Walking Meditation Using the Labyrinth

Meditating helps a person to center spiritually.come to you. Let them float in and then away.
Meditating while walking the winding path of theWhen you reach the center of the labyrinth, enter
Labyrinth integrates the whole person, mind,the restfulness that awaits you. The labyrinth is
body, and spirit. Here are a few ways of walkingfor resting in the connection with your deeper self
the labyrinth in meditation. Preparation. Stand atand all that is good in the universe. Leave the
the entrance to the labyrinth and center yourself.center when you feel drawn to return to the
What is your intention for walking the labyrinth atoutside. Take time to write down your
this time?experience.
1. Do you have a breath prayer? Walk the3. Walk with an empty mind, a Zen walk. Be
labyrinth using your breath prayer. Match youraware of the bottom of your feet and how they
in-breath and out-breath with your steps. On thecontact with the surface on which they walk. Be
in-breath, listen to the first part of your breathaware of what your senses perceive - the
prayer. On the next step, listen to the end partsounds, the scents, the viewing eye, and the
of your breath prayer. You will be walking slowly.skin's perception. In the center of the labyrinth, be
Stand still when you are drawn to do that. Whenpresent and open. Walk in the same manner as
you reach the middle. Sit down, kneel, or lie down.you wind your way out from the center. Write
Just be there. Be open, rest. You will know whenyour experience in your journal.
you are ready to follow the winding path out.4. Do you have a set of prayers - rosary, worry
What do you experience? When you leave thebeads, prayers in Hebrew, Arabic, or other
labyrinth, you might want to journal what youlanguages? From the tradition of your people,
experienced.what do you bring? Use the labyrinth to
2. Do you have a quote or a short passage fromaccompany you in praying. There are many ways
sacred writing that you would like to focus on?to walk the labyrinth, each one with intention,
As you prepare yourself to enter the labyrinth,being focused, resting in the center, and then in
focus your intention. Walk slowly, pause, and bereturning to the outer world. Be in the world with
open to the thoughts, insights, or memories thata peaceful heart.