Labyrinth

The 7-circuit modified Chartres Labyrinth

Since a Labyrinth and Spiritual Garden are parts of the NDNU Master Plan, we offer opportunities for the community to become more active in helping to manifest this vision by hosting labyrinth experiences. Labyrinths, ancient patterns found in many cultures around the world, date as far back as 5,000 years. Their design is based on the spiral in nature, with one path leading to the center and back out again. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no tricks or dead ends. It is not designed for you to lose your way, but rather to help you find it.

Walking the labyrinth, an increasingly popular activity individually and in community, offers a powerful way to ground healing, peace, and justice in the world.

Phases of the Labyrinth Walk

Pause at the entrance to gather yourself; take a deep breath. You may take in a question or have a focus for the walk, or not (please turn off pagers, phones, etc.)

Release daily life, mind chatter. Invite slow breathing. Find your pace, your rhythm for walking. This is an act of shedding thoughts and emotions. It quiets the mind.

Receive when you reach the center. Stay there as long as you like. Stand, kneel, sit. It is a place of meditation and insight. Receive what is there for you to receive. When you are ready, follow the same path out.

Return more relaxed and focused, aware of surroundings as the end of the walk approaches. You may want to remain quiet for awhile to let the experience settle in.