Outdoor Ministry of National Capital Presbytery

The Labyrinth at Glenkirk is located behind the main lodge, towards the lake on the left (in the location of the old campfire circle.)  It was built in the spring/summer of 2002 by volunteers from Burke Presbyterian Church, the Fairfax Presbyterian Seekers, The Glenkirk Camp Committee and the 2002 Glenkirk Summer Staff.  The pattern is based on the Santa Rosa design, by Dr. Lea Goode-Harris (for more information see www.srlabyrinthfoundation.com).

What is a Labyrinth?

A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness.  It combines the imagery of the circle and spiral into a meandering but purposeful path.  Labyrinths have long been used as tools for meditation and prayer.  A labyrinth is a metaphor for life’s journey.  It is a symbol that creates a sacred space and place that takes us out of ourselves to “that which is within.”  It is a place that allows one time out from the stresses of a busy life and a place to commune with God in the solitude of one’s heart, mind and soul.

When most people hear of a labyrinth, they think of a maze; but the two are not the same.  A maze is like a puzzle to be solved.  It has twists, turns and blind alleys.  It is a left brain task that requires logical, sequential analytic activity to find the correct path into the maze and out.  A Labyrinth is a right brain task involving intuition, creativity and imagery.  You cannot get lost on a labyrinth, as there is only one way in and out along the single path.  There are no blind alleys or paths to choose from.  The path leads you on a circuitous route into the center and back again.  With a labyrinth there is only one choice to be made, whether or not to walk the spiritual path. 

Labyrinth-like patterns have been uncovered by archeologists in a great variety of ancient and contemporary cultures.  In Christian history and practice, it is most famously associated with Chartres Cathedral in France, where an eleven circuit labyrinth was inlaid into the floor of the sanctuary in the thirteenth century.  It was used by believers as a way of symbolically participating in the great pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Many contemporary labyrinths are portable, being painted on high grade canvas. Some are full scale or slightly scaled down versions of the Chartres pattern.  Others are similar patterns known from the Mediterranean and Celtic cultures.  All labyrinths have a circuitous path that unfailingly leads to the center and back out again.  The labyrinth used at Glenkirk is a “Santa Rosa” pattern, a seven circuit labyrinth adapted from the Chartres pattern by Dr. Lea Goode Harris.

 Walking the Labyrinth

Observe silence as you enter the labyrinth; please do not disturb others as they walk.   If you encounter someone along the path, simply allow one another to pass,  acknowledging each other with a smile, whatever feels natural.

 It is important to know that there is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth, below are some suggestions for approaches to take when walking. 

·          One way of using the labyrinth for prayer has three parts.  The first part is releasing.  As you walk toward the center, let go of the details and concerns of your life, allowing your mind to quiet and your heart to open.  The second part is illumination.  This is in the center of the labyrinth, a place for quiet or prayer or meditation.  Some stay here for a brief moment, some much longer.  The third part is union.  As you walk back out reflect on uniting your labyrinth experiences with the whole of your life and faith journey.  Many people feel energized and grounded at this time of prayer.

 ·          As you walk the labyrinth, silently repeat a phrase from scripture or sing a song that is an expression of prayer.  Move slowly so you can stay aware of sensations, images, and thoughts that come to you.

 ·          Practice simple present-time awareness.  Delight in God’s gift of your physical body.  Sense the air, listen to the sounds of nature, feel your muscles move you along the path being aware of all your surrounding sensations.

 ·          Carry a personal problem or wound or loss with you as you make your way into the labyrinth.  Think about what your deepest prayer is at this juncture in your life.  Be aware of how you hold the problem in your mind and in your spirit.  Let your knowledge of the issue expand and deepen as you make the turns.  At the center offer yourself up to God for healing and renewal.  Walk out with the assurance of God’s care for you; celebrate the sensations of a new lightness of being.

Think of the walk to the center as your journey inward to that place where you can be more truly yourself and most present with God.  Spend a long time at the center, just being.  Take that sense of being out with you as you progress back into the world of doing.