An introduction to walking the labyrinth

This copy will be available as a leaflet on our opening day, 29th July.

A labyrinth is an ancient, complex path with a spiritual dimension that helps meditation and contemplation.

The very act of walking along the circular, symbolic pathway is regarded as restorative and healing, crossing cultural and religious boundaries. Labyrinths exist in many cultures and traditions around the world.

A labyrinth looks like a maze, but unlike a maze, it has no dead ends and you cannot get lost. Walking a labyrinth can involve intuition, creativity, imagery, and the search for possibility.

You may begin your walk with questions, concerns or worries that you want to explore, touching sorrows or releasing feelings of joy. Or you may just want to take a contemplative walk. To prepare, take time to sit and gather your thoughts, perhaps in the peace garden. The labyrinth path winds from the outside to the centre, and back again. Walking on the dark coloured stones, follow the continuous pathway round and round until you reach the centre. You don’t have to think about exactly where to place your feet, so as you walk you are free to follow your own inner thoughts. The circuitous route slows you down and helps you become grounded. When you reach the middle, pause, reflect and consider any insights, then when you are ready, turn and use the same pathway in reverse. The entrance becomes the exit.

There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth and you walk at your own pace. There are no rules other than to be respectful to the labyrinth and to other users.

This is a very special place created by the community for the community. We hope you have enjoyed your labyrinth experience and will visit again soon.