170th CCNC-N Annual Gathering
Walking the Labyrinth
Room: Youth Building
The air hums with quiet anticipation as you approach the labyrinth. Its sinuous path, etched in stone or outlined by vibrant flowers, beckons you inward. You take a deep breath, letting go of the day's worries, and step onto the smooth, worn path.
With each deliberate step, your mind quiets. The rhythmic crunch of gravel, the rustle of leaves, and the gentle caress of the breeze become your focus. The twists and turns unfold before you, not as challenges, but as invitations to delve deeper. You walk at your own pace, no destination in sight, simply present in the unfolding journey.
As you journey inwards, thoughts may arise, worries may surface. Acknowledge them, then release them into the labyrinth's embrace. Let them drift away like leaves on the wind, leaving you lighter with each step. The labyrinth becomes a sanctuary, a safe space for introspection and reflection.
Reaching the center, a sense of arrival washes over you. Perhaps you pause to sit in quiet contemplation, to offer a prayer, or simply to soak in the stillness. This is a space to connect with yourself, with your hopes and dreams, with the quiet wisdom that lies within.
Then, it's time to return. The path back seems different, somehow imbued with the insights gained in the center. You walk with a renewed sense of purpose, carrying the peace and clarity you've found within. Emerging from the labyrinth, you step back into the world, forever changed by your journey.
Remember, there's no one "right" way to walk the labyrinth. Let your intuition guide you, be present in the moment, and allow yourself to be transformed by the experience. It's a journey of self-discovery, a path to inner peace, waiting to be explored.
Carl Cordes
Carl Cordes is a member of First Christian Church Vallejo.