Labyrinth Walking: An Interesting Way to Prepare for the New Year
As I prepare for the new year, I'm refining my business and personal goals. I'd like to share one way I do this, as it's a very useful way of clearing your mind and getting in touch with your Higher Power if you have spiritual beliefs and/or your inner wisdom if you do not.
The way in which I prepare is to do a labyrinth walk. There are labyrinths available throughout the United States, which you can find on this website: http://labyrinthlocator.com/
They're often at places like churches, hospitals, and retreat centers and are open to the public for free use. I know it sounds odd, but it's a very mind-clearing experience to go on a slow, steady walk through a labyrinth. The slow pace enhances your calm and opens your mind to listen to God or to your own inner voice.
If you're looking for direction in the new year, or if you already know what you want and want to be sure it's the right thing and that you're going about it the right way, I urge you to check out a local labyrinth. I'm fortunate to live near quite a few, and I'll be heading out myself next week for my new year spiritual check-up.
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My 3.5 acres that I used to mow is now over grown with about 3-4 ft. grass. Riding mower broke so I decided to convert it to wildflowers for butterflies. Putting in a Labyrinth is an excellent idea for a more-or-less secluded part of the grounds. I'm all excited now...got some research to do. Boy-oh-Boy-oh-Boy!
This is perfect...wildflowers, butterflies and Labyrinth. I know I can use it too. Thanks!
Reminds me of my childhood in Italy. We went every Sunday, weather permitting. I will have to try that again.
Hi, I've never walked a labyrinth but I have heard from various people some of whom are definitely not into the Higher Power and your Inner Voice, that they have had real moments of clarity walking a labyrinth so I think it's something to be tried.
It's very calming and contemplative, so even if you don't believe in God or another higher power, it gives you the peace and quiet for inner reflection. I found out about it at a retreat many years ago and was very surprised at how well it works.
How very interesting.
My first reaction was that although the idea of getting in touch with your Higher Power at the end of the year is a very good one, how you were doing it was/is completely strange to me. The only labyrinths I could think of are in the countryside where even in the summer you need a map and your wits about you not to get lost - which, after all, is the idea of a labyrinth - and now, amidst floods and on muddy ground is not exactly something I would want to do. But when I looked up the labyrinthlocator I actually found that there is a 'labyrinth walk' once a month in a nearby church. But for the material it says 'canvas' so I am a bit confused. The other labyrinths mentioned are also outside, so not something I would contemplate in this weather.
But your idea is still a good one - quietly walking around an abbey or church would probably work in the same way.
Thanks for sharing.
The ones used for meditative walking are marked on the ground so you don't have to worry about getting lost. There's one at a hospital near here and also one at, of all places, an attraction that focuses on the history of flight. The owner is into labyrinth walking, so he put one in and allows the public to use it. I think for people who don't believe in a higher power, the walking is relaxing and almost hypnotic. Therefore it gives them personal reflection time, and that's where they gain their value.
Thanks a lot. The labyrinth walk near me is on the 4th Sunday of the month. If I can, I will attend, and may make it my 'end of the month' reflection time.
Hey Barb, what a nice way to start on a fresh slate! Thanks for sharing the idea. I hope the new year brings many blessings to you and yours.
~Kris
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Very good ,albeit interesting idea . Happy New Year