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Into the Labyrinth
Labyrinth? Labyrinth? A word I had heard often, but had
never stopped to find out exactly what it meant. Knew it was
something to do with something complex or tortuous in structure,
arrangement or character like a labyrinth of swamps.
Then I was told that the Aylmer May Cemetery Restoration
Trust was constructing a labyrinth. I now had to find out exactly
what it was.
A labyrinth is an ancient symbol which relates to
wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into
a meandering but purposeful path. It represents a journey to our own
centre and out again, into the world. They have long been used as
meditation and prayer tools and as a metaphor for life’s journey.
A labyrinth should not be confused with a maze. A maze is
like a puzzle to be solved, with twists, turns and dead ends. It
requires logical, analytical and sequential activity. A labyrinth
has only one path and the way in, is the way out. A labyrinth
involves intuition, creativity and imagery. Unlike a maze, which
requires an active mind to find the centre, a labyrinth requires a
passive receptive attitude and the only choice to be made is to
enter or not; to walk a spiritual path or not. Labyrinths have
always been used in a spiritual manner and are believed to create a
heightened awareness of the human condition and aid psychological
growth.
The Labyrinth being constructed at the Aylmer May Cemetery
is a classical or seventh circuit labyrinth. The seven circuits
refer to the seven paths that lead to the centre. It is an ancient
design and has been found in most cultures and is believed to date
back 3500 years or more.
There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth either
and the benefits are dependent on your attitude. Adults
are often serious in the labyrinth. Children most often run in and
out as fast as they can.
So, when you
walk a labyrinth choose your attitude. Make it as serious,
or prayerful, or playful as you like. Listen to music or sing. Pray
out loud. Blow bubbles. Beat a drum…Walk alone or with a crowd.
Notice the sky. Listen to the sounds. Most of all, pay attention to
your experience.
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 centre,
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 “Thank you” or "Amen."
Reflect:
After walking the labyrinth reflect back on your experience.
Perhaps record it in your journal or make a drawing to capture your
experience.
Walk Often!
The Labyrinth
will be opened on 7 December at the Cemetery in Lagos Road and
Lusaka’s residents are invited to visit as often as they wish.
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December
2005