Written by: Jessica Beckendorf
In a recent episode of Practicing Connection, I discussed labyrinths as part of a broader conversation on reflection. During the episode, I shared some of my personal experiences and insights on labyrinths as tools for mindfulness and reflection. This blog post expands on that discussion, exploring the historical and cultural significance of labyrinths, their modern applications, and practical ways to incorporate them into your reflection practice. Engaging in mindfulness activities and reflective practices like labyrinth walking can enhance our ability to lead effectively and remain productive in our daily lives.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Labyrinths have a rich history, rooted in ancient cultures and mythology. The most famous labyrinth is perhaps the one from Greek mythology, built by Daedalus for King Minos of Crete to contain the Minotaur. This labyrinth symbolized the complexity and challenges of human life, reflecting the journey of navigating through dilemmas and finding solutions.
In various cultures, labyrinths have been used for spiritual and ritual purposes. Labyrinths often symbolize life’s unpredictable journey, transformation, and spiritual awakening and have appeared in artwork worldwide across time.
Modern Uses of Labyrinths
Today, labyrinths are used in various settings for meditation, reflection, and spiritual exploration. Many churches in Europe and North America have constructed permanent labyrinths or employ temporary ones for worship and contemplation. They are also used in modern healing spaces, offering a serene environment for stress reduction and mental clarity. Artists and architects continue to draw inspiration from labyrinth designs, incorporating them into modern art and public spaces.
I first heard about labyrinths as a contemplative tool from Heather Plett in The Art of Holding Space. She compares her thoughts on growing into our authentic selves to the contemplative journey of a labyrinth. It includes an inward journey toward the center, during which we move through several stages of releasing and healing. Then, from the center we journey outward and experience moments of emergence, trusting, connecting.
This summer I had the opportunity to walk a labyrinth at a lavender farm. I walked silently, appreciating the beauty of the lavender, the shape of the labyrinth itself, the moment of contemplation, and the ritual itself. I set an intention before I entered and focused on this intention, thinking about what I needed to shed and how I could emerge with intention on the topic.
Incorporating Labyrinths into Daily Life
My experience was unique – not everyone has a labyrinth nearby to walk through, though I have seen advice online for how to build one for your own backyard. There is even a robust community of labyrinth enthusiasts that host an annual meet up!
If this reflective tool piques your interest, there are many ways you can walk a labyrinth – even without actually walking one. Here are some practical ways to do so:
- Walking a Labyrinth: Find a local labyrinth or create one in your backyard. Walking a labyrinth can be a meditative practice that helps clear your mind and focus on the present moment.
- Drawing or Coloring Labyrinths: Engage in drawing or coloring labyrinths as a form of art therapy. This activity can be both relaxing and creatively stimulating.
- Creating a Finger Labyrinth: A finger labyrinth is a small, portable labyrinth that you can trace with your finger. This can be a great tool for meditation and relaxation, especially if you don’t have space for a full-sized labyrinth.
- Finding a Labyrinth App: Yes, there’s an app for that! If you’re not feeling crafty, you can engage in this reflective practice by dragging your finger through a labyrinth on your screen.
I have personally engaged in walking mindfulness activities (similar to walking a labyrinth, but not as pretty and usually filled with additional distractions), walked a labyrinth, and used a labyrinth app.
The Benefits of Labyrinths
Labyrinths can have significant psychological and physiological benefits. Studies funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation are exploring how walking labyrinths can promote healing and wellness in various settings, including healthcare, geriatric care, and education. Labyrinths are also used in universities and colleges worldwide as resources for contemplation, creativity, and well-being. Studies have even been done on the effects of healing gardens, including labyrinths, on veterans with PTSD.
Conclusion
Labyrinths offer a unique and powerful way to enhance mindfulness, reduce stress, and foster a deeper connection with yourself. Whether through walking, drawing, or creating a finger labyrinth, these ancient tools can bring peace and clarity to our modern lives, enhancing our ability to lead and serve.
References
AncientScholar. (n.d.). The labyrinth’s influence from mythology to modern culture. Retrieved from https://ancientscholar.org/the-labyrinths-influence-from-mythology-to-modern-culture/
Anderson, B. J. (2011). An exploration of the potential benefits of healing gardens on veterans with PTSD (Master’s report, Utah State University). All Graduate Plan B and Other Reports, 50. https://doi.org/10.26076/8cb3-cfd7
ConnollyCove. (n.d.). The cultural and spiritual significance of labyrinths. Retrieved from https://www.connollycove.com/labyrinths-cultural-and-spiritual/
Heather Plett. (2020). The art of holding space: A practice of love, liberation, and leadership. Page Two Books. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Art-Holding-Space-Liberation-Leadership/dp/1989603475
Labyrinth Society. (2022). Bibliography of articles and studies related to labyrinth research. Retrieved from https://labyrinthsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Updated-2022-Bibliography-11.2024.pdf
Reality Pathing. (n.d.). The healing power of walking a labyrinth: A guide. Retrieved from https://realitypathing.com/the-healing-power-of-walking-a-labyrinth-a-guide/
Reality Pathing. (n.d.). 7 creative ways to incorporate labyrinths in art therapy. Retrieved from https://realitypathing.com/7-creative-ways-to-incorporate-labyrinths-in-art-therapy/
University of Denver. (2023). CAHSS psychology professor examines the mind-healing potential of labyrinths. Retrieved from https://liberalarts.du.edu/news-events/all-articles/cahss-psychology-professor-examines-mind-healing-potential-labyrinths
