FCC's Labyrinth
FCC's beautiful stone labyrinth was built in 2004 and has become a destination for downtown workers and others who wish to walk it and participate in this centuries-old spiritual discipline. It is also the site of our well-attended summer concert series.
Below you will find some information about the history of labyrinths and their role in spiritual seeking. |
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What is a Labyrinth?
A labyrinth is a tool for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation. Labyrinths are used worldwide as a way to quiet the mind, find balance, and encourage meditation, insight and celebration. They are open to people as a non-denominational, cross-cultural tool of well-being.
The labyrinth is an ancient symbol that represents wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path from the edge to the center and back out again. A labyrinth is unicursal – it is only one path, therefore the way in is the way out. At its most basic level, the labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey to the center of your deepest self and back out into the world with a broadened understanding of who you are.
You may walk the labyrinth for many reasons. A labyrinth is a place to gain deep insight, celebrate life, find a peaceful moment, or practice a ritual of remembrance. It is a tool to support prayer, guide healing, deepen self-knowledge, and empower creativity. Walking can clear the mind and give awareness of the spiritual journey. Some say that walking the labyrinth helps them see their lives in the context of a path or pilgrimage. The labyrinth can provide solace, spur action, or provide renewed strength. Walking can help you pay attention to your own heart, help you learn to be present in the moment, and quiet the chatter in your mind.
The labyrinth is an ancient symbol that represents wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path from the edge to the center and back out again. A labyrinth is unicursal – it is only one path, therefore the way in is the way out. At its most basic level, the labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey to the center of your deepest self and back out into the world with a broadened understanding of who you are.
You may walk the labyrinth for many reasons. A labyrinth is a place to gain deep insight, celebrate life, find a peaceful moment, or practice a ritual of remembrance. It is a tool to support prayer, guide healing, deepen self-knowledge, and empower creativity. Walking can clear the mind and give awareness of the spiritual journey. Some say that walking the labyrinth helps them see their lives in the context of a path or pilgrimage. The labyrinth can provide solace, spur action, or provide renewed strength. Walking can help you pay attention to your own heart, help you learn to be present in the moment, and quiet the chatter in your mind.
How do I Use the Labyrinth?
There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth - you can use the labyrinth in any way that meets your needs. Below are some general guidelines that you may find helpful.
You might want to meditate on a quote or Scripture verse as you walk. Here are some suggestions:
1. ...for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7
2. But those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31
3. Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield. Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. - Psalm 33:20-22
- Take a few moments before you enter the labyrinth to being to clear your mind. Some like to say a prayer before they begin, others spend a few minutes focusing on sounds around them or the rhythm of their breath.
- As you walk the labyrinth, you are invited to be in a spirit of prayer, meditation, reflection, thanksgiving, searching, or play.
- Contemplate the steps you are taking as you move through the labyrinth. Walk as slowly or quickly as is natural for you. Feel free to pause at any time, and especially as you reach the turns in the path.
- In the silence of meditation often the most profound wisdom will present itself. Be guided by your own thoughts - whatever you think or feel is right. Each walk is unique.
- If others are on the path with you, feel free to pass them or let them step around you.
- When you reach the center, feel free to take some time to think before beginning your outward journey.
You might want to meditate on a quote or Scripture verse as you walk. Here are some suggestions:
1. ...for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7
2. But those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31
3. Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield. Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. - Psalm 33:20-22
Labyrinth History
The earliest recognizable labyrinth dates back some 5000 years or so. Small ones, called finger labyrinths, are located in Neolithic caves and as pictographs on “sacred” rocks. The larger labyrinths - those that can be walked - seemed to have emerged during the Classical times of the ancient world. The first labyrinth that could actually be walked was probably constructed by King Amenemhet III around 1800 BCE at Fayoum in Egypt.
Labyrinths were very popular during medieval times. As many as twenty-two of the eighty Gothic cathedrals housed labyrinths. At times, they were used as a pilgrimage and/or for repentance. One of the most famous labyrinths is the 11-circuit labyrinth of Chartres Cathedral in France, inlaid in the stone floor in 1201.
Labyrinths were very popular during medieval times. As many as twenty-two of the eighty Gothic cathedrals housed labyrinths. At times, they were used as a pilgrimage and/or for repentance. One of the most famous labyrinths is the 11-circuit labyrinth of Chartres Cathedral in France, inlaid in the stone floor in 1201.
