I wasn’t feeling particularly drawn to the Easter traditions from my earlier life, but I didn’t want to totally abandon their deeper meaning either. I still wanted to connect with God—separate from dogma and politics—but I wasn’t sure how.
While in this place of spiritual uncertainty, Pastor Kara from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Mount Holly, NC, personally invited me to experience the gift of Good Friday through an ancient Christian practice: meditatively and prayerfully walking a labyrinth. I figured it felt safe enough—spiritual, but offering freedom to explore in a non-threatening way.
I said, “Sure,” and felt the healing presence of God.
What is a Labyrinth?
For over 4,000 years, labyrinths (a circular maze) have been used in many faith and secular traditions to facilitate spiritual connection. The oldest existing labyrinth lives in Chartres Cathedral in France, dating back to 1200.
A labyrinth can be carved, painted, or designed in the open air. It’s a maze with many twists and turns, but only one way to proceed—so you can’t get lost. You enter and exit through the same opening, walking to and from a center space where you “receive.”
There are four basic phases (Remember, Release, Receive, Reflect) to the meditative journey, and it usually takes about 30–45 minutes to complete.
How to Use a Labyrinth
Before I entered, I took a moment to Remember. Remembering is a time to offer thanks and reconnect with the Source (God) from which you came. I took a few deep breaths, relaxed my mind, and released expectations for any particular outcome. I simply opened my heart and mind to what is eternal and constant.
I entered in socked feet, walking mindfully and slowly, feeling the subtle changes in my body as I moved between the purple lines of the canvas maze that mimics the Chartres one. As I walked, I began to Release concerns, doubts, fears, resentments, anger, outdated defenses—anything I no longer needed to carry.
Release is what you do as you make your way toward the center. I trusted the thoughts that came to mind—things I needed to let go of. Sometimes I was specific. Other times I spoke more generally. I allowed the process to unfold however it needed, releasing what no longer served me.
As I walked, I found myself wondering where the path would take me on the canvas—wanting to rush ahead, wanting to see the whole path at once. I felt discomfort and impatience with the uncertainty.
But at the same time, I felt held and safe because I knew the path would take me where I needed to go in time.
Wasn’t this just like life? Always wanting to rush the process or control it somehow. I released that tendency, too, as I walked. I allowed myself to trust the journey.
Arriving at the center, I knelt down and closed my eyes. This was my time to Receive.
In the center, you connect with your source of Truth for as long as you need. You arrive in stillness, ready to hear the subtle voice of God. I sat quietly with an open heart and mind, allowing whatever God wanted to give to fill the space newly available because I had made room as I walked in.
You have to make room to receive—just as you clear a closet to make space for something new.
I felt the Presence of the eternal Holy Spirit filling me with love, light, hope, and joy. The Presence washed over me like a warm bath. I received healing in place of hurts. I received faith in place of doubts.
I felt whole.
Slowly, I stood, reverently beginning my journey back.
As I moved with intention toward the exit, I entered the final phase: Reflect. This stage invites you to contemplate the experience and allow it to soak in—to consider how it might shape the way you move forward in life.
As I reflected, a verse arose within me:
“Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. You will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
A Gentle Invitation
Are you feeling adrift? Getting lost might be just what you need.
Could a labyrinth offer you the space to Remember, Release, Receive, and Reflect?
If so, you can reach out to Pastor Kara to learn more—or walk the outdoor labyrinth in the woods at Common Ground Methodist Church in Stanley, NC. It’s free and open to the public.
Debbey Woodruff – Your WellBEing Guide – is a certified yoga teacher and mindfulness practitioner. Through yoga therapy, mindful movement, breathwork, and guided self-reflection, Debbey helps you reconnect with your body, calm your mind, and nurture lasting emotional well-being. Experience a compassionate, personalized path to healing and renewal and find your W.O.W. – Whole-body Optimized WellBEing ©. Debbey is the owner of Breakthrough! WellBEing Phone: 704-881-4912 and email: info@breakthroughwellbeing.com
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect those of LKNConnect or its affiliates.
