Finding God on the Journey in the Labyrinth

Dear Friends,

While I was in San Francisco recently, I had the opportunity to visit Grace Church in the middle of the city. If you can imagine San Francisco ... with its curvy streets and hills ... Grace Church is the center of the labyrinth that makes up the city at its heart. And, within the church is a beautiful labyrinth. As many of you may know, I try to hold my retreats at places where there are labyrinths for the participants of the retreats to walk. At my upcoming retreat in Florida (the Duncan Center, Delray Beach, 9/15/18 - 9/17/18) there are two labyrinths. One within a gorgeous Episcopal Church and the other outside in nature. Having walked both labyrinths, they bring peace, love, clarity and closeness to the Divine Energy. It is an indescribable feeling of closeness to God.

Labyrinth images are ancient and are found in many cultures and religions including Hopi, Hindu and Christian, to name a few.

There are many ways to walk the labyrinth, but it always brings peace and a clearity of the mind and heart. You may pray, set an intention, sing, chant ... but always take slow deliberate steps, ending in the "heart" or center of the labyrinth. Your senses may be opened as you slowly walk around the circle of the labyrinth. Once you reach the middle, you may feel your heart opening up and the presence of God. As you leave the center, you take with you the peace and joy of spending time with your soul and God. Walking a labyrinth in this way can be surprisingly calming and clarifying for your thoughts. Even if you don't have a spiritual side, the slow, intentional walking in a quiet place on a set path allows for a level of focus that can be difficult to find in a busy life.

The Duncan Center in Delray, Florida (interior Labyrinth

The Duncan Center in Delray, Florida (interior Labyrinth

Other specific ways to walk the labyrinth are:

- The "Inner Way." In this method, as you walk toward the center, pray for the release of your fears, distractions, and resistances. You may even want to repeat a phrase such as, "Let go and let God." When you reach the center, pause and pray for illumination. Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you. "Breathe on me, breath of God. Fill me with life anew." On the way out, pray for the integration of the Spirit's guidance into your life. Maybe repeat a phrase such as, "Thy will be done."

- Maybe you have a question that is heavy on your heart, a need that's troubling you, or are seeking God's direction on something in your life. Approach the labyrinth with that prayer. Spend your walk praying and talking with God about that particular question or need. Make sure, though, you allow some silence in your walk to listen for the still small voice of God.

- "Gracious Attention." In this method, simply quiet your mind and walk. Let go of all thoughts and just listen for God's voice as you walk. Maybe meditate or repeat a simple prayer or verse, such as "Fill me Spirit with your love."

I have received much clarity on my labyrinth walks. Recently on my labyrinth journey at Grace Church, I opened up my heart to what Spirit wanted me to accomplish on that trip. I felt the clarity and heard the voice that said to speak my truth and open up myself to the energy of heaven in every way. I heard that the journey would not always be easy at times ... but it is necessary ... and that I would be heard. I also felt that I was being prepared for change. This brought an understanding as to why I was there and courage to do what I had to do.

I have always looked at life, with its twists and turns as a journey to the place of pure love and peace. Isn't that what we are all seeking?

If you want to walk a labyrinth and you are in Connecticut there are labyrinths at St. Paul's on the Green in Norwalk; The Grange in West Redding, and Wisdom House in Litchfield. Wherever they may be, they all lead to a place of peace, clarity and love within yourself.

Walking the Labyrinth in Grace Church, San Francisco, California

Blessings on all your journeys,

Anna

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