For many years I’ve been interested in labyrinth’s, even toying with the idea once of designing one for my back yard up north. On this morning I was delighted to find myself within walking distance of a very well tended labyrinth on the church grounds near where I had volunteered to help with a food bank vegetable garden. Pulling weeds early in the morning has always been therapy for me, and today I needed more than my dedicated hour. As I stood up and stretched, wiping away the sweat drizzling down my neck with the back of my gloved hand, I looked off into the nearby woods.
The sun was breaking through a small band of trees and shimmering on something in the woods. A concentrated frown formed on my brow as I continued to take in and process exactly what I was seeing. First, I saw a small clearing with a very tall rock shape in the middle, then pulling my gaze back a little and taking in the wholeness, I read the sign at the edge of the clearing: LABYRINTH.
Ooooo! It didn’t take me long to pull off my garden gloves and drop them near the pile of tools, scampering off as I called out to my new gardening friend and pointing to the clearing, I asked, “Taking a short break, is that a labyrinth, and may I walk it?” Permission was granted and I hurried off to check out my morning find, congratulating myself on this awesome discovery. I’d often heard stories about the spiritual power of labyrinths and as I approached all my senses were on full alert to whatever experience was about to happen.
The first thing I became aware of as I moved onto the mulch path, was a sense of serenity. I just let my mind wander as I stepped slowly along the rock lined pathway. Then, from no where, I had a sudden panic feeling of not being able to get to the center. Startled for a moment, I recognized the thought as part of my self-sabotage pattern that needs to be released. My mind was racing from one reason to the next as to why I could…should…would not make it to the center.
As I continued putting one foot in front of the other, my mind begin clearing once more and I was able to focus on the pattern of the labyrinth..each step weaving me closer to the center goal, another turn and I was taken away once more. That is also a familiar pattern in my life…a goal almost in reach…and then not completed for some reason usually within my own doing. With sudden clarity, an “AH-HA” went off in my mind, I realized every goal is within reach…as long as you continue moving forward along the path.
Rounding the last turn, I reach out, leaning into and hugging the center stone, I could not contain the tears brimming my eyes and as my tears washed the stone I wondered of the many tears that had melted into it. Breathing slowly…soaking in the serenity for just a few moments longer, my break from gardening over …I turned to walk out, a smile shining on my face, as I intuitively trusted and knew …this was only the beginning of my coming to this special place.
Peace,
Tina talking…