Labrynth

The Labrynth is a a sacred spiral or maze that has one opening to enter and exit. Upon entering, you walk on a tightly woven path which turns back and forth methodically until you are not sure whether you are journeying in or out, or lost somewhere in between. There are many designs, and the spiritual journey can be traced back to most cultures and religions.

Most who walk the Labrynth do so in silence. Walking into the maze can be a time to meditate on a question, or a processing of something inside of you. You might have a problem for which you are seeking resolution. Or you may use the time to reflect on where you are going. When you approach the inner circle, you have an opportunity to pray or meditate, allowing your experience to resonate in your body and honor your thoughts and feelings. When you are ready, you will exit the inner circle and return to the path you were on, unwinding back to the entrance/exit. Often, this will be a time of release and letting go. Many feel lighter and softer on their way back through the maze.

I had an privilege to walk the Labrynth yesterday on the day of Winter Solstice. There was no specific quest that I was on, but I found the journey to be healing in being able to center myself in connecting mind and body. It felt like a shedding of the past and an opportunity to embrace the new year, the new beginnings that are offered once again.

When I walked last year, I felt disconnection from myself and others, I was in a process of grieving and insecurity. As I walked back through, I felt both sadness and determination to make changes in my life. This year, I came with a centeredness and purpose I hadn't felt before. I felt calm, secure and welcomed the other pilgrims as they journeyed both separately and with me.

Although I walked alone, I passed some of the same people again and again, some who walked parallel to me, and others who faced me for a second just to turn back onto a different path. I felt the symbolism of life, how we interface with others, some only once, some back and forth, at times that we least expect or perhaps most need. Some were behind me or ahead of me, and we followed each other. But my journey, as with life, was alone, and only I stayed on the specific path that I was on. My feet carried me one foot and then the other.

At times in my life, I have grieved the loss of others, I have wanted them to stay with me. I didn't want to journey alone. But yesterday, I felt happy for the role others play in my life, those that stay with me for years, those that come for a moment, and those that stay just a little while. How fortunate we are to be blessed by one another. And how blessed we are that no matter if someone is physically with us or not, we carry them every day in our hearts. Their presence is with us in every choice, opportunity and breath that we take. And that means that although we walk alone, we truly never walk alone.