Labyrinth Information
The Berea College labyrinth! So what is that?
- A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. The way in, is the way out. The labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey to the center of your deepest self and back out into the world with a broadened understanding of who you are.
- To build a labyrinth is to create a sacred space. To walk a labyrinth is to imbue it with power and meaning. The more a labyrinth is used the more powerful it becomes as a symbol of transformation. It has been used as a sacred tool for meditation, prayer, and spiritual growth for more than 4,000 years.
- Our Berea College labyrinth is the Abingdon a la Chartres design. It was constructed Spring 2019 in the grassy area at the end of Hutchins Library near Phelps Stokes Chapel.
We invite you to use this sacred space often. It is a place to pray, meditate or just be still; a place to find peace, joy and spiritual wellness.
Some general guidelines for walking a labyrinth:
Focus: Pause and wait at the entrance. Become quiet and centered. Give acknowledgment through a bow, nod, or other gesture and then enter.
Experience: Walk purposefully. 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.
Exit: Turn and face the entrance. Give an acknowledgement of ending, such as a nod, a bow, or an Amen.
Reflect: After walking the labyrinth reflect back on your experience. Use journaling or drawing to capture your experience.
Walk often.
“Your life is a sacred journey. And it is about change, growth, discovery, movement, transformation, continuously expanding your vision of what is possible, stretching your soul, learning to see clearly and deeply, listening to your intuition, taking courageous challenges at every step along the way. You are on the path… exactly where you are meant to be right now… And from here, you can only go forward, shaping your life story into a magnificent tale of triumph, of healing, of courage, of beauty, of wisdom, of power, of dignity, and of love.”