When you walk a labyrinth that holds an ancient layout and pattern, you walk the same sacred path of meditation and contemplation as those who have walked the very same path and pattern, hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of footsteps before you.
As with any form of meditation, walking a labyrinth can lead you deep within, and to a place of calm tranquility. When you engage your labyrinth experience as a meditative experience, you reap all the rewards that meditation provides: increased sense of calm, reduced stress levels, increased immunity, reduced blood pressure, increased emotional balance, reduced anxiety, increased clarity, and so much more.
Walking the labyrinth is a spiritual exercise of meditation and inner contemplation. The labyrinth asks you to be fully present within the moment. As you walk the path and move in toward the center, an opportunity is being presented.
The chance to trace an energetic mirrored path into your sacred heart’s center is being opened to you. Pausing at the labyrinth’s center can be quite profound. As you move back out from the center, another opportunity opens, one of integrating your experience, and looking to how you can mirror and extend it into your life. Walking the labyrinth is symbolic of an internal spiritual pilgrimage.
Walking an outdoor labyrinth assists in combating spiritual vacancy and disconnect, assisting in a deepened nature connection and spiritual replenishment.
Journal before and after your experience.
Sit at the entrance and contemplate the pattern and energy of the labyrinth before entering.
Use reflective contemplation. During your experience take the time to drop down into and connect with how you are feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally, before, during, and after your labyrinth walk.
Choose an affirmation, mantra, prayer, or chant to use as you walk the labyrinth.
Pose a question before entering the labyrinth, taking it into the center and back out.
Walk slowly and deliberately, deeply connecting with each step and your breath. Focus and drop down into what you are feeling and thinking as you move into, reach the center (pause here), and move back out.
If you do not have access to a large walking labyrinth you can use a photograph, drawing, or finger labyrinth. Instead of walking the labyrinth, your finger is used to slowly trace the path into and out of the labyrinth. All other steps remain the same as walking a labyrinth.
So, the next time you feel ready to try a new meditation experience, consider the powerful and impactful labyrinth!