spiritual journey. While I am walking I like to add in a bit of physicality. Of course, I am walking the pattern, but as I go in addition to whatever it is I am doing either mentally, emotionally, or spiritually I like to move in different ways. At times I might concentrate on my feet, careful to roll through my ENTIRE foot. Mindful of the outer edges of my feet. I like to walk on my toes. I like to take a few feet side-stepping. I shuffle, I walk backwards. I face outward and inward. I take huge steps. And there are some moments when I take teeny tiny steps. I crouch low and stand tall. I also stop. The walks I have been on include Crystal Singing Bowls, so there are times when I stop to sense the songs. When I am not moving I can better feel the vibration of the bowls. Whatever I am thinking about and reflecting on and however I am moving I do it in silence. If you know me, I am not often quite. I did not speak for almost two hours today. Normally I am bursting with words, but today, I realized I was fine being silent.
The labyrinth we walk for these events has a placard that says the labyrinth is an ancient symbol for the spiritual journey. It also explains that some think labyrinths were used to teach stone masonry and mathematics, while others say it was used in place of people actually having to travel to Jerusalem for a Pilgrimage. It further explains that the one we walk is based on the medieval labyrinth that is in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral outside of Paris, France.
The speed in which you walk is your own. Of course, it is best to be respectful of the others walking it too. No tailgating or rudely passing. I had thought this labyrinth had an in and an out, but the path out is the same as the path in.
I had a great walk. It was nice to stroll the pattern and contemplate things.
It was also so, so, so great to witness the singing bowls again. After the walk Cecilia let me hold every single one of her bowls and I sensed the different vibrations. It is amazing the different energy and power that comes from each different bowl. Just amazing. I am so very grateful that she and Jessica share their beautiful bowls and energy with us.
While I don’t know when the next Sound Healing and Labyrinth Walk will be, one of the women who shares her bowl’s singing with us is planning to start a once-monthly Sound Healing/Meditation gathering on the fourth Sunday of each month. As soon as I get details I will share. While it will not include a labyrinth walk I am certain it will be fun.
If you every have the opportunity to walk a labyrinth I strongly encourage you to do so. Before you begin pick something to focus then open your heart and take that first step. I have faith that you will not regret it and you will find it to be time well spent.
Have you ever walked a labyrinth? Where? What was it made of?
Terre Pruitt's Blog 
niachick said
Our property and gardens are a labyrinth of their own. Sacred. Meditative. Inviting. Spirit lives here.
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terrepruitt said
YAY! You were able to comment. Bless your heart for trying again!!!! Thank you! In my opinion your gardens are a little slice if heaven on earth! Even though I have only experienced your garden through pictures I sense sacred, meditative, inviting, and Spirit.
XOXOXO!
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Ernie F Foss Jr said
I have walked meditational or labyrinths like the one at St. Marys Cathedral. From what I remember it was a great place to center myself, sometimes I thought, sometimes I prayed, sometimes I cried. But they are incredible tools for us to use. As we move forward into our futures much of what was helpful in the past has fallen to the wayside, where some of us found it and started using it again. Great Blog Terre!!
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terrepruitt said
Yes, they seem a place to center oneself. And each individual does their own “centering”. 🙂
Thanks, Ernie!
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