LABYRINTH

 

Our outdoor labyrinth is situated beside the church and is available to the church and wider community to come and walk at anytime. Labyrinths can be thought of as symbolic forms of pilgrimage; people can walk the path, ascending toward salvation or enlightenment, and then when they reach the centre they return along the same path they came back to the 'outside world' again.  Many people could not afford to travel to holy sites and lands, so labyrinths and prayer substituted for such travel. Later the religious significance of labyrinths faded, and they served primarily for entertainment, though recently their spiritual aspect has seen a resurgence.

Unlike a maze, you will never get lost in a labyrinth. The path will always lead you to the centre and out again, it is not designed to trick you, but to help you create space to meditate and pray, and to gain a fresh perspective on life. Many newly-made labyrinths exist today, in churches and parks. Labyrinths are used by modern mystics to help achieve a contemplative state. They are also used by those going through times of suffering and uncertainty, and those who may simply wish to relax and enjoy the quiet walk. Walking among the turnings, one loses track of direction and of the outside world, and thus quiets the mind. The result is a relaxed mental attitude, free of internal dialog. This is a form of meditation. Many people believe that meditation has health benefits as well as spiritual benefits.

You may walk the labyrinth at whatever pace feels 'right' for you, if more than one is walking the labyrinth at the same time, you may need to 'give way' and step momentarily aside for each other to pass by, then you both simply resume the journey as you were.

 

The labyrinth is available to be used by all who come seeking direction, healing, or solace. Blessings to you on your journey!