A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle with the energy of the spiral to create a meandering but purposeful path. It represents our life’s journey into our own spiritual center and back again out into the world. There is only one path in a labyrinth, and the way in is also the way out. If we meet another person as we walk, we are called to respectfully make way for the other and honor the other’s journey as being as important as our own. Labyrinths have always been associated with ancient pilgrimage routes and rituals of self-discovery; they have frequently been used as meditation and prayer tools by churches, as well as by individuals. They are starting to make an appearance in health care settings as well.
Labyrinth at Le Basilique de St. Quentin
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Marlton
Photo of Holy Trinity Church in Greensboro
Benefits of Labyrinths in Healthcare Settings
For patients who are able to walk or ambulate by wheelchair, the labyrinth offers many benefits. Those who are not ambulatory can experience the same benefits by using a hand-held finger labyrinth:
- A quiet place where the simple act of walking offers a proactive way to ‘do’ something towards getting better.
- An inviting way of getting exercise outdoors in nature.
- A clearly non-medical environment where patients can share time with family and friends.
- A place where patients can let go of the issues related to illness and injury.
- A sacred spot where patients can express intentions and hopes for the future.
- A perfect spot for a “get well” ceremony.
A reduction in the stress related to being ill, an improved attitude about coping with ill health, an interest in participating in treatment, the return of hope or the inner peace necessary to complete life’s business before dying are just a few of the responses possible for patients using the labyrinth.
The Labyrinth Society, Inc: Benefits of labyrinths in healthcare settings
There is no right way or wrong way to walk the path of a labyrinth; each individual finds something unique to themselves in their experience. Each experience differs from the one they had before. It is continually evolving, mirroring our own lives and our own spiritual journeys. As we walk quietly and reflect, we touch upon our inner joy and sorrows and can start to see them from a different perspective. We may receive inner guidance for the solution to our problems, or we may suddenly see how everything falls together to create a bigger whole in our lives. We need only to approach the entrance to the path with open hearts and minds, ridding ourselves of expectations and allowing peace to flow within us.
Though physically walking along the path of a labyrinth is the most relaxing way to gain the healing benefits, tracing a labyrinth with our fingers also engages the brain in a similar way.