The Labyrinth
at the Church of the
Good Shepherd
What it is and isn’t:
Labyrinths have been around for at least 4,000 years and used for various reasons
and rituals. The labyrinth at the Church of the Good Shepherd is a prayer path. The
sole intention of this structure is to invite people to walk intentionally down its
path, focusing on each moment of each step, as a map of a meditative and prayer
centered journey. Doing so engages multiple senses of our awareness toward the
internal experience of the Great Mystery we call God. The center of the labyrinth
is a symbol of that thin space of awareness of the intimate connection of God and
humanity, which is as present and near as each beat of our heart. Along the path,
the “walls” that outline your journey are made of stones of grey and buff color.
Each third stone is buff, the same color as those found at the center. Each major
redirection marker is also buff, the color of the center stones. The purpose of
using the buff color for these stones is to bring to mind the consistent and
indelible presence of God with us on our journey… even when we are distracted
and cognitively unaware of that Presence.
The Labyrinth, in and of itself, is not magical or even any more sacred than any
other element in Creation. Genesis tells us that when God created various things,
God ended the day by saying, “this is good”… so all of Creation is sacred. However,
the intention we bring, which leaves a sort of spiritual DNA for those who come
after us, creating a sacred journey and sacred space. It is the “cruces”, the cross
created at the intersection of our intention and God’s persistent presence that
elevates our awareness of this journey and this space being something that has
high importance. This awareness somehow reveals ultimate value and is
something that is more characterized as “happening to us” or “finding us”.
An Invitation to Enter the Sheepfold:
The symbolic representation of Christ’s care for humanity was the Good Shepherd
who protected the flock at night in a sheepfold or pen made usually of plants or a
hedge. Through a generous gift made by Tip and Ashlyn Tipton, a couple
at Church of the Good Shepherd, the construction of that symbol of the sheepfold
had been built to create a visual and symbolic boundary representing the
boundary for your time along this prayer path. That portion of the labyrinth, the
plant-based boundary, was professionally constructed. The walls of the labyrinth
and the footpath were produced through the labors of several members and a few
of their grandchildren.
So, through the efforts and resources of loving people who desire to make this
space available to you, you are invited to prayerfully enter the sheepfold. We
would suggest that your cell phone be turned off, or, even better, left in your
vehicle. Walk as slowly or quickly as needed to represent your intention. After
spending time in the center, the walk back into the busyness of our culture is also
a part of the journey. We do suggest that it is important to walk the full journey
once you cross the threshold that is bordered by beautiful azaleas.
Guidelines for Walking a Labyrinth
There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth.
Please maintain silence around and on the labyrinth if others are walking with you.
The labyrinth is not a maze. There are no wrong turns and no way to get lost. There is one way in, and the same way out, so it is a two-way street. You may move around people, or step side to let others pass you if you wish.
During the first part of your walk, try to breathe deeply, become aware of your body, and find your own natural pace. You may walk slowly, skip, dance, crawl, stretch – whatever your body feels it needs to do is ok. Just be mindful of others close by.
You may pause at the beginning or end of your walk to acknowledge your actions in some reverential way. You may bow, hold your hands in a prayer position, simply stand still for a moment, or develop other gestures that express your humility, gratitude or openness.
You may go directly to the center to sit quietly, you may stay in the center to meditate, and or you may stand, kneel or sit in the center.
You may use everything that occurs on the labyrinth as a metaphor. For example, what might getting lost on the labyrinth tell you about your current situation? Or what might an insect, flower, or broken piece of glass on the path have to tell you?
“Pray the distraction” – Francois Legaux. If you are distracted by external noises or internal thoughts, you may stop and give them your attention for a moment, and then decide if they are insights or distractions you need to meditate on; or if you need to gently let them go and focus on your initial intention.
Focus on one open-ended question or topic for your walk. You may want to try: Why am I here? What is my next step? What do I need to know? How do I reconcile with Labyrinth walking is embodied prayer. Pay attention to what you are thinking, feeling and sensing in the present moment. Body aches, fleeting images or feelings, snippets of songs or memories that arise may give you insights or offer answer to unspoken prayers.
At the end or the beginning of your walk, you may walk the perimeter of the labyrinth one or more times to fully complete a walk, or to warm up for a walk.
Pause for reflection at the end of your walk. Verbal or nonverbal reflection can deepen the meaning of your walk. Try journaling, drawing, sketching, or reflecting alone or with a group.
Compiled by Myra Ryneheart Corcorran, Veriditas Certified Labyrinth Facilitator, Labyrinth Consultant, Designer and Builder.
The Four R’s / The Four-Fold Path
(from The Sacred Path Companion by Lauren Artress)
- Remembering. As you are gathering your thoughts, preparing to begin your walk, remember who and where you are in the present moment. You may think about your role as a parent, grandparent, child or partner. You may think about the place you are in and your place in it. You may note your feelings of joy, grief, loss, worry, expectation or contentment. Whoever you are and whatever you are called to be, this is the moment to remember.
- Releasing. Letting go, quieting, opening, emptying, or shedding. This generally begins at the entrance and ends at the center.
- Receiving. Having emptied, there is spaciousness to receive. Receiving guidance, interior silence, a creative idea, and a sense of peace are only a few experiences that can occur on a labyrinth walk. It is different for everyone.
- Resolve. It begins when you leave the center and return on the same path back out of the labyrinth. There are many aspects of this:
- You can Resolve to take a next step in your life
- Come to a Resolution about something bothering you
Rejuvenation often occurs Or a feeling of Rebirth begins
Or on your way out, you Reclaim those responsibilities that you set down on the way in, but you have new strength to carry them - Often a feeling of strengthening and integration occurs; symbolically you take back out into the world what you have received.
The Four R’s is only a map; it is not the territory. You can release anywhere on the labyrinth; you can receive anywhere; you can come to a resolution anywhere on the labyrinth. The Four R’s is one way of understanding what can happen on the labyrinth while you are walking. Do not hold these too tightly; during your walk you will understand the flow.