Labyrinths: Journeying into Your Sacred Center
Picture by Christina of a labyrinth on Maui
I stand at the labyrinth’s entrance and contemplate my journey. Large circles spiral around one another, taking up the majority of the church’s floor. Light slants on smooth marble, the air cool. I am a pilgrim, arriving on this path, at this time, without coincidence. I am slowing and reflecting, journeying deeper into my center of consciousness. My pilgrimage will lead to greater authenticity in myself, and ultimately, unburdened freedom.
I begin with a prayer: ”Jesus, walk alongside me as my companion and guide. God’s presence go with me. Spirit, support me.” With my divine cohort, the interflowing Trinity, I am ready to embark.
As I start, I pace my steps, paying careful attention to the placement of my feet. My breathing starts to align with the measured movement of my body. I follow the path as it curves to the left, takes a sharp turn, then curves to the right. The middle feels far off, buried in the labyrinth’s concentric circles, but I am glad. The distance gives me time to settle into my well-laid path and inner process.
Rhythmic walking helps my mind relax. I pay attention to what naturally comes to the forefront of my consciousness when I am able to let go of control: Thoughts. Feelings. Memories. Projections into the future. Unresolved conversations. Residue from past experiences. Hopes. Dreams. The labyrinth’s physical structure creates a sort of container for all that is surfacing. I can safely observe without fighting or fixing.
In my mind’s eye I walk with my beloved friend, Jesus. His gait is light. I know that Jesus is free of all burdens, because he released all of them on the Cross; he exists in loving union with God. Jesus’ example empowers me to let my emotional burdens go, so I too can rest in God. One by one, I drop my burdens at my feet.
I feel a flutter of excitement as I reach the labyrinth’s center. But I am not met with a dramatic transformation. My arrival is marked by gentle shifts. I have released some of the burdens my False Self was carrying: pride, envy, fear, negativity, the trappings of my own personality. My True Self can now see clearly and receive divine guidance more readily. I stand in the labyrinths sacred center (symbolizing my own sacred center) knowing that I am infinitely loved in the core of my being. With a breath of relief, I surrender to divinity—held, secure, in essence.
When I am ready, I reorient on my pilgrimage. My departure is equally as important as my venture in, so I am careful to be fully attentive. I don’t want to miss any of my journey’s benefits. I note that my steps are now lighter like Jesus’. My thoughts are quieter, less distracted. My path is still narrow and defined, but I am more expansive within it.
In crossing the threshold of the labyrinth, I complete my journey. I am ready to enter into the outside world with renewed perspective. Jesus will continue to walk with me. God’s presence will unconditionally go with me. Spirit will support me. My True Self knows this well.
About Labyrinths:
A labyrinth is a maze-like pattern of eleven circles and four quadrants. The structure guides you through three stages facilitating a journey with God into your own sacred center. Mindfully, prayerfully walking through the maze leads you in releasing your burdens, receiving from God, and going back into the world renewed.
Labyrinths are originally from the Greek myth of the minotaur. A monstrous creature with a bull head (representing human reason driven by unmanageable passions) was imprisoned in a labyrinth’s detailed maze of walls. The story illuminates our own desire to contain and lock away the unruly parts of ourselves.
When Christians adopted the labyrinth as a spiritual practice in the fourth century it took on a different meaning. Rather than a cage to contain the unmanageable parts of ourselves, Christian labyrinths are a path designed to help you explore all the hidden parts of your consciousness. They provide a structure to let everything rise to the surface, in divine presence, so you can lovingly be transformed.
The labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France introduced using labyrinths as a symbolic pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Participants underwent a mini pilgrimage mirroring a similar spiritual process as those making the far more difficult, and often unaccessible, journey to the Holy Land. While these pilgrims didn’t physically walk where Jesus walked, they walked with Jesus on their own sacred path, right at home.
Getting Started:
Begin by locating a labyrinth. They can be found inside some churches or Cathedrals, or outside in gardens. This may take a little research or asking your clergy person as a resource.
If you don’t have access to a physical labyrinth you can print out a labyrinth pattern. Trace the lines with your finger instead of walking. This is a great indoor spiritual practice for times like a hospitalization, teaching in a classroom, or going on a long plane flight.
You could also set a course walking through your neighborhood or on a hike. Choose a destination as the center of your pilgrimage (a park, the top of the mountain, etc.). Follow the same stages as you walk, being spiritually attentive on your journey.
Undergoing Your Own Pilgrimage:
Begin by setting an intention—focus your mind and invite your spiritual guides to accompany you.
The first stage is Purgation.
As you walk towards the center, release all your burdens: fears, worries, distractions, memories, projections onto the future, and unresolved issues.
The second stage is Illumination.
When you reach the center, stop to pray and meditate. Receive whatever God has for you, knowing you are infinitely loved in the core of who you are.
The final stage is Union.
Journey away from the center, reflecting on your experience and preparing to carry out this deeper intimacy with God as you re-enter your daily life.
Going Forward:
Practice a labyrinth state-of-mind throughout your day. Focus on releasing burdens, re-connecting with yourself to rest and receive from God, and returning to your tasks with renewed consciousness. As you orient to each stage, imagine yourself walking with and learning from Jesus, your companion and guide:
“Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
—Matthew 11:28 MSG