Metaphors of the Labyrinth

This morning as I was reading a book about prayer, I was reminded that our conversations with God are just that, a conversation. Today I had the opportunity to participate in a labyrinth. This is a silent, meditative walk following a path that is somewhat circular. We were encouraged to make this contemplative walk a conversation with God. The facilitator gave us some instructions at the outset, things like: take your time, keep at least one foot in the path, you can’t get lost, and it’s not like a maze designed to confuse you. As I took this path, it was likened to a journey, either the journey of life, or a journey to the Holy Land undertaken by Jewish, and later Christian, pilgrims, perhaps to celebrate a feast or holiday or special season. It’s the week before Easter here in Pennsylvania; our labyrinth was a simple one laid out with ropes. The path winds back and forth but ultimately arrives at a center. In the center you pause before turning around to retrace your steps. As I walked and contemplated, so many metaphors became apparent and I couldn’t wait to get to a place where I could jot them down.

Here’a a picture of a Labyrinth in Chartres, France to give you a sense of the experience.
  • The path was at times wide, at times narrow
  • Sometimes the path seemed squiggly
  • Just as I began to wonder if I might be lost, I came to the center
  • There were others ahead of me and behind me on the path
  • Some travelers greeted me warmly, all were courteous
  • Some people followed the ‘rule’ of keeping one foot on the path, others did not!
  • There was never any doubt as to which way to go
  • The path is clear, clearly marked
  • It was a matter of taking the next step, of putting one foot in front of the other
  • Arriving at the center felt like arriving
  • But then I thought perhaps the second part is shorter, but no, it is the same distance
  • One travels on, listening for the voice of guidance
  • The path is circular (not linear)
  • Different parts of the path look and feel different
  • The path may seem familiar – as if I’ve been here before
  • The path may zig and zag and even appear to contain u-turns, but there are no detours, just an ever forward movement, taking you toward or away from the center, the heart

At the outset, we were given a palm frond and encouraged to place it in a vase at the center of the labyrinth giving thanks to God for His place in our life and then to take a piece of candy from a bowl as a reminder of God’s love, His sweetness. As I walked, I asked God to be near me and to help me to be aware of His presence; he immediately showed me that He had been speaking these metaphors to me throughout my journey through the labyrinth. At the moment that I wondered about the truth of not being able to get lost, I perceived that I had nearly reached the center. One dear friend whom I encountered gave me a warm smile and a reassuring touch as we passed. Most were absorbed in their own journeys. The biggest message of the labyrinth is to slow down, to enjoy the journey, to consider the journey, and to relax and not worry about the destination.

I know that it is very likely that none of these are original thoughts. Tens of thousands have experienced labyrinths before me, but the point is, they are original thoughts to me. They are my experience. And I think I have done a labyrinth before, but for whatever reason, this time my soul was ready to experience more. I encourage you to consider trying a labyrinth too. Tell me about it in the comments.

You can learn more about labyrinths online and see some cool Labyrinths around the world.

Serenity in the Midst of Turmoil

There is a lot of unrest in America following the recent election.  So many are worried about the future of our country.  Social media is full of opinions on both sides of the fence.   It is easy to get caught up in the turmoil.  And yet, we must remember that our God is in control.  He holds us in the palm of His hand.  He watches over us and our country.  He offers peace and rest free for the asking.

One of my favorite activities is to go out for a walk and enjoy the beauty of nature.  In this way, I reconnect with God and refresh my spirit.  I see the incredible world that God has made and I am at peace.  I enjoy fresh air, beautiful vistas, a bit of exercise, and photo ops.  Hope you will enjoy these pics from a later afternoon hike in the woods near our home.

Ridley Creek
This old stone wall (maybe a damn) is in the middle of the woods

As you contemplate natural beauty, allow your soul to be at rest and allow peace to invade your spirit.  Take time to enjoy the world around you.

Sailing to My Destination

I recently took an inventory of my spiritual gifts.  My number two and three gifts were Nurturing Leadership and Faith.  My faith is central to my life and I seek to love and serve God in all I do.  My primary spiritual gift of Visionary and Managing Leadership can best be described with an analogy from my love of sailing. The owner of the yacht decides where it will go, the navigator determines how to get there, and the helmsman actually gets the boat to its destination. I am a skilled navigator and helmsman both on the water and in life.

In Narragansett Bay
In Narragansett Bay

Island Adventures

Had a fantastic day trip to Block Island this past weekend.

North Lighthouse

We rented mopeds and rode, then walked out to the North Lighthouse,

Northern most point of Block Island
Northern most point of Block Island
Mohegan Bluffs
Mohegan Bluffs
Southeast Light
Southeast Light

swam, walked around the point, and then rode round to the Southeast Light and Mohegan Bluffs.  Went back into town for lunch and then another swim and some frisbee in the ocean.  A sun-filled, salty, sandy day was just what we all needed.  Refreshing to walk along the shore and see the ocean, which was very clear and a beautiful turquoise blue.

Serenity restored.

In Foul Weather and Fair

Marsh at High Tide
Marsh at High Tide

The town where I grew up is on the water and my dad has always been an amateur weather man as well as a sailor.  There was a peninsula in the town with a long harbor on one side and the sound on the other.  Whenever there was a storm, my dad would say, “let’s go down to the beach and see if the water is over the road yet.”  I remember the flooding being more common in winter storms. Dad and I, and my sister, would jump in the car, drive down to the beach, and plow through the water, first with the car and then on foot.  We would check out the water level around the buildings and look for waves and white caps.

Weather was exciting!  Rain and storms were to be EXPERIENCED.  As an adult, I try to recapture the joy of being outdoors in all weather, foul and fair.  And whenever dad calls, his first question is always, ‘how’s the weather?’  The stormier the better in his mind!

Opting Out – Outdoors That Is

Tonight I am meditating on:

  • Work
  • Play
  • Sabbath

and the connection to:

  • Mind
  • Body
  • Spirit

Are the short walks that I take a mini form of Sabbath?  Taking photographs, noticing the beauty of creation is similar for me.  Reading is at times also restful for me.  I was studying a bit more about StrengthsFinder tonight and noticed the connections between introspection and Intellection.  Reading is, at times, also restful for me.

I paused to read Michael Hyatt’s post:

Why Going Outdoors Makes You Smarter, Stronger, and More Spiritual

and was struck by the similarity of our thoughts.

Serene living-1

Are there practices that rejuvenate your spirit in a similar way?

Fond Remembrances

When I was a pre-teen and teenager we lived near Long Island Sound.  In the summer, my dad would go out fishing just about every morning.  We had a little run-about that was old but steady.  I would often go with my dad.  We would wake up at 5:00 a.m. and creep out of the house so as not to wake others and grab a quick bite before heading to the dock.

I went along primarily to see the sunrise.

It was so peaceful out on the water.  My dad is a quiet man, so few words would be exchanged.  From time to time I was allowed to drive the boat.  We would cast in one spot, and then, if nothing was biting, we’d motor over to a different spot.  Fishing involves intuition.  You just KNOW where the fish might be hanging out.  We’d be back home before seven, in time for dad to catch the train to NYC for another day of work.