Walking the Labyrinth

Walking the Labyrinth--

We turned off the main road and began the ten mile drive up the mountainside.  Eventually we left the paved road and continued our journey on gravel.   Tall evergreen trees lined both sides of the roadway.  Fog encircled the mountain top.  It had not yet been burned away by the heat of the sun.  Blue sky showed through small patches of fog announcing that soon it would overtake the whole expanse of the heavens.  The day was crisp and sweet.  Our destination was a lovely retreat center.

Many years ago we discovered this special place while exploring new countryside.  Those who dreamed it and then built it desired that it be a place for people to meditate.  To reconnect with themselves.  To perhaps engage in conversation about life and its meaning.  Classes are offered during the summer.  It is a place for thinking.  For touching that quiet place within us that often becomes lost in the busy of life.  Paths meander through the tall evergreens gently whispering to us that nature welcomes us into her arms.  Ferns flourish on the forest floor.  Wild flowers decorate the woods.  It is a place like no other.

On this particular trip up the mountainside we came upon a welcoming center.  Inside were two people who greeted me with genuine kindness.  Since our last visit years ago when one could drive into the center, changes had taken place.  Now reservations were required to enter.  Did I have a reservation?  No, I didn't.

During our conversation I mentioned that we were visiting from Illinois.  Our trip was almost at its end.  And then I mentioned the real reason I wished permission to enter.

Several years ago I had the opportunity to walk a labyrinth.  A labyrinth is a circular path that has a beginning point.  One enters at this point and continues along a path toward the center.  The path through the labyrinth is often outlined with stones set into the ground providing direction to the walker.  It winds inward toward the center.  After reaching the center one retraces the steps until the beginning point is again reached.  It is an ancient tool for meditation.   Walking a labyrinth is a spiritual experience.

This center built a labyrinth in a clearing beside a beautiful stream.   It was set with stones.  It was quite large with a winding path.  I knew this because I saw pictures in a magazine of this particular one.

I was disappointed that I would not be allowed to enter the grounds and make my way to the labyrinth, but I understood that rules were rules.  So, I thanked them for their kindness and turned to leave.  The woman who was answering my questions stopped me.  She said she was going to do something she seldom did.  She was going to give me an hour to visit the labyrinth.  One hour.  I asked if my husband could join me.  She took both our names and directed me to the path that led to the river.

We hurried down the path and across the grounds searching for this most special spot.  Eventually we located it.  So simple.  Rocks formed a path placed by someone who understood the significance of this activity.  Someone who brought hundreds of stones and carefully laid them out in a specific pattern forming an exact circle.  I entered.

Sometimes people carry a stone while they walk.  Others might repeat a mantra.  Still others walk with folded hands.  That is what I did.  I folded my hands and began my journey.  And it is truly a journey.  With each step my mind journeyed inward.  What was left for me to learn?  What could I do that would move myself and others to a more peaceful place?  Even the question of who God is entered my mind.  Eventually I quieted all the voices in my head-well, almost all of them.  And I simply was.  I felt such peace.  All the beauty of the earth was right there within my sight.  It was overwhelming.  Tears made their way down my cheeks.  Tears that expressed my deep love of nature.     And my awareness of the spirit indwelling.

The hour passed quickly.  Leaving was difficult.  Connecting with our spirit is a precious time.  I knew once I left, I would return to life.  But, I also knew that part of me would be changed forever.  I would have the memory to take with me.  We hurried back to the welcoming center.

I walked inside to thank her for allowing me this time.  I told her what it meant to me through those same tears.  She replied that she never does that for people without reservations, but that she felt a connection with me and knew it was the right thing to do.  

The fog had lifted during the time we were at the center.  The sky was beautiful.  All blue and bright. The tall evergreens stood guard over the road, and the river continued its rush to its destination. All as it should be on this most beautiful day.