center. Upon arriving in the stillness of that point, the participant opens heart and mind to receive whatever message or wisdom is intended for them. The return path is the integration phase, to make a fresh insight our own. Participants should approach their
walk in different ways: One may have a specific question or intention in mind; another may be open to whatever occurs during their meditation; yet an- other may repeat a meditative mantra. One might even choose to bypass the path entirely in order to sit contempla- tively at its center. Unlike a maze, it’s impossible to lose our way with the circular path serving as a simple and reliable guide.
Although scientific research on
labyrinth meditation has been limited to participant questionnaires, future studies may incorporate the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging technology to measure brain activity and record what individuals experi- ence. Labyrinths located in settings like hospitals and prisons lend themselves to such research, says Rudebock. As a Veriditas-certified labyrinth facilitator, she conducts workshops and observes, “Walks are unique to each individual and may not produce uniform or repli- cable results.” At its core, the experience is about listening to our truest self, away from the cacophony of modern life. “I believe that the world needs places where our souls can be quiet,” re- marks Jean Richardson, director of the Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center, in Bangor, Pennsylvania, which includes a seven-circuit labyrinth. “Retreat centers
If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.
~Raymond Inmon
and labyrinths are places where we can listen to our inner heart, feel our inner calling and tap into our own divine nature. I think deep listening is not always valued in a world where we are rewarded for being busy and keeping our schedules full.”
nearby opportunities Today, labyrinths—indoor, outdoor, natural, urban, secular and religious—
are found in or near many communi- ties. Following the lead of California’s Golden Door Spa, in Escondido, which pioneered the use of a laby- rinth in a spa setting, many spas now incorporate them in their wellness or mindfulness programs. Labyrinthine invitations to a
mindfulness practice are open to ev- eryone. “A labyrinth can bridge all be- liefs, faiths, religions and walks of life,” says Bull. “You can walk a labyrinth no matter what you believe. Benefits come in walking it with an open mind and open heart.”
Gina McGalliard is a freelance writer in San Diego, CA. Connect at
GinaMcGalliard.com.
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October 2016
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