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 WELCOME TO YOUR LABYRINTH
Labyrinths, built sometime between 1194 and 1220, were 42 feet in diameter. In the past, they often took the place of a pilgrimage to a holy place, such as Jerusalem, for Christians.
While most of us do not have a labyrinth readily available in our backyards or even a portable canvas labyrinth, here on your website, Unity offers you an opportunity to partake in the experience of “walking” a labyrinth. Unlike mazes, labyrinths have no dead ends or wrong paths. You are drawn precisely and faithfully through the labyrinth, to the center, and back out again. While you meander through each of four quadrants before reaching the center; an expectancy is created. At the center lies a rosette, symbolizing enlightenment and wholeness.
Below is a labyrinth which you may walk with your mouse, or, if you prefer, why not print out the labyrinth for a more tactile experience. Using any tool, such as a stylus, pencil or pen, you may feel that you gain a more personal connection as you meander on paper through the labyrinth. You can even print off an ample supply of copies so that you can begin each day entering the center of labyrinth (the deepest part of self) and returning to the world with an expanded understanding of who you are and what purpose is yours to follow, whether it be for the day, year, or a lifetime.
Many note that there are three stages to the walk:
- Shedding or letting go of the busyness of daily life
- Illumination, when you reach the center. It is a place of prayer and meditation. Take from it what is meant for you to receive.
- Union, connecting with God, and, in leaving the labyrinth, feeling empowered to find and do the work for which your soul aspires.
Walking the labyrinth:
- Prepare to “walk” the labyrinth by clearing your mind
- Become aware of your breath, allowing a few deep inhalations/exhalations, inviting peace into your present moment.
- Find a calming pace at which your mind wants to move
- When you reach the Center, pause for a time and then follow the same path out from the center
- Walking the labyrinth can be either a silent meditation or posing a question and seeking guidance.
- You may walk the labyrinth in silence of, if you prefer, to your favorite piece of meditative music
Chartres labyrinth reprinted with permission of The Labyrinth Society (www.labyrinthsociety.org). Original drawing by Robert Ferre, final graphic by Vicki Keiser.
A wonderful surprise follows below — a labyrinth event at our very own Unity Village! You will want to make every effort to get to Unity Village this November for an enriching, inspiring and informative gathering and soul-filled adventure.
2007 ANNUAL GATHERING OVERVIEW
November 8-11, 2007
Unity Village
Lee's Summit, MO
A Colorful Journey of Many Paths
Our 2007 Gathering will be at the new Spiritual Life Center on the grounds of Unity Village, just southeast of Kansas City, Missouri.
Prepare to be inspired as we gather to explore and share the diverse ways we experience the labyrinth in our global community.
Every effort is being made to include speakers that bring specific knowledge and expertise and provide topics that enlighten and challenge the way labyrinths are used throughout the civil, medical and religious communities.
Popular activities from previous Gatherings return to share and energize those new to the labyrinth community. The Circle of Friends returns as the cornerstone of our opening ceremony. Jon Appleton, creator of the labyrinth dance that bears his name will personally lead this activity.
Healing drummer Toby Christensen will be the keynote speaker as he explores "The Heartbeat of the Labyrinth."
There will be 24 individual workshops from which to choose, panel discussions with leading experts sharing their experiences and several fascinating presentations.
Participants are encouraged to create outdoor labyrinths on the grounds of Unity Village. With over 1400 acres of rolling countryside, the peacefulness that is Unity Village is an ideal location to create, walk and enjoy new labyrinth designs and creations.
Toby Christensen will lead a drum circle as part of a luminary labyrinth that will surely create a special experience.
Plenty of time has been scheduled for networking with labyrinth enthusiasts, vendors and builders.
A large vendor room is available for those interested in making their wares available to Gathering attendees. TLS will also operate its store for those vendors interested in selling their products, but not interested in having their own vendor space.
G. Joan Guillfoyle will be offering her Morning Movement meditation and yoga each morning.
Joan will also be presenting a Pre-Gathering workshop, "First Step: A Body & Soul-Centered Transition into Gathering" on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Also on Thursday, Alex Champion will be constructing a Classic 7-Circuit labyrinth on the floor of the conference center that will be used throughout the weekend. Gathering attendees are encouraged to be a part of that creation.
Member Images returns as a way of seeing how labyrinths have been a part of the TLS community.
Toby Evans is offering a Post-Gathering workshop at her Prairie Labyrinth.
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