LABYRINTH
The Labyrinth at Advent, located on the north side of the building, can be used for personal prayer and reflection by anyone, anytime. There are benches around the perimeter for anyone to use.
Can't get to Advent now? You can also use this link to a Virtual Labyrinth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbtM5KYYvcg
What is a Labyrinth?
Labyrinths are usually circular paths or geometrical patterns used for walking and meditating, as a tool to assist the consciousness. It has one continuous path from the outside to the center and can be used as a metaphor for how you live your life. A labyrinth differs from a maze in that there is only one way in and one way out. There are no dead ends. There is nothing to figure out as you walk or trace a labyrinth. You simply follow the path to the center and then retrace the same path back out.
Why Walk the Labyrinth?
It is best to walk the labyrinth with an open heart and an open mind. Some reasons people walk labyrinths include:
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As a kind of prayer
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As a symbolic journey
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To set an intention to receive inspiration
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To receive an answer to a question or solution to a problem
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To unwind
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To let go of a worry or burden of some sort
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To learn more about yourself and your life
Many who walk the labyrinth say that it provides a space to guide their focus inward. The effortless concentration of walking benefits the body as well as the soul and spirit. Its calming effects on the body are deepened by the rhythmic pattern of walking and breathing. The simple act of walking also allows the individual to “go within” the soul and in the inner place of heart, find peace.
Many use the labyrinth as a tool to aid self-awareness or focus consciousness. It can be used as a tool to “unwind the mind,” and to let go stress or worries and concerns. Walking the labyrinth can release patterned behavior, thoughts, and feelings of various sorts. It can "untorque” or unwind you. As you release old, patterned energy, the alignment of your body may shift or straighten into a greater spiritual alignment.
Others walk the labyrinth as a form of centering prayer or moving meditation, leading to an experience of union with God. Some find it a release from tension. Some use to solve relieve a burden they are carrying, as a means of gaining inspiration, or as a focusing mechanism to help them face the complexities of life.
The best way to learn about the labyrinth is to walk one a few times with an open heart and mind, then allow your experience to guide you as to whether this will be a useful tool for you. Allow your own creativity to be present and walk the labyrinth in the way that works best for you.
How to Walk the Labyrinth
Enter the labyrinth and follow the path as it winds its way toward the center. Pause in the center as you like, then turn and exit the labyrinth by the same path you came in. Proceed at your own pace. Take your time and enjoy the experience. One way to walk it looks like this:
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Release (Letting Go) - The journey from the entrance to the center of the labyrinth. As you walk the inward path, you focus on your breath and intentionally let go of daily stresses, distractions, worries, and negative thoughts. It is a time to quiet your mind and clear away mental clutter.
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Receive (Finding Clarity) - Pausing at the center of the labyrinth. Once you reach the center, you can stand, sit, or kneel. This is a space for stillness, meditation, and prayer. It is a time to be open and listen to your inner voice, seeking insight or peace. Let go of details of daily life.
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Return (Integrating the Experience) - The journey from the center back out. As you walk the outward path, you integrate the insights or calm you just experienced. This stage is about reflecting on what you have received and preparing to carry that new awareness back into your everyday life.
Labyrinth Courtesy
It is fine to walk the labyrinth alone and equally fine to walk with others. Labyrinths are most often used for silent meditation, not conversation. Please be mindful of others there, but don’t be afraid to enter a labyrinth if others are present.
People walk at different paces. If you catch up to someone on the path, just carefully step around them and continue your journey. If you encounter someone going in the opposite direction, simply step off the path momentarily to allow them to pass.
Labyrinth Prayer for Mindfulness and Peace
May each step root you deeply in the loveliness of the present moment.
May the twists and turns on the way encourage you to be ever open to the new in your life.
May the still point at the center keep you mindful of that sacred place in your own inner being.
May the path outward and beyond empower you to radiate peace and justice to all.
May the labyrinth journey weave in you a sense of everlasting connectedness with the great journey of life.
-- Barbara Bailey, RSHM (Sisters of Saint John Divine)
About Advent Lutheran's Labyrinth
Advent’s Labyrinth was created in Spring 2018 in memory of Barbara Berrett and Maxine Bobier. The 300+ stones that make up Advent’s 7-circuit labyrinth are made of Lyons Red Sandstone and were originally installed on a hilltop at the Loretto Convent and Retreat Center in Littleton, Colorado. The labyrinth is based on the pattern of the labyrinth set in the floor of the Cathedral of Chartres, France circa 400 AD. The stones were relocated to Advent Lutheran when the retreat center closed in the spring of 2018 by the members of Advent’s congregation.
Brief History of Labyrinths
The labyrinth is one of the oldest contemplative and transformational tools known to mankind. Labyrinths have been in use for more than 4000 years in many cultures around the world.
Early Christians took a vow to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem some time in their lives. During the Middle Ages, as the Crusade wars made travel to Jerusalem unsafe, walking a labyrinth was substituted as a way to honor the sacred commitment. Labyrinths were installed in several cathedrals to aid Christians in completing their physical and spiritual pilgrimage safely.
Source: https://www.peacelabyrinth.org and https://www.pbrenewalcenter.org
Prayer List
If you would like to be added to Advent's prayer list, please contact Pastor Alena or email adventwestminster@gmail.com. You can also call the office at 303-428-7501 and talk to Cindy or leave a voicemail message.