WHAT IS A LABYRINTH A labyrinth is not a maze but a meditative device with a single winding path that leads to a center or end. A maze has many different paths and dead ends to choose from. Walking the labyrinth is a meditative practice which leads to greater power of focus and sense of control in one’s life. Dr. Herbert Benson at Harvard Medical School's Mind/Body Medical Institute has found focused walking meditations are highly efficient at reducing anxiety and has significant long term health benefits, including lower blood pressure and breathing rates, reduced incidents of chronic pain, reduction of insomnia and many other benefits. Walking a labyrinth is a right brain activity (creative, intuitive, imaginative), and can induce or enhance a meditative state of mind. It can deepen self-knowledge, enhance creativity and lead to personal and spiritual growth. When you build a labyrinth you create a sacred space. The more a labyrinth is walked the more powerful it becomes as a symbol of transformation and renewal. How do you walk a labyrinth? You can walk a labyrinth any way that your spirit takes you, walk, run , dance or even skip. You can ask a question, say a prayer or just feel the energy of the labyrinth. The most important thing is to choose to enter the labyrinth. You enter the labyrinth and follow the path, when you reach the center or end you follow the path back out. So have fun and be like a child experiencing a new adventure for the first time.
