Edgework

During the past few years I have been invited to walk the labyrinth a number of times as a means of connecting with my true self and with God; that is to experience a personal and spiritual transformation. It is an ancient practice used in the past at various places and times as a tool for deepening one’s spiritual life.

A labyrinth is a meandering but purposeful path that combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral, leading to the center and back. It can represent a journey to our own center and back out into the world or a journey to the heart of God where God waits to be encountered and back to life in our world. It has many turns but, unlike mazes, does not have dead ends. Some labyrinths are patterns built into the floors of churches or put up temporarily inside places of worship, while others are built outside, often in the context of natural beauty.

The labyrinth itself predates the Christian era probably by a few thousand years. Of course these earlier labyrinths were likely used in various pagan rituals. The first labyrinth used in a Christian context dates back to 324 AD in the Bascilica of St. Reparatus in Algeria, featuring the words “Sancta Ecclesia” (Holy Church) at the center – reminding Christians where their focus should be set.

Because of its pagan origins, some Christians maintain that true believers should have nothing to do with any labyrinth. But we should all be reminded that throughout the Christian era pagan symbols and practices have been adopted and transformed for appropriate use within Christian circles. For example, Easter sunrise services no doubt have their origin in the practice of pagan sun worship. The Christmas tree tradition is rooted in Viking practices in which evergreen trees were seen as symbols of eternal life. Bonfires, commonly used at Christian camps, were also used in the past for a variety of non-Christian purposes in various cultures and religions. Many of the melodies of gospel songs Christians love to sing had their origins in British pubs. Even the date on which we celebrate Christmas, with its gift-giving tradition, derived, in part, from the Roman tradition of Saturnalia.

So it seems to me that a “redeemed” labyrinth can readily be adopted and put to good use within the Christian Church. Christians can choose to walk the labyrinth in an intentionally Christo-centric way, in prayer, in reflection on Scripture, and/or listening to God. Labyrinth prayer is by no means an essential Christian discipline, but many find it useful in focusing their thoughts on God and minimizing physical or mental distractions in the process.

Instruction given to those of us walking the labyrinth at the Seeds of Life Community Church in Altona included the following:

How is the Labyrinth Used in Prayer?

You may simply step in and begin walking with an intention of openness, being curious and listening for God speaking to you. You may enter with a question. You may carry a prayer of intercession for someone as you walk. You may walk seeking calm, peace, or rest. At the center, you may simply turn around and retrace your steps out. Or you may linger as long as you’d like, in prayer or meditation, before you journey out. The journey out may be different than the journey in. There is no wrong way to walk the labyrinth. We journey in and journey out. Each experience is unique.

Preparing for The Walk

Prepare yourself at the entrance to the labyrinth. Remove your shoes if you are comfortable doing so. Stand for a moment and wonder about your labyrinth walk. Ask God for a word, thought, picture, or question to take with you into the labyrinth.

The Walk

Begin to walk the path at any pace that feels right to you. Feel free to change your pace, move your body, and hold your arms and hands in any position that feels comfortable or right to you. You may feel a sense of release during your walk toward the center. At the center, take any posture that feels right for you. You may stand, kneel, sit, or do any combination. Listen for God’s voice for you. Dialogue with God. Allow God’s love to wash over you. Simply be, in silence. You may feel a sense of receiving at the center. Stay as long as you’d like. Walk out of the labyrinth at any pace and in any posture that feels right to you. Continue your dialogue with God. Perhaps another word or picture came to you in the center. Reflect on it and wonder about it as you walk out. You may feel a sense of returning as you leave the labyrinth’s center.

After the Walk

Allow yourself time to reflect on your labyrinth experience. Record it in your journal, or respond with drawing or coloring. Sit in silence.

I have now walked the labyrinth about three or four times over the past year and half. Each time was different, but each time was a good experience for me. Already on my first walk, I noticed how the path was helping me to focus on God and my quest to know God better. Distractions seemed to disappear more easily than usual. When I got to the center I got down on my knees and experienced an overwhelming sense of God’s presence and affirmation. Of course this was more than my rational mind could comprehend. Just before I exited the labyrinth I had an urge to stop. I reflected on how I was being sent into the world to be the presence of Christ.

Like I said, walking the labyrinth is not an essential Christian discipline, but it has helped me focus my heart and mind on God and God’s call on my life. I am not surprised that walking the labyrinth has made a resurgence in recent decades in many contemporary Christian communities.