Walking Meditation: Inviting the Divine Spirit via the Labyrinth

Walking the labyrinth is a way of praying with the body that invites the divine presence into an active conversation with the heart and soul. By engaging in this walking meditation, we are fully engaging our minds, bodies, and spirits at the same time.Washington National Cathedral

labyrinth view | Dianna Bonny Photography

My first experience with a labyrinth occurred in Taos at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House a couple of years ago. Situated right at the base of Taos Mountain, it is a place that vibrates a quiet sacred energy, creating the ideal atmosphere for creativity and healing. It also happens to be the perfect place for a first stroll around a labyrinth.

Located just outside my room, I spent a couple of days walking by it without much thought about walking in it. Then one day as I was on my way to do some writing, I stopped at the opening and before I knew it, I had taken the first step in. I was overcome by serenity and my mind simply surrendered.

I loved that there was a simple path to follow with no chance of getting lost and no way to calculate how I would arrive at the center. Simplicity, and one step at a time, was about all I could manage.

I expected no miracles, but I have to say that by the time I exited, I experienced a shift. Nothing dramatic, just one of those rare moments where I felt a sense that everything would be ok, and that was enough for me.

The other day, Suzani suggested a field trip to get me out of my house because I have become a bit of a recluse. She is always trying to bring fun into my days, so off we went to visit her friend’s labyrinth, which was a delightful stroke of luck for me. Can you imagine having this magic on your doorstep?

labyrinth | Dianna Bonny Photography

Although the design may appear complicated, walking the labyrinth is a simple exercise.

I found this explanation from riversidehealing.com to be illuminating:

Consciously walking the Labyrinth is to dance a waltz in which your own heart is partnered with the Great Mystery. There is no right way to walk a labyrinth. Each person chooses the level of meaning and purpose of this Dance. Walking in toward the Center, we might release old beliefs that are limiting us in life. Waiting silently in the Center, we might pray there to receive inspiration, to be illumined and enlivened. Walking back out, we bring our renewed and rekindled spirits back to the workaday world, willing to be the paradox of being courageously vulnerable.”

labyrinth walk | Dianna Bonny Photography

To me, walking the labyrinth represents a meandering pilgrimage inward, offering a brief respite from life’s busy chatter and the chance to effortlessly glide along in the beauty of silence, without the chance of getting lost.

We just don’t have the opportunity to meander enough in life, do we?

Many blessings and thanks to the homeowners for sharing their beautiful labyrinth. I hope it inspires you to explore this as another healing possibility or maybe just an opportunity to meander.

With love,

-db

Who is Dianna Bonny?

Hi, my name is Dianna Bonny. It’s my mission to candidly share my journey with you. For me, it’s all about the healing: to create a radiant healing energy for others who have befallen a similar fate. Together, we can forge beautiful lives of belonging and connection. Thanks for joining me today! I look forward to hearing from you.

  2 comments for “Walking Meditation: Inviting the Divine Spirit via the Labyrinth

  1. November 6, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    Dianna, I absolutely love labyrinths, and have found substantial quantities of peace through walking them. I’m lucky enough to live quite close to two public labyrinths.

    • Dianna Bonny
      November 7, 2013 at 8:19 pm

      Tracie: You lucky girl! There is one down in San Diego that I am going to try and visit soon. Powerful medicine to be found walking those circuits. xo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *