First Congregational Church of Bellingham

Labyrinth

A Labyrinth Is . . .

“The labyrinth is an archetype, a divine imprint, found in all religious traditions in various forms around the world.”

The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool, a walking meditation, a path of prayer.

Walking the labyrinth can reduce stress, quiet the mind, open the heart, and bring one closer to God.

People come to the labyrinth to heal, to be enriched in the spiritual life, seeking peace, seeking insight.

The labyrinth can be a transformational tool, opening us to change in our spirit, in our minds, in our bodies.
 

  

The labyrinth is an open-eyed meditation.

The labyrinth can be a place to take those things we need to work through in our lives.

  • It can bring order to chaos.

  • The rhythm of turning right and turning left can bring peace.

  • What happens on the labyrinth can be a metaphor for life.
     

 

  
The Labyrinth at FCCB
There are many styles of labyrinths. The labyrinth at FCCB is a modified 7-circuit labyrinth, using principles of sacred geometry. The design is based on the medieval, 11-circuit labyrinth found at Chartres Cathedral in France. The Chartres labyrinth is believed to date from about 1220.
 

Our labyrinth was painted at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, on a 24 foot diameter canvas. This is smaller than the 36 foot, 11-circuit labyrinth so that it might fit into our chapel, as well as our social hall and narthex.
 

 Up to 20 people can walk the labyrinth at one time. Some people lengthen their walk by walking the “lunations,” the design on the outside edge of the painted labyrinth, before or after walking the labyrinth.

To find more information on labyrinths check the Grace Cathedral web site.
 

 

  

Walking the Labyrinth
The labyrinth has only one path. This path winds through the design of the labyrinth, bringing the walker to the rosette in the center. After a time of refection in the center, the walker follows the same path out again.

Guidelines for Walking
Quiet your mind and become aware of your breath. Allow your body to find it’s own pace. The path is two ways, those going in will meet those coming out. You may “pass” people or let them step around you, this is easiest at turns. Do what feels natural. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to walk the labyrinth. Please remove your shoes and leave beverages behind.
 

 Three Stages of the Walk

Releasing: As you walk into the labyrinth, let go of the details of your life, shedding distractions.

Receiving: As you reach the center, open your heart and mind to receive what is there for you to receive, stay as long as seems right for you.

Returning: As you leave the center, following the same path out, you join with God, your Higher Power, or the healing forces at work in the world. With each walk you may become more empowered to do the work you feel your soul reaching to do.

Everything that happens on the labyrinth is a metaphor for life.
 
Certified Labyrinth Facilitators:
Sharry Nyberg
Brenda Nicholson
Bobbi Virta 		 


 
Facilitated Walks
(open to the community)
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

1st Thursday of each month.

Themes for upcoming labyrinth walks:

Thursday, March 4 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. -an open labyrinth walk.  Our theme is “World Day of Peace.”