Tracing The Path

Following This Chartres & Other Paths Can Help You Move Into a More Meditative Groove…

Originally the labyrinth at Chartres was referred to as "The Road to Jerusalem," and the name Jerusalem actually means "city of peace."
In some traditions, the labyrinth was used to represent finding the Holy Grail, or finding Mecca. It is a blessing to have a Labyrinth near you but if you can’t walk a real labyrinth…

MY FIRST LABYRINTH EXPERIENCE
I had been searching for my purpose and was confused about my life path, although I was the Director of a large Spiritual Enlightenment event. After the first day of the event came to a close, a few close family members and friends took time to visit the full size labyrinth we had at the event.

I entered the labyrinth under stress and quickly made my way through the elaborate maze, yet actually had to re-walk it as I was stopped near the entrance by an unseen force and was told to turn around and go back to the center! So I did, of course. I took some deep breaths and walked the path again without the baggage I entered with the first time and when I got to the center, I knelt down and waited patiently (bc patience was not a virtue I had then) and soon, a peace just washed over me as if it was cleansing away all the stress and fears I had accumulated till then. It felt amazing and I felt so blessed.

I reversed the path with a big grin on my face and a carefree stride - until I reached about halfway out. My feet suddenly felt stuck to the path!
I let the world around me seep back in and realized my sister and some friends were having a loud conversation just outside the labyrinth. When I understood what they were talking about, I gave an answer to my sister; it was like someone else answering and in a voice I didn't hear as my own (it was male and strong - mine is a bit squeaky) and they all just looked at me in surprise.

Then my sister just fell backwards like a tree. She was caught and laid down on the floor and I tried to continue my walk out but I was still held in place... once she recovered, she spoke to me and I was finally allowed to finish the course and exit the path. The rest of the evening had some very spiritual happenings for us and our group of friends! I and my sister believe we had a magical experience and have had a special inner bond since. We get asked if we are twins a lot! We say yes, even though there are seven years between us!

FOLLOW YOUR OWN PERSONAL PATH

We are all unique and choosing a practice that will benefit and help us reach our own states of calm and peace can take time and patience. Some people fall into a meditative state easily, whereas many find it difficult to let go of the day or the stressors they have in their life.

Finding a method to help you slip into that state of grace we are looking for is more intentional when we set our mind to do so. Then you can be led to practices that will be helpful to you personally. Ask and you shall receive…

WINDING DOWN

If you have ever had the opportunity to actually walk a Chartres Labyrinth, you can remember how you felt stepping into it, how your energy moved as you walked the intricate layers, and any shifts you experienced inside the labyrinth.

When I trace a miniature version, I bring that experience back into my body and spirit to increase the energy flow and that peacefulness I felt as I work my way to the center; in affect, I wind down as I wind my way through each turn. I am turning inward. Then, at the center, this is where I take a few deep breaths and INTEND my body & spirit align completely so I can slip into an even deeper state of being.

Some People Have Difficulty In Reaching That Calm Before Slipping Into a Deeper State That Can Bring Real Change Into Their Life

MEDITATIVE MIND

I created a tracing labyrinth to help myself release the issues of the day. It may also assist you in letting go in preparation for a meditative practice. I found this helpful when I first began meditating; I found ways to layer or gradually become better at reaching the desired state. Calming yourself can be easier when you can focus on a particular thing (like following the path).

This practice can be done several times in one session or several times throughout the day. You may want to test what works best for you. If you are new to meditating or have found reaching a meditative state problematic in the past, try taking three long, deep breaths prior to using this tool. If you make this a ritual before you begin any spiritual practice, it will help solidify in your mind that you are going into an altered state and will ultimately become easier for you to reach.

There is no ideal use of a tracing labyrinth other than it assist you in going deeper and helping you affect real change in your life. Enjoy.

It is our hope that you find peace in it's many forms by using one of these personal labyrinths as part of your meditation ritual.

HOW WILL THIS HELP ME?
Many use the labyrinth as a tool to aid the self or consciousness.
It can be used as a tool to “unwind the mind,” and to let go stress or worries and concerns.
There are hospitals, universities and churches that have installed labyrinths to assist people in relaxation, finding peace with a terminal illness, and to help them enter a meditative state more easily by focusing on the path.

Walking or TRACING a labyrinth can release patterned behavior, thoughts, and feelings of various sorts. As you release old patterned energy, the alignment of your body may shift or straighten into a greater spiritual alignment.

Some use the labyrinth as a kind of moving meditation. When tracing the path, you may want to visualize yourself walking it as well.

The labyrinth can be used as a metaphor for how you live your life. What can you learn about yourself as you walk it?
It can be looked on as a symbolic "hero's journey," or a journey to a place of peace inside.
The center of the labyrinth can represent your heart, your Self, or your true beingness.

You may choose to envision the center as the 'All That Is' and seek an answer to a question you meditate on during the journey.

TAKE YOUR TIME
I suggest you take a few deep breaths before beginning the path.
Then let your hand guide you slowly through the labyrinth, even if you feel you need to do it a second or third time.
If you are new to meditation, it may take you several times to get to the right place for you... just know, like anything else, practice is key and the longer you intend and actually perform a task, even a meditative ritual, the easier it becomes and the better the results!