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What is a Labyrinth?

The Labyrinth is an ancient form of walking meditation. Unlike mazes, the labyrinth offers only one path to the centre. The labyrinth serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey –pilgrimage.

Purpose

Walking the labyrinth clears the mind and gives insight into the spiritual journey. It is a tool for meditation.
It is your choice to enter the labyrinth's convoluted path, but once there, you have no choice but to go back and forth until you reach your goal.

Guidelines for walking the Labyrinth

Clear your mind and become aware of your breath. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go. You may "pass" people or let others step around you at the turns.

Each turning point can be a place to drop burdens. The turns mirror our path in life so can be used as a form of meditation.
The journey inwards can be quietening, cleansing, and the journey outwards can be integrating and energising.

It can be used as a meditation, to reduce stress, achieve self-awareness, and to address problems.

It can be an opportunity to make vows.

It may be a mantra, or affirmation, or a body prayer.

It may help us resolve dreams.

It can quieten the internal chatter so that we can hear the soul speak.

How to walk the Labyrinth

There are three stages in walking the labyrinth.

Releasing –Shedding -Letting Go of the details of your life to God. As you walk towards the centre it quiets the mind.

Illumination at the centre, a place of peace and meditation: Receive what is there for you to receive and stay as long as you wish.
Union as you walk with God out from the centre. Each time you walk the labyrinth you become more empowered to find and do the work you feel your soul reaching for.
You go out into the world bringing the light of Christ with you.

When you come out of the labyrinth, honour the experience. Take time to reflect. Perhaps you may record or draw whatever seems right for you. You can walk as many times as you like or have time for.

You are welcome to walk the labyrinth at any time.

Please call at the Centre door first to let the staff know you are in the grounds.

We now have a Poustinia - that is a room separate from the main building, with facilities, where an individual can have a day of total quiet and prayer. Please contact the Centre for more details.

© The Endsleigh Mercy Centre, Kingston Upon Hull