What is a labyrinth? Labyrinths are being used in churches, retreat centers, medical facilities, parks, schools and other outdoor and indoor facilities as it’s popularity is on the rise.

Labyrinths have been around for many thousands of years, yet have regained popularity in recent times. The labyrinths of today are used as a walking meditation. They serve as a tool for spiritual exploration and represent our journey in life.

When most people first hear of a labyrinth, the usual response is that it is a maze. However, the labyrinth is nothing like a maze. A maze has many twists and turns, many exit points and can be confusing. A labyrinth only has one path.

Although there is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth, there are some guidelines that may be beneficial when first entering the labyrinth. This may be a good time to set an intention to release whatever you are ready to let go of…whether it’s a concern, a situation or letting go of the past.

As you begin your walk, you will notice that this path helps to quiet the mind, becoming a mirror for what is going on in our lives and where we are on our journey in life. As the winding course is followed to the center, there is a feeling of reunion, offering a good place for quiet reflection and prayer. As you leave the center, your path brings you back to where you first started. This may be a good time to give gratitude. Upon completion of the walk, journaling your thoughts and feelings that came up during the walk may prove beneficial.

This meditative practice can be an effective tool for personal growth and transformation for any age. By it’s design, it can lead you into a place of peace and calm, yet centered and focused, without spending years of practice.

This spiritual path belongs to all cultures and all religions. Pilgrimages were made to Cathedrals such as Chartres, France for those that could not make it to Jerusalem. This ancient labyrinth provided a walking meditation as part of an important spiritual practice for early Christian pilgrims.

Walk the labyrinth with an open mind and an open heart and you can’t help but reap the benefits..
For more information and to view photos of a labyrinth walk in a womens correctional institution: http://synergisticcenter.com/Walkingthelabyrinth.html

Author's Bio: 

Sue was part of a Labyrinth Team, affectionally called the Angel Team that brought a canvas labyrinth into the La. Women's Correctional Institution for several years. The labyrinth that was used is a replica of the 11th circuit labyrinth that is inlaid in Grace Cathedral and Chartes, France Cathedral. Some of the transformations and experiences from these walks were very powerful.

Sue became involved with Healing Touch in 1998 and received her certification as a Healing Touch practitioner in 2002. She is also a Certified Integrated Energy Therapy Practitioner, a Reiki Practitioner, and a Quantum Touch Practitioner.

She uses energy-based therapies for trauma release work with success for people suffering with PTSD or for anyone who has had a traumatic experience in their lives. She has been a guest speaker for numerous organizations, as well as presenting at state conferences.

Sue has written articles on energy work for alternative and complementary newsletters and online publications. She has developed material and has been a trainer for education classes for child care, stress management seminars and subtle body energy workshops. She has been able to integrate energy based therapies into local hospital’s operating and recovery rooms as well as providing these therapies to newborn babies at a local hospital.

As a volunteer at health fairs and cancer survivor retreats offering energy based therapies, Sue has gained experience in dealing with a variety of health challenges. Sue teaches Care for Self and Subtle Body Energy classes at a local career College and has helped conduct workshops with local hospitals and hospice for caregivers. She is in private practice in Louisiana.

She is available for distant healing sessions.
For more information about energy healing, please visit www.SynergisticCenter.com