The Labyrinth: A Path thru Change

So, what's next?

Where's life taking you?

Everything in flux?

I've been asking myself these questions in a myriad of different ways for the past several months. It appears I'm not the only one. Many others seem to be feeling the foundations of their lives, ie. work, home, relationships, are shifting and transforming in some very big ways as well.

Does it feel like everything in your life is up in the air and you don't quite know what the future holds?

Have you been feeling that inner squirm that accompanies discomfort? Have you been yearning for a change? The answers many people have gotten have led them to make major shifts in their lives, shifts that completely restructure how they live, shifts that honor their heart and soul's desires.

Are you also feeling a shift happening in your life?

Perhaps this shift is subtle or small, or maybe it's shattering your life as you know it and asking you to make huge challenging choices. However life is showing up for you right now, one thing can be certain, change is happening, whether in imperceptible or in blaringly obvious ways.

Photo Credit - Janet Moller

LABYRINTHS FOR TRANSITIONING

We all have ways of rebalancing and finding our way when our lives begin to go astray. One of the tools I've used to help me navigate and find peace within during this time of unbecoming and becoming is the labyrinth. Labyrinths are ancient archetypes that date back at least 4000 years and are found throughout the world. They are single, most often circular paths, that guide you to a central point and back out again. They differ from mazes in that they are not puzzles, but rather portals to a world within. The only choice you have to make is to begin. As former teacher of mine Sig Lonegren taught, 'Labyrinths are right-brain tools'. They help us to quiet our mind so that we may access our inner world.

Labyrinths offer us a means to find peace, spiritual connection, and guidance. They are portals through which we can access our soul's needs.

Earlier this past winter I spent time on Cape Cod walking the beach, following the sand that seemed to go on forever. My intention was to find stillness in the wide open expanse of sea, sand and surf; and in that stillness maybe some guidance, if I was lucky. It was cold and the wind whipped around me. There were people around, but they were far off in the distance. As I walked this tidal shoreline I felt the potent wild beauty and vast solitude of this untamed landscape where the only constant is change. It permeated the expansive space around me.

After I had been walking for a while and my mind had become calm, an idea came to me - to draw out a 7-circuit labyrinth in the sand and sit in its center. Not too far away a large expanse of pristine sand extended out before me. It was like a blank canvas, free of footprints, seaweed and stones. Positioning myself in the center between the dunes and crashing waves, I began drawing out the seed pattern for my labyrinth.

It felt like I was creating a sacred space within which I would discover a new direction or uncover a hidden truth.

Around and around I walked, etching a line in the sand that stretched out behind me. With each completed passing the labyrinth as portal became more and more recognizable, like a bud blossoming into a flower. A new world was gradually emerging out of this vast expanse of sand.

With the labyrinth complete I stood at the entrance, aware of the journey I was about to embark on. I stated my intention, and with an open mind, I took the first step and began. I could feel myself getting lighter and less burdened as I followed the path inward. The feelings of joy, relief and a sense of well-being grew stronger in me the closer I came to the center. Arriving in the center I turned to face the sea. I sat there for a long time, not only in the physical center of the labyrinth, located halfway between the sea and the dunes, but also within a kind of stillness where an inner silence accompanied an inner anticipation: the kind of anticipation that you feel when you ask a question and await a response. There I sat for as long as it took for the incoming tide to reach the entrance to my labyrinth.

When you walk a labyrinth you undergo a metamorphosis.

Labyrinths are pathways of transformation. You let go and release thoughts and distractions as you walk in towards the center. While in the center you are in a receptive space and time where you gather new inspiration and insight pertinent to your life. And as you walk out you join together with the Divine. You integrate and align with your new found understanding, emerging a new person having shed the old and embraced the new.

I have found that the more I resist what's falling away and what's emerging the more confused and out of balance I become. Over the years I've learned that fear will be there whether we resist or whether we let go into the unfolding. It takes practice, but I'm choosing to let go, to be in the moment, and see what wants to unfold during these times of change.

Walking out of the labyrinth that winters day I found myself renewed and with a sense of hope and trust that hadn't existed when I started. In this way the labyrinth I created empowered me.

Labyrinths as portals and as tools help me on my journey, and they can offer you support as well.

LABYRINTH OPPORTUNITIES

If you are inspired to incorporate the labyrinth into your life you may be interested in these different opportunities. There is something here for everyone.

Finger Labyrinths ~ https://www.geomagica.com/labyrinth-meditation

On my website I offer a labyrinth meditation. There you will find two styles of labyrinths to print out and instructions for 'walking' them with your finger. This is a great option for those who want something that's inexpensive, portable and available now.

Labyrinth Building Workshop ~ On June 24th I am offering a labyrinth building workshop. This will be a small, intimate event on a beautiful piece of land in mid-coast Maine. We have room for only 10 people. If you're interested in joining us, contact me at info@geomagica.com and I will share more information with you.

Build Your Own Labyrinth ~ If you want to pull out all the stops and build your own labyrinth that supports your unique needs, I would love to help you.

You can find more information here: https://www.geomagica.com/place-making