By Rev’d Deborah Bird
In recent decades the rediscovered meditative practice of labyrinth walking has been building in popularity across the world.
Historically found in many ancient cultures it is believed to have been adopted into the Christian tradition around the fourth century. By the middle ages labyrinths were installed into cathedrals across europe, often along pilgrimage routes and sometimes seen as a ‘pilgrimage in-place’ in times when a pilgrimage to another place, such as the Holy Land, was difficult to make.
Much like our lives, whose twists and turns leave us metaphorically lost and disorientated at times, the message of a labyrinth is that although the world around us (and in us) will change in difficult ways, there are traditions, paths and practices that will hold us throughout.
The practice of walking gently, meditatively and intentionally is celebrated every year on the first Saturday in May when thousands of people around the globe participate in World Labyrinth Day.
As a moving meditation for world peace and celebration of the labyrinth experience, we are invited to “Walk as One at 1” local time to create a rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one time zone to the next.
Maleny Anglican will be hosting a 7 circuit Chartres-style ‘Walk As One’ experience on Saturday May 4 between 1-2pm at 2 Walkers Drive. Everyone is welcome!
For more information please visit MalenyAnglican.com.au or WorldLabyrinthDay.org
