Theme Gardens – Labyrinths – Walking a Labyrinth

Many people would ask, why walk a Labyrinth? Labyrinth @ Garfield Conservatory
Creative Commons License photo credit: Zesmerelda

I would answer because it’s fun and relaxing. It’s always different and depending which labyrinth you walk its very scenic.

Most Labyrinths are located outdoors but many are inside. Quite a few are located in churches. The history of labyrinths goes far back and is amazing and rather mystical.

How do you walk a Labyrinth?

A Labyrinth is very easy to walk. There is only one opening and you will return and exit at the same spot. This is rather amazing when several people are walking the path at one time. You are all going the same way but because the path runs back onto itself you look like you are going different directions.

Its best to just clear your mind and let your thoughts go where they want. Sometimes you will surprise yourself with what feelings you have during the walk.

Some people suggest walking with your hands in an upward position like you are holding or receiving something until you get to the center of the circle. At the center it is a time to reflect. You can stay there as long as you wish. As you leave the center and follow the path to the beginning its suggested that your hands be down at your side as if you are letting go of all your cares that came in with.

I also has a friend that would pick up a small rock by the beginning of the path and leave it in the center. This was leaving her problems and worries behind.

I walked a temporary Labyrinth in Mississippi last fall and it was the most relaxing and beautiful experience. It was set up like most labyrinths using one of several paths. This was the Circle of Peace design. What made this different is that the paths can be marked in many ways but this path was marked with flowers on both sides of the path. A beautiful winding flower garden.

Outside of the circle were several sculptures and benches to relax. Being an avid gardener a garden theme that used this Circle of peace design made my mind spin with garden ideas.

I have a  funny feeling that there may be a Labrinth garden in my gardens next year.

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4 responses to “Theme Gardens – Labyrinths – Walking a Labyrinth”

  1. sara

    A labyrinth with flower paths would be so cool! If you matched the flowers with history that would be even more amazing, Thanks for both great articles! (love your garden ideas) Sara

  2. mark

    I havent seen a labyrinth in real life, but I’ve been egging my friend who works as a florist to make one so that we can have a taste on what it feels like to see and have one.

  3. admin

    A labyrinth set up in true garden form would be an amazing experience. Most of the labyrinths I have walked or seem are the main labyrinth with garden or garden art around it.
    I hope you talk your friend into it. It would definately be a one of a kind garden area and unique! Denise

  4. Cheryl

    We had a labyrinth at church made from an enormous rolled up canvas floorcloth. All ages enjoyed our prayer walking at different paces with time for a longer reflection in the center. I was happy to see even young Sunday School members praying seriously too. It was a very spiritual experience for me. I hope to be moving to a woodland setting soon and will plant a garden around a labyrinth design with a fountain at the center with small garden benches to provide for a place for reflection and prayer. I hope others have an opportunity to experience a labyrinth. You could even construct a temporary one in the sand at the beach which would be especially nice at sunrise or sunset.

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