Walking a Labyrinth

The first time I ever walked a labyrinth (or even saw one for that matter), was in Washington DC at a weekend conference with my friend Robyn Carnes.  She had just written a book, Sacred Circles, and had helped organize the conference for women seeking deeper connection with each other and with themselves. 

It was late in the afternoon and I found the large room where the labyrinth was laid out on the floor.  There was music, soft music drifting into the hallway.  I was greeted by Bettie Deen, Robyn’s beautiful and enthusiastic mother.  We hugged long and hard, so happy to see each other.  

Bettie explained that the labyrinth was a walking meditation and there was no right or wrong way to do it.  Walk at your pace, pause in the middle for as long as you want.  Pick up a scarf- there were beautiful scarves on the floor all around the outer circle- and use it any way you want.  You might go in with a question -or a problem -or a worry.  Listen for clarity as you walk back out.  

I entered the labyrinth with such reverence, feeling the ancient power of this circle.  I felt unsure of what I was doing, of what I ‘should’ be doing or thinking, but soon my own feelings took over the worry of my thinking.  I felt peaceful, my mind felt quiet.  I was no longer stuck in my head worried about what to do or think.

I went back the next day and walked the labyrinth again.  I have walked many since that day in churches, on beaches, in other countries.  I shared the labyrinth experience with my children when they were young and they both found a calmness in walking it.  

I knew from the very beginning of creating Sacred Pines Retreat that there would be a labyrinth.  As we were walking through the woods one day, we found the perfect spot, along the path, nestled between the pine trees.  There were lots of family members who helped create this labyrinth, but the most help came from my youngest son.  He loaded and placed bricks, he helped rake and dig and put the finishing touches on it.  But the sweetest moment was in the middle of the process, after I had spray painted all the lines on the ground.  He came out and said, “have you walked it?”  and then he stepped in and started.

It is sacred ground, blessed with the prayers, hopes, fears and worry of those who walk it. I hope all who come to Sacred Pines will find a deep sense of peace and clarity in the labyrinth.