A labyrinth is an ancient geometric pattern that over hundreds of years has become an archetype of change, transformation and wholeness.  For four thousand years, all over the world, labyrinths have been used for walking, meditating, playing, dancing, and ceremonies.  Labyrinths can be constructed of tile on floors, laid out in stone or rope, traced in the sand on beaches, painted on canvas, or built of sod or plants on land.  Our canvas labyrinth is a 36-foot replica of the one laid in the nave of Chartres Cathedral in France in 1200 A.D.
 

You may find that walking the labyrinth helps you focus on an issue or situation in your life, leads you to reflection, or awakens a deep knowing within.  Some labyrinth “pilgrims” may experience a deepening of their self-knowledge or an unleashing of their creativity and grace.  Others find that it shines a light on a perplexing question or troubling situation.  Many find walking the labyrinth to be a metaphor for their life journey or their current life situation.

Walking a labyrinth can take you to a place where you can face change without fear.  It can teach you to persevere, even in difficult times.  It helps you claim your power and encourages you to feel more alive and grounded.  Some people experience a sense of peace and calm.  Others receive images.  Some find tears welling up, while others experience joy and healing.  For some, the walk leads to transformative events in their lives.  Many who walk the labyrinth connect with their spiritual or soul journey.

How to Walk a Labyrinth

The labyrinth embodies a “unicursal” design: It has one continuous path. The path in is the path out. There is no wrong way to walk it. There are no dead ends. You can’t get lost.
 

Before you enter, allow each part of your body to relax. Breathe slowly and deeply.  As you approach your walk, release your concerns, and be open to receiving. Consider bringing an issue or a question to your walk.  This allows you to focus the intention of your walk and receive guidance. To walk the path is to know and trust that guidance is available to you. Allow yourself to be who you are and to walk in whatever way is best for you. Your experience will be yours, and whatever you experience, know that it is right for you.

Follow the white path to the center. Listen to and trust your body with respect to your pace.  You may pass people who walk more slowly than you, and others may pass you.  Find a way to gracefully pass them at the turns or to momentarily step off the path.  When you reach the center, stay as long as you like. Feel free to stand, kneel, sit, or lie down.  To leave, follow the same path out.

Whether you walk the labyrinth more than once on the same day or on different occasions, it is not uncommon for each walk to be a distinctly different experience.  Many people like to talk with others about their experience or express it in a journal. A Labyrinth Journal is available for your use.

World Labyrinth Day - Rochester, NY

Give yourself an hour of peace on Saturday, May 1 from 1:00 – 2:00.

 
Please join LabyrinthQuest and Christ Unity Church for the

World Labyrinth Day Walk for Peace, a free community event. Everyone is welcome.

 
12:50 Arrive at Unity – 55 Prince Street near the Memorial Art Gallery

1:00 Introduction to the Labyrinth & World Labyrinth Day

1:10 Peace meditation with live music by Sonam Targee

1:20 Walk for Peace accompanied by Sonam Targee

1:50 A gift of peace for you from LabyrinthQuest

2:00 Program conclusion

 
Parking on Prince Street
Free will offering welcomed

For more information, contact Harriette Royer at (585) 436-9174 or walk@LabyrinthQuest.org or visit LabyrinthQuest.