Also called Paths to Peace, this article will inform those who don't know what a labyrinth is.
A labyrinth is a single, winding path that leads you from the entrance to the centre. It is an ancient pattern that has been found in almost all cultures all over the world. The history dates back more than 7000 years.
A labyrinth offers one of the oldest contemplative tools known to humankind that is used for personal and spiritual growth. Walking a labyrinth helps to calm the mind, still the thoughts, get insights, receive guidance, solve problems and set goals. Like Saint Augustine said: "Solvitur ambulando." It is solved by walking. Kulungiswa ngokuhamba.
A labyrinth is different from a maze. A maze has twists and turns and blind alleys and one can get lost in the puzzle that must be solved. In a labyrinth one cannot get lost, as the way in is the way out. It does not matter how intricate the labyrinth pattern may be, there is only a single route to the centre. Thus the only choice with a labyrinth is whether to walk or not.
A labyrinth offers a neutral meeting ground for people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. It is open to anyone at any stage, on any spiritual path and from any religious tradition.
Why do people use labyrinths?
People come to labyrinths for many reasons and in many different ways. It can be walked to connect with nature, to let go of the hectic modern life, to handle stress, to still the mind of thoughts, to answer specific questions, or to find inner peace.
Whatever the reason to walk a labyrinth, it will start a process where powerful changes are possible.
Research
Research in America concluded that people walking the labyrinth are more relaxed, peaceful and calm afterwards. They are also less angry or frustrated and people get relief from emotional trauma and grief. Furthermore, people can focus and concentrate better, and their intuition, imagination and creativity are stimulated. Research done by the Harvard Medical School's Mind/Body Medical Institute found that focused walking meditations are highly efficient at reducing anxiety.
According to Dr Herbert Benson, who conducted the research, a labyrinth walk elicits the relaxation response. This has significant long term health benefits, including lower blood pressure, reduced incidents of chronic pain and a reduction of insomnia.
According to Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind, bestseller in management circles, we are moving from the information age to the conceptual age. "The purpose of life is the journey itself." He strongly believes the labyrinth is the tool for the future.
Benefits
A labyrinth walk can help you to:
· Come into balance, giving you a sense of wholeness, which is much needed in today’s chaotic world;
· Become more relaxed, calm and peaceful;
· Become less angry and frustrated;
· Reconnect with your inner wisdom;
· Find a meaningful way to reconciliation;
· Be more present in your life; and
· Live more consciously.
Other benefits of a labyrinth walk are:
· Improved concentration and focus;
· Increased productivity;
· Better stress management;
· Enhanced memory;
· Better handle and process trauma and grief;
· Improved conflict resolution;
· Enhanced creativity, intuition and imagination.
Wellness
A labyrinth offers a powerful way to help people relax, release, recharge and renew.
A labyrinth can be used as a spiritual or psychological tool for basic self exploration. It can help with:
- depression
- anxiety
- fear of change
- self worth/ self confidence
- addiction/co-dependency
A labyrinth helps people to connect with nature, which in itself awakens peace and joy and happiness.