walking the labyrinth

Walking a labyrinth is an ancient spiritual act used for prayer and meditation, 
symbolizing the journey to a holy place. 

People walk labyrinths as an active way of praying, seeking renewal, to release tension, 
or to reflect on important questions  during times of transition and personal change. 
Focusing on the path while walking back and forth, 
is a way of quieting the mind and     
silencing the noise and turmoil
that is such a part of our busy lives.

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​How to walk the labyrinth

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​Walking the labyrinth is a time to connect with God.
The style and manner in which you walk is up to you. 
​You can walk the straight lines of the cross directly to the center
or leave the center by cutting across path lines.
You can follow the outside circuit all the way around,
ignoring the turns, then step to the next circuit and follow it around,
moving in a spiral pattern to the center.

As you become familiar with the labyrinth, 
you may discover other ways to use it.
Your time on the labyrinth may help you feel God loving presence.
Some people also find relief from stress
and answers to problems while walking the labyrinth.
Others have found healing, comfort in times of grief,
and help in dealing with addictions.

​Our hope is that however you use the labyrinth,
it will be a means for God to speak into your life
​ and for you to experience the love of God!
 

the three stage walk

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Following is what is known as
a three stage labyrinth walk:

Enter:  release your thoughts, let go of worries and concerns. Relax and listen to your body and your spirit. 

Center: experience openness, peacefulness, the presence of God. Allow new ideas to arrive. Stay as long as you like.

Return: on the same pathway,  
​pondering any wisdom gained.

walking with others

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When walking with others,
start off at intervals. 
After one person enters the labyrinth,
 allow about a minute to lapse 
​before the next person enters. 

When meeting people coming toward you, 
you can simply step off the path 
to allow them to pass. 
If  the person ahead of you is moving 
more slowly than what is comfortable for you,
 it's all right to go around them.

The Design of this Labyrinth

This labyrinth was built in 2007. The pattern is a replica of the one inlaid in the stone floor of Chartres Cathedral near Paris, France about 1200 A.D.

Paul Campbell and Cathie Bishop from Sioux City, Iowa, used a process known as sacred geometry to draw the design onto the concrete pad. Paul and Cathie are certified through the Veriditas Worldwide Labyrinth Project and have trained with Lauren Artress and Robert Ferre.

The lines were painted onto the concrete by church members.