Strangechord

Once a month, a woman named Edie sets up a huge (36′) canvas labyrinth on the floor in one of the double classrooms on campus. It’s a replica of the famous pilgrimage labyrinth at Chartres in Paris (see right). In my Women’s Spirituality class today, Edie explained to us the significance of walking the labyrinth - to clear one’s mind beforehand, allowing feelings and thoughts to bubble up along the way, to walk the path at whatever pace desired, and to spend a little time in the center before heading back out. The room was set up for prime experience, with dim candle lighting, soft piano music coming out of a stereo, different colored shawl scarves available for wrapping oneself in or carrying, and a chime for striking set on the floor at the start of the labyrinth.

I carried a green shawl and walked slowly. I had visions while trekking to the center of myself walking through a forest, of holding a baby, of feeling connected to the earth, of sensuality and fertility. Once I reached the center, I kneeled at the “petal” that symbolizes mystery (the first from the right) and meditated for a few minutes. I experienced a depth I used to experience often when I practiced my T.M. program more often as a teenager - a depth of stillness, peacefulness and a giddy, innocent joy.

I walked more quickly exiting the labyrinth, feeling myself smile most of the way. We were encouraged to relax afterwards, perhaps journal in our class notebooks, as many of us were in a meditative state post-walk. As I wrote, I felt very present, sort of “at home”.

I can’t wait to bring Jeremy to the labyrinth next month! Has anyone else had a labyrinth walking experience?