In August, a group of about 12 people from Faith gathered in the shade of tall oak and cottonwood trees behind the White Bear Lake Center for the Arts. Surrounded by the songs of birds, the wind in the trees, and vibrant restored native prairie, we listened intently to Kate, a friend of Faith and a trained labyrinth facilitator. Kate gave a brief presentation of the history of and uses of the labyrinth, as well as a description of the design and type of labyrinth we were visiting. Then she guided us through a beautiful prayer experience walking the sacred path. We gathered in a large circle for opening prayer and centering for our time together.

 

A labyrinth has only 1 path in and 1 path out, so a lovely bell chimed each time a person took their turn entering into the sacred space. We followed the ancient spiritual practice of walking a labyrinth guided by ‘R’ words. As you enter and walk at your own pace to the center – you are encouraged to ‘Release.’ Release what is weighing you down, holding you back – as scripture encourages us “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). The center of the labyrinth is a space to ‘Receive’ – for me, I best envision this as a chapel or space for holy communion. A space in which to receive grace, assurance, rest, or whatever your spirit most needs from the Creator. A space to no longer carry the heaviness of life’s trials, but to simply be loved in the presence of God. As you feel the stirring to move on, the word ‘Return’ guides the path out of the center of the labyrinth. As I walked this beautiful prayer path, I visualized what God had given me that I was physically carrying out into the world with me. This became a prayer-mantra for my return to the world, a reminder of what I had received in the center. As you leave a labyrinth, there is an optional ‘R’ word, ‘Rejoice!’ Giving thanks for the experience, the sacred space, and the connection with God.

 

There are many publicly available labyrinths in our area! Just recently, the Saint Paul Area Synod shared a blog about labyrinths at local ELCA churches. You can also search for a labyrinth near you at https://labyrinthlocator.org/. You’ll be amazed how many are close by with 351 registered labyrinths in Minnesota. I hope you take some time this fall to explore a labyrinth in your area – tell me about it, if you do!

 

For those who are interested in learning more, Kate recommended two books by author and trainer Lauren Artress: The Sacred Path Companion: A Guide to Walking the Labyrinth to Heal and Transform and a companion workbook, Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice.