I recently read on another blog the idea of a “presence walk” (by Steve Pavlina) as a meditation tool. It reminded me of a labyrinth that I saw on the grounds of the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment in San Jose. In fact, they call it a meditation labyrinth, and the idea is to start at the beginning and slowly walk your way through the winding path to the center. Then turn around and follow the same path back to the outer edge.
Labyrinth designs, such as the one shown here, have been around for over four thousand years. These have been used as tools for meditation, for healing, and for receiving inspiration.
My First Labyrinth Walk
I just walked my first labyrinth the other day. I had never done any kind of meditative walking before, so I wasn’t sure what kind of experience I would have. It is very different from meditating in the quietness of your own home or sanctuary. When walking the labyrinth, your eyes are open and there is movement both within your body as well as through the constant change of scenery as you make your way through the turns.
As is typical whenever I try anything for the first time, my mind was preoccupied with thoughts that focused on the fact that I was doing something for the first time – analytical thoughts, and it was difficult to get into the mode of focusing on the moment. But the key in any meditative practice is to not put forth effort … to just allow yourself to go and experience whatever takes place. After reminding myself of that, the walk became a very relaxing and peaceful experience. Step by step, one foot in front of the other, my being progressed through a path that had no clear “road map”. Because of the convoluted design, I soon found myself “lost”, not sure how far I had gone, and no idea how much further there was to go to reach the center. Of course I could have stopped, looked around, and analyzed the rest of the layout, but I felt that would have defeated the purpose. I needed to trust the moment without needing to see the road ahead – and so I continued.
Eventually I found myself at the center – the receiving stage, and after a moment of pause, turned around and proceeded to make my way back out.
The way out was less analytical, and it wasn’t until the return journey that I experienced moments of true meditation, getting into the zone, knowing nothing except the look of my feet as they stepped slowly, one in front of the other. And with each 180 degree turn, I felt drawn deeper. Again-and quite suddenly-I reached the end, or rather the exit. As I stepped away and paused, I felt that familiar buzz that I often experience after meditation or after a chanting session. It’s a buzz that provides further opportunity to soak in and continue the experience.
I’m definitely going to be doing that again.
The Labyrinth That I Walked
The labyrinth that I walked is located on the grounds of the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, in San Jose, CA. It follows the design of the labyrinth built at the Chartres Cathedral in France. It is claimed that labyrinths such as these follow a sacred geometry, with an inherent quality to them that facilitates a healing effect on the human psyche. But there are other designs that are useful meditation tools as well.
While I’ve gone and shared my own experience, please do not let that limit you, should you have an opportunity to walk a labyrinth. Don’t create expectations based on my experience as those might not apply to you. Let yourself be open to whatever effect the walk has on you. That is the most exciting part – creating your own personal journey.
For more information, Terra Wellington.com has a good article on meditation labyrinths.
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