Labyrinth as a Walking Meditation
Walking a Single Path to Find Insights.
What is a Labyrinth?
A labyrinth is a single path on the ground, typically round in shape, that winds around in a circular motion eventually leading to the center of the labyrinth. Most scholars are not sure when exactly labyrinths originated, some say that labyrinths were created as early as the Bronze age and have been going strong ever since. Probably one of the most famous labyrinths that has been photographed thousands of time over, is the labyrinth at the Chartres Cathedral in Chartres, France.
The Difference Between a Labyrinth and a Maze
When you look up the definition of a Labyrinth, typically it is compared to a maze. While the concept of a labyrinth and maze may seem similar at first, they should be viewed more as “cousins” as they are VERY different and serve completely different purposes.
A labyrinth is a single path that has one entrance in and out. the singular path winds eventually toward a center space that can be big enough to move around and sit down. The Singular path provides you a chance to be thoughtful about moving forward in one direction, rather than being distracted by multiple forks in the road or stepping over the side of the path and rushing to the center. Many people walk a labyrinth as a transformative experience. They walk to gain insight on a particularly troubling issue. As you focus on a single path, outside distractions begin to dissipate, allowing you to be mindful and focus on going inward. The center, once you get there, can be used for meditation. This is another difference between mazes and labyrinths, mazes do not have a center space.
Mazes, on the other hand, tend to be mental, linear left-brain experiences. in our current times, it is popular to have mazes in haunted houses with vivid strobe lights and moving slanted floors. Mazes are also becoming popular in cornfields with people running through the head high cornstalks. Mazes can also have multiple entrances and exits, which labyrinths do not. In a maze you are forced to make choices, which tend to create fear and confusion before you figure out how to exit the maze. The emotional experience of a maze can be one of disorientation and feeling lost as you face dead ends. I don’t know about you, but I prefer NOT to feel lost and disoriented! The frustration of that definitely lowers my positive mood. Frustration, worry, or angst are not ideal moods to accompany you through job transition. Walking a labyrinth is a walking meditation that allows you to focus and find a certain serenity that allows you to feel at peace as you contemplate many varied emotions and set your job transition course of action.
How to leverage a Labyrinth Walk for Personal Insights
I first discovered the rejuvenating effects of walking a labyrinth on a vacation to a spa in Mexico. They had a large size labyrinth in the courtyard between two wings of the hotel. The labyrinth was a paved path with knee high, well-manicured, hedge rows separating the paths. What I immediately noticed about myself as I started to walk the labyrinth, was the tendency to want to jump over the hedge rows and get to the center quickly. I noticed how I “rushed” into everything wanting to get to the outcome as quickly as possible. Perhaps my business problem solving side was taking over! I continued walking the path as designed and once I reached the center, I was able to reflect on my tendency to want to cut through the process and rush right to the end. I took some time to journal about that experience. Thus, beginning my personal journey to slow my pace and use meditation to focus on mindfulness.
Your Personal Journey through a Labyrinth
If you want to dig deeper into the study of how labyrinth walking can help you in your personal journey inward, there is a great book by Helen Curry titled The Way of the Labyrinth – A Powerful Meditation for Everyday Life. Helen writes, “While there is an outward journey in getting to know and experience the labyrinth through walking, more crucial is the journey inward. It is your personal journey.” It is the personal insights that you discover from walking that are transformational. When you are in a labyrinth, you are not lost, you just keep putting one foot in front of the other and follow the singular path that is curving and leading you toward the center. Helen continues, “If you pay attention as you walk, you can find out a tremendous amount about yourself. you can quiet your mind for reflection, inspire your creativity, or help prepare yourself for all parts of life’s journey.” Journaling is highly encouraged after you emerge from your labyrinth walk. you will gain insights from the walking journey!
Preparing for Your Labyrinth Walk
As you prepare for your labyrinth visit, you may want to think of a few practical things to make the most of your experience. First, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You don’t want to be fussing with your garments are you are moving. Comfort is key. If you are walking an outside labyrinth, dress for the weather. Second, you may want to think of some questions to ponder while you are walking.
Below are some thought starters from Helen Curry’s book:
- Why am I doing this labyrinth walk?
- What is my intention?
- Will I be using a meditation mantra while I walk and if so, what will it be?
- How am I feeling before I begin?
- What past baggage am I bringing with me?
- Are there questions that come to mind that I want to dwell on for insights?
The Three Parts of a Labyrinth Walk
There are three parts to the walking journey in a labyrinth: walking toward the center, being in the center, and walking back out. The way into the center brings with it a sense of anticipation as to how it will unfold before you get to the center. You are actually preparing for the center with each step forward you take. Once you reach the center, the path in comes to an end. You may feel great comfort and accomplishment that you have reached it – you are in the middle of the labyrinth design. The only way out is the way you came in! Most people become silent when they reach the center. Some even meditate or say prayer upon reaching this focal point. This is a good time for contemplation. Once you are ready, you can begin to walk out on the same path that you took to reach the center. you are basically just reversing your course. Most people enjoy the walk out as they think about the new perspectives they have gained from walking in and centering themselves. This is a time when you thoughts can begin to contemplate your next steps in your job search journey. A labyrinth can act as a mirror that we hold up to ourselves to see more clearly.
Resources:
The Way of the Labyrinth – A Powerful Meditation for Everyday Life (2001) by Helen Curry, contains numerous insights and step by step guides for meditations during labyrinth walks. Helen is the founder of the labyrinth Society, an international labyrinth organization. There is also a great reference guide in the back with locations of labyrinths around the country.
Labyrinths – Ancient Paths of Wisdom and Peace (2001) by Virginia Westbury, is a lovely hardcover book with great photography of various labyrinths around the world. She gives a rich history of labyrinths. There is a list of US and international labyrinth locations in the back of the book.
Check out our other blogs on career transitions and coping with the emotional side of job transitions. Be sure to sign up for our email list to receive a free copy of our Top 10 Things to do when Downsized and Supportive Reading Resources for Transitions. As always, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or thoughts at support@mindfuljobalignment.com. Also, you can leave your comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
By: Diana C. Stephens, PhD