WHAT IS A LABYRINTH?

A labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool, used for prayer and walking meditation. The labyrinth is not a maze. There are no tricks to it and no dead ends. It has a single circuitous path that winds its way into the center. The person walking it uses the same path to return from the center and the entrance then becomes the exit. The path is in full view, which allows a person to be quiet and focus internally.

IN THE NEWS!

Click here to read a recent article in the Times Herald.

DIRECTIONS TO THE LABYRINTH ON OUR CAMPUS

For directions to our church campus, see the home page of this website.

Once you are on the church campus, park in the main parking lot, between the church and the Parish House. The labyrinth is located behind the church, in the grassy, wooded area known as “The Grove”, between the church and the parish offices. From the main parking lot, walk across the grass behind the flagpole until you reach the labyrinth.

SUGGESTED GUIDELINES FOR WALKING

Generally, there are three stages to the walk: releasing on the way in, receiving in the center and returning when you follow the path back out of the center of the labyrinth. Symbolically, and sometimes actually, you are taking back out into the world that which you have received.

There is no right way or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Use the labyrinth in any way that meets you needs while being respectful of others who may be walking on the path. You will often meet others walking the path in the opposite direction. Simply step around them. Walk at your own pace; you may even pass others who may be in front of you.

To prepare for walking, you may want to sit quietly to reflect before stepping onto the labyrinth. Some people come with questions, others just to slow down and take time out from a busy life. Some come to find strength to take the next step. Many come during times of grief and loss.

Children enjoy the labyrinth and we welcome them. We ask that parents supervise their young children when others are present so all may enjoy the meditative aspects of the walk. Children usually walk with joy and enthusiasm. It is perfectly acceptable for them to run along the path, while being respectful of others on the path.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FIRST TIME WALKERS

Focus on quieting your mind and staying in the present moment. To do this, observe your physical sensations: feel your breath as you inhale and exhale; notice whether any parts of your body are tight or uncomfortable; feel the air move across your skin.

When your mind wanders away (and it will), gently bring it back to the present moment, without judgment. In the words of Rev. Lauren Artress, “Experience the experience.”

After your walk, reflect on the physical sensations you observed. What were you feeling emotionally during your walk? Was there any difference on the way in as opposed to the way out? As with anything in life, your experience will deepen the more often you practice using this spiritual tool.

OTHER OUTDOOR LABYRINTHS IN OUR AREA

There are many labyrinths around the world that are open to the public. To find one, you can use the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator at http://labyrinthlocator.com.

Here is a partial list of some of the outdoor labyrinths in the suburban Philadelphia area:

• St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church
  750 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA
  http://www.stdunstans-bluebellpa.com
• St. Asaph’s Episcopal Church
  corner of St. Asaph and Conshochocken State Roads, Bala Cynwyd, PA
  http://www.saintasaphs.org
• Bryn Mawr College
  101 N. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA
  http://www.brynmawr.edu
• Holy Family University
  9801 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
  http://www.holyfamily.edu
• St. John’s United Church of Christ Organic Community Garden
  412 Fairview Street, Phoenixville, PA
  http://www.stjohnsucc.com

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Books:

Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool
       By Dr. Lauren Artress

The Sacred Path Companion: A Guide to to Walking the Labyrinth to Heal and Transform
       By Dr. Lauren Artress

The Way of the Labyrinth: A Powerful Meditation for Everyday Life
       By Helen Curry

Magical Paths: Labyrinths & Mazes in the 21st Century
       By Jeff Saward

Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide for Healing and Spiritual Growth
       By Melissa Gayle West

Websites:

http://www.veriditas.net

http://www.gracecathedral.org

http://www.labyrinthsociety.org

http://www.labyrinth-enterprises.com