Labyrinth Walking

What is a Labyrinth?

Labyrinths are often described like Mazes- and while at first glance they may seem similar, they are in fact quite different. Especially when we start to think about the spiritual symbolism each produces.

Mazes are intended to be confusing, with multiple wrong ways and dead ends, and the intention of doing a maze is to find the way out. Labyrinths on the other hand have only one path, as long as you continue to put one foot in front of the other, you will make it to the end. Even in very complex labyrinths, as you weave close to the centre and think to yourself “I’m almost there!” you are likely to swing farther away from the goal before actually reaching it.

And it is this fluctuation that so closely resembles our walk through life. Who hasn’t experienced that moment of excitement “It’s right there…” and then had it slip out of view for some unknown reason. Regardless of what the “it” of your life is (happiness, fulfilment, job satisfaction, family, relationships etc.) there is a path that you have to tread to get to the goal.

In our walk with Jesus, it is the same. There is no linear path to understanding or success. We all go through moments where we are on a “mountain top” everything seems great, we can see the big picture, where we fit into it and exactly how it’s all going to work out. But, inevitably, we don’t stay there. We come down to the valley, and for many of us, even further into the dangerous pit before coming back up.

This is where the Labyrinth is helpful- I can’t say this clearly enough, it’s not about getting to the centre the fastest, if it was we’d walk straight there and ignore the path entirely. It’s about continuing to put one foot in front of the other, even when it’s hard, even when we don’t want to, it’s about our ability to keep moving with the hope and assurance that we will get there as long as we keep going.

What to do in a Labyrinth:

In walking the Labyrinth you leave behind the noise and the hurry of life. This is not a practice that you should rush, especially if you are making a trip specifically to walk one. But even if you are doing an at home version, make sure to take your time.

Turn off all distractions, leave your phone somewhere out of reach, don't even bring your bible with you on the journey. It'll be there for you to refer to when you're out.

Decide before you go if there is a specific question you want to think through as you walk the path, or if you are looking for a general sense of calm, closeness to God, or focus. Have that intention in mind as you...

...Begin by taking a few deep breaths.

Enter the Labyrinth with a question or special intention in mind.

Follow the path of the Labyrinth from its entrance to the centre.

Walk at a pace that feels comfortable to you. Remember that this is not a race, and that going slower doesn’t make you better either. Walk as you are inclined.

Pass others on the path if you need to, and make space for those who are journeying back out from the centre.

Once you get to the centre, stay there as long as you wish. This is your time at the core of your question.

When you’re ready, follow the path back to the entrance of the Labyrinth. Again, move at your own pace.

Consider journaling any insights you gleaned from the experience so that you can refer back to them for later reflection.

Where to find a Labyrinth:

Labyrinths have been around for millennia, the earliest depiction appears on a pottery fragment from the palace of Pylos in southern Greece dating from 1200 BCE.

While they’ve been around for a loooooong time, they had a resurgence in popularity in the 1990’s which strongly coincides with our modern focus on personal reflection, self-awareness, and spiritual growth.

ME! at the Labyrinth in High Park in Toronto

These walks are more common than you might think- if you live in Ontario check out the Labyrinth Network’s site to see where there is one close to you. If you're somewhere else try the World Wide Labyrinth Locator.

If you are more of a homebody, there are hand Labyrinths, and table Labyrinths that you “walk” with your fingers. There are even printables that you can fold up and keep with you or tape down to your desk (my personal method of doing Labyrinths on a regular basis, because if it’s right there- you’re more likely to do it, right?)

Why I personally love Labyrinths:

I’m not sure if I’m ready to share the full story of my first Labyrinth experience yet, but what I will say is that I am a person who believes that miracles, visions, healings, and prophecies can happen (but don’t, usually). I believe that God can do amazing things that are totally beyond our comprehension, but I never expect those things to happen. I’m really North American in that way. However, I had what can only be described as a supernatural experience in a Labyrinth- it was alarming and overwhelming and a true brush with the divine.

When, on the very rare occasion, this subject comes up I am delighted to hear that other people have experienced something transformative in their own Labyrinth walks.

I can’t promise that your experience will be supernatural, but I can say that when approached with intention, a Labyrinth experience will be calming and clarifying and entirely worthwhile.

Keep practicing,

P.s. are there any cool Labyrinths near you? Let me know by email (meghanlamatthews@gmail.com) on Instagram (@itsmeghanmatthews) or in the comments below!

P.p.s. Travis Scholl wrote a great book about Labyrinths and prayer: Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Meet God, if you’d like to learn more, it's a great resource!