The Labyrinth At Sylvan United
Sylvan’s Labyrinth was built by church and community volunteers in the summer of 2008.
Our eleven circuit “Chartres” style Labyrinth is available for public use. It is located behind our church and can be accessed any day of the week. Constructed with natural granular material, the labyrinth offers an opportunity for you to walk in quiet contemplation in a pastoral setting.
Labyrinth walking is an ancient meditative practice which can be found in many sacred traditions, including Christianity. There are over fifty labyrinths on Vancouver Island alone! To get the most out of walking our labyrinth, we suggest that as you approach the entrance of the labyrinth and before entering that you try to clear your mind as much as possible of any day-to-day concerns. Contemplate the steps you are taking as you move through the labyrinth. Be guided by whatever may come to mind. In the silence of meditation often the most profound wisdom will present itself. Often a wonderful sense of peace envelops the walker. Whatever comes to you is right. There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth. Each trip is as individual as you are.
Enjoy your walk, take as long as you wish. Listen to the wind in the towering fir trees and to the babbling brook running alongside the property.
Let your senses be aware of the peacefulness found in nature and within yourself. With the assistance of a very supportive community, we are continually developing a program of organized Labyrinth walks. They may be incorporated with different meditations to assist in creating a growing awareness of our individual Spirituality.
In September 2013 the Labyrinth Society held their international gathering for the first time on Vancouver Island. At Sylvan, forty participants from different countries took part in a meaningful discussion on “Pilgrimage” and then had time to reflect during a group labyrinth walk. Our volunteers provided a delicious lunch to the group, which was well received with many expressions of appreciation.
What the labyrinth can do for you:
- deepens self-knowledge;
- relieves stress and clears the mind;
- empowers creativity;
- calms people in life transitions;
- gives insight into our life journey;
- guides healing;
- urges action.
How to Walk the Labyrinth
The words ‘labyrinth’ and ‘maze’ are sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably. The labyrinth differs from a maze in that it has only one path and there are no dead ends. The path winds throughout and becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives, touching our sorrows and releasing our joys. Walk it with an open mind and an open heart.
Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go. The path is a two-way street. Those going in will meet those coming out. You may “pass” people or let others step around you. Do what feels natural when you meet. Allow about one minute between people as you enter the labyrinth.
Stages of Walking
Preparing – Use this time to contemplate your life and to be thankful for all that you are and have. Quiet your mind and become aware of your breath as you prepare to enter the labyrinth.
Releasing – As you enter and start your walk, just concentrate on putting one foot in from of the other. The act of shedding thoughts and distractions enables you to let go of the details of your life. This is a time to open your heart and your mind.
Illumination or Receiving – At the centre, stay as long as you like, sit or stand, meditate or pray. Allow yourself to receive divine energy as new insight.
Returning – When leaving the centre, you will follow the same path out. Pay attention to any differences in how you walk or in images that come to mind. Whatever comes to you is right. There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth. Each time your experience will be as individual and unique as you are.
