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A labyrinth is a form of walking meditation, a path of prayer. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral to form a circuitous walking path that meanders from the entry to the center and back out again. Unlike a maze, which has multiple paths and dead ends, a labyrinth has only one path. Whereas walking a maze requires constant intellectual effort to find your way, the labyrinth allows you to relax your mind. You simply put one foot in front of the other, pay attention, and follow the path.
The act of walking the labyrinth pattern draws on the imagination and creative processes of the heart, mind and body. In our techno-savvy world of blackberries, cell phones, instant messaging and everything on-demand, it’s a challenge to find the quiet time to reflect and relax. Walking the labyrinth can calm, quiet, and center the soul. As you walk your body moves into a peaceful rhythm of contemplation. The twists and turns of the labyrinth are a metaphor for life’s journey.
While there is no particular experience that is supposed to happen when walking the labyrinth, many people find it has a calming and guiding effect. It can bring about a sense of relaxation, balance, inspiration and a deepened spiritual awareness. The effects of the labyrinth are cumulative. The more you walk, the greater the benefits.
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