Soul Quest

The question usually asked when bad things happen is, "Where was God?" One of the answers we provide is this:

God is everywhere. But, God has always chosen to work through humanity. We see this many times in the Old and New Testaments.

We suggest, the first place to look for God is within ourselves. The ways in which we Discern - God in us - is to use Contemplation and Meditation. Click this link: contemplative spirituality to learn more.

What is a Labyrinth?
Rainbow Labyrinth

Walking The Labyrinth
Lessons for Living
http://www.lessons4living.com/index.html

The Sacred Labyrinth Walk, Illuminating the Inner Path, is the ancient practice of "Circling to the Center" by walking the labyrinth. The rediscovery of this self-alignment tool to put our lives in perspective is one of the most important spiritual movements of our day. Labyrinths have been in use for over 4000 years. Their basic design is fundamental to nature and many cultures and religious traditions. Whatever one's religion...walking the labyrinth clears the mind and gives insight. It calms people in the throes of life's transitions.

We extend an invitation of people from all faiths, especially those who are in transition and/or are struggling to find a means of prayer and meditation.

Join us as you learn about this ancient meditation tool of prayer, as we become "spiritual beings on a human path, not simply human beings on a spiritual path."

People, formal cultures, and traditions have used the spiral and labyrinth designs as a symbol of their search for meaning and guidance. The labyrinth is a "unicursal" or one path design - there are no tricks or or decisions to be made - much as the surrender to walking a sacred spiritual path in life - our only decision is to choose spirit/God and surrender to divine guidance. The labyrinth is non-denominational. People of all faiths and people longing to reconnect to faith come to walk labyrinths. "I found peace and a sense of God's presence that I had not experienced since childhood," responds a labyrinth walker.

Walking the Labyrinth
There is no right way to walk a labyrinth.

You only have to enter and follow the path. However, your walk can encompass a variety of attitudes. It may be joyous or somber. It might be thoughtful or prayerful. You may use it as a walking meditation. Adults are often serious in the labyrinth. Children most often run in and out as fast as they can in a playful manner.

When you walk in a labyrinth choose your attitude. From time to time choose a different attitude. Make it serious, prayerful or playful. Play music or sing. Pray out loud. Walk alone and with a crowd. Notice the sky. Listen to the sounds. Most of all pay attention to your experience.

Some general guidelines for walking the labyrinth are:

1. Focus: Pause and wait at the entrance. Become quiet and centered. Give acknowledgement through a bow, nod, or other gesture and then enter.

2. Experience: Walk purposely. Observe the process. When you reach the center, stay there and focus several moments. Leave when it seems appropriate. Be attentive on the way out.

3. Exit: Turn and face the entrance. Give an acknowledgement of ending, such as "Amen".

4. Reflect: After walking the labyrinth reflect back on your experience. Use journaling or drawing to reflect back on your experience.

5. Walk often.