Labyrinth Walks
Labyrinth walking is a form of moving meditation. Unlike a maze that has dead ends and is meant to confuse the person, a labyrinth has only one way in to the center of the spiral and one way back out. Walking a labyrinth allows you to mindfully walk as you follow the pattern which lets your mind clear and focus on meditation or prayer. Labyrinths have an ancient history that can be found all over the world and date back over 5000 years.
Benefits of Labyrinth Walks
Meditatively walking a labyrinth can bring several benefits:
- Quieting the mind and clarifying thoughts
- Encourages self-reflection, peace over a concern, or a new outlook on life
- Reduces stress
- Brings balance to mind, body and spirit
- Increases awareness
- Reconnects you to nature and grounds the body
Steps to a Successful Labyrinth Walk
- Start by finding your own natural pace.
- Be fully present with your body moving, your feet touching the earth, the sounds that you hear, the aroma in the air, the colors and textures around you. Release. Come home to yourself. Quiet, open, empty.
- Notice your breathing as you walk with mindfulness following the path.
- You may choose at some point to focus on a problem or a challenge in your life.
- You may choose to use the labyrinth to focus on a prayer.
- You may choose to let your mind remain on your breathing and your senses as you walk.
- When you reach the center of the labyrinth open your heart to receive whatever you need to receive within the labyrinth. Stay as long as you’d like.
- When you are ready turn around and return to the beginning of the labyrinth.
- After your return you may choose to journal about your experience. You may choose to move into a seated meditation and remain in quiet focusing on your breathing.
Your Experience
Your experience of walking a labyrinth is unique. You may notice insight, a sense of peace, you may experience physical sensations. You may notice no shifts or changes right away and you may have to reflect on any subtle changes you notice later in your week or month. Meditation of any kind is unique each time you practice. Meditation is not intended to bring about psychedelic experiences or even to empty the mind. For most of us, that may never happen. The experience is simply a practice of being present and aware of whatever arises.
Where Do I Find a Labyrinth
Waterfall Yoga Therapy Retreat Center has an easily accessible labyrinth on our 20 acres of nature. The opportunity to walk the labyrinth comes when you receive private yoga therapy sessions or when you visit us for a unique boutique retreat for one, two, or up to six persons! These retreats are customized to your unique needs and schedules for yourself or your small group and run year round. In addition, you can join us for a scheduled retreat. Here is what’s up and coming at Waterfall Yoga Therapy Retreat Center in New Market AL in 2024.
You may find other labyrinths in your area by checking the labyrinth locator here. Tour the retreat center here and subscribe to our YouTube channel for updates. Try other meditations with Sarah, the owner of Waterfall Yoga Therapy here.
