As part of the Bozeman Public Library's Midweek Mindfulness summer program, on Wednesdays at 5 pm, I offer a guided meditation and exploration of the labyrinth. The labyrinth is south of the library, off the paved path to Peets' Hill.
Labyrinths are found in many cultures around the world. Differing from mazes, labyrinths have only one path leading to the center. There is nothing to figure out, no tricks and no dead ends. Walking a labyrinth can help quiet the mind, recover a balance in life, and encourage meditation, insight and self-reflection. They are open to all people as a non-denominational, cross-cultural blueprint for well-being.
One way to approach a labyrinth walk is with the 4 Rs.
REMEMBER
Before you begin, feel your feet on the earth. Remember your connection to the earth and all beings. Remember why you came here today.
RELEASE
Walking into the labyrinth can be an unwinding and an opportunity to release tension, distractions, expectations. Opening your heart to feel whatever it might feel. Becoming aware of your breathing. Finding your natural pace.
RECEIVE
When you reach the center, sit or stand there as long as you like. Receive what is there for you to receive – a spacious pause, your breath, a spiritual connection. There is no wrong or right experience.
RETURN/REFLECT
When you are ready, follow the same path back out. Walking out, integration of your
experience can occur. Take back out into the world that which you have received, perhaps feeling a little more grounded and at ease.
Each labyrinth experience is different. You may feel nothing or have a powerful experience. Sometimes a labyrinth experience won’t make sense or release its meaning for months after a walk. Whatever occurs, listen to your heart and take all the time you need.
Recently, while my husband and I were in Northern England visiting his parents, we checked the world-wide labyrinth locater and found four within a 30-minutes drive! Needless to say, we visited them all plus two more while in Edinburgh. Each was constructed of different materials - wood, stone, grass, wildflowers and a heather hedge - and led us to explore beautiful gardens and places we hadn't been to before. It was a highlight of the trip for both of us. Below are a few photos. The last one on the beach is one I drew in the sand.
For more info on Labyrinths visit the website Veriditas.org