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The labyrinth: An inner journey

Kimberly Smith's photo
Virginia Beach Metaphysical Examiner
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A.R.E. 11-circuit Labyrinth with dolphin Yin/Yang in center

The 7 am sun crests the opening of the labyrinth directly, purposefully, with all the love only the sun can muster.  I squint against the strong morning light, wondering at my direction and purpose.  I am about to enter the labyrinth at the Association for Research and Enlightenment (Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E.) at 67th and

Atlantic Ave.
in Virginia Beach.

 Pausing respectfully while a couple takes their journey, I read the dedication plaque.  “Enjoy your experience,” it offers. “Listen to your own heart and take all the time you need.  The Labyrinth is very user friendly.  You cannot get lost nor can you fail – there is no right or wrong way to walk the path.”  The two occupying the circuit are jovial, chatting. He explains, “I come here when I’m trying to work something out.  I walk the labyrinth, and … I usually do.”

He’s not the only one.  Labyrinth walking as a spiritual and healing practice goes back more than 4,000 years, in cultures around the world: Mayan, Native American, Celtic, Greek, and more recently in medieval Christianity. Its circuitous path symbolizes the inner journey, the spiritual path, and is reminiscent of cycles within cycles within cycles.  In preparation, I thought of the movement of planets, direct and retrograde, in the sky above me.  I thought of the completion of the Long Count Mayan Calendar and the transit across the galactic equator that we are now experiencing.

This course is one of the less well-known treasures of Virginia Beach. It is 42’ in diameter, made of tan and gray pavers, hand placed in 2006 as part of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the A.R.E.  The design is the complex 11-circuit path of the Cathedral at Chartres.  I’ve walked simpler labyrinths at retreat centers elsewhere.  I’ve traced a labyrinth design in clay and walked those paths with my fingers.  I even bought a palm-sized version and path-tracing stylus at the HeritageCenter here in Virginia Beach.

 

My turn comes. I collect myself, focus on my heart, and  let my purpose and intention arise from within. There is no fear.  This is not a maze, where I could get lost or jammed up in a dead end. Rather, it is a single path. While putting one foot in front of the other, following the steps in front of me, eventually the path leads to the inner destination – the center; the target.  If the labyrinth were about getting to the destination, 8 quick steps across the pavement would terminate the journey.

 

With the smell of sea, the sound of gulls and other birds, fountain waterfalls and the love-song of the cicadas, I take a breath and step into the amber path that purports to hold answers.  Two steps forward and abruptly I am detoured.  Sounds familiar.  Reminds me of my life.  I follow the path wondering what today’s journey holds, then the circling and redirection and surprise turns pull me out of thought.  I breathe. I walk.

 

Some take this journey one … slow … conscious … step at a time.  Others skip or run, laughing and teasing with joy angels their companions.  Me, I’m on the middle road --  open, moving forward slowly, listening for the guidance to come.

 I think I’m almost there, then I’m turned away. Sounds familiar.  Then I surrender again to the journey. 

 

All of a sudden, I’m there.

This beautifully composed labyrinth has in its center a yin/yang symbol with mosaic dolphins, smiling and nearly winking.  Just like the live dolphin that swim in these coastal waters.

I pause, breathe, open to the sun, receiving its loving light. 

Then I return back to the world, retracing my steps with the same awareness in movement.  I realize that if I look too far ahead on my path, I get dizzy.  Sounds familiar.  My best approach is to look just a few foot falls ahead of where I am.  Talk about being forced into the now.

I emerge back to the dedication area. Have I worked it all out? My mind doesn’t think so, but my heart – oh, there is quietude and peace there.  I think I can now face my challenges, one step, one breath at a time, with patience and expectation. 

 

Sound familiar?  Please comment with your labyrinth stories.

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, Virginia Beach Metaphysical Examiner

With studies ranging from metaphysics to massage, psychotherapy to yoga therapy, EST to herbalism, Kimberly Smith (MSW) offers thoughtful information and practical tools for embracing our emerging consciousness. She has lived in Virginia Beach since 1996, attracted to the area by dolphins and...

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