Labyrinths

Labyrinths (misnamed) have been used throughout human history and are a single winding path leading into the centre and out again. The labyrinth represents the journey inward to our own true selves and back out into the everyday world by way of a walking meditation. It is an allegory of our journey through life.

Whereas Mini Mazes are a gregarious and joyful experience a Labyrinth is a solitary, introverted journey into ones innermost being and everyone discovers depths of concentration, self knowledge and mental peace beyond anything they have ever previously experienced. It is a cathartic experience that bestows physical, spiritual and mental well being. The rules for walking it are self imposed and breaking them affects no one except the most important person in their life - themselves.

Suggested rules are: The walker is offered two paths at the start and chooses one. They must stand on each tile in turn. Once on the first tile the walker then undertakes a simple mental exercise such as counting 1-5 or reciting the first line of a poem, hymn or prayer. They then step onto the second tile and count 5-10 or the second line of their chosen text and so onto tile three and beyond. When they get to the end of the text or to a pre-chosen number (say 100) they start from the beginning again. In the middle of the path they are offered a further choice of continuing or returning back. If they choose to return they can do so at a normal walk but if they continue it must be using the same pre-determined incantation. The walker should only leave the labyrinth by the starting point.

Whatever your initial reasons for walking a labyrinth you not only gain a significant experience but are also emulating the pilgrimage traditions of many historic faiths. You will also have fun.