Labyrinth Guide

Welcome to our guide for walking the labyrinth at University Park UMC. Our labyrinth is located in the Activity Center and is open to the public. You are invited to experience the transformative practice of walking the labyrinth!

Walking the labyrinth is an ancient spiritual practice in various religious traditions, including Christianity. Labyrinths can be found in churches and sacred spaces throughout the world. The labyrinth is a path for prayer and walking meditations, as well as an excellent tool for practicing mindfulness.

Due to the scheduled nature of the Activity Center, we recommend you call the church ahead of time to ensure the space is available when you desire.

WALKING STAGES

The Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress, one of the founders of the Modern Day Labyrinth Movement, offers the following to help you on your labyrinth walk. There are three main stages of the walk:

Purgation (Releasing)

A releasing, a letting go of the details of your life. This is the act of shedding thoughts and distractions. A time to open the heart and quiet the mind.

Illumination (Receiving)

When you reach the center, stay there as long as you like. It is a place of meditation and prayer. Receive what is there for you to receive.

Union (Returning)

As you leave, following the same path out of the center as you came in, you enter the third stage, which is joining God, your Higher Power, or the healing forces at work in the world. Each time you walk the labyrinth you become more empowered to find and do the work for which you feel your soul is reaching.

HOW TO WALK THE LABYRINTH

Quiet your mind and become aware of your breath. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go. Since the path is two-way, those going in will meet those coming out. You may “pass” people or let others step around you. Do what feels natural. Walk the labyrinth with an open mind and an open heart.