The permanent outdoor Labyrinth is open to all who would like to take a few moments to slow down and walk this meditative path. It is located outside of Holt Chapel.

A labyrinth is a spiritual tool, often called a path of prayer, which is used for walking meditation or prayer. People of all spiritual backgrounds have used the labyrinth for thousands of years. This self-alignment tool clears the mind, gives insight, and brings peace.

There is no right way to use the labyrinth. We invite you to walk the labyrinth in whatever way is helpful for you. We offer two basic options. The first is a religious prayer. The second is a walking meditation that does not need to be religious. You may also dedicate your prayer or meditation to social justice, in memory of a lost loved one, or to any current issue or situation where you seek wisdom, healing, or renewed purpose.

Walking Prayer

Prayer: Start by saying, “quiet the mind, open the heart.” As you come to the entrance of the path, set a prayer or intention for the spiritual walk you are about to take. Release what you brought with you and “let go” on your walk toward the center, becoming present in your body and quieting the thoughts and worries in your mind. When you reach the center, “let in” God’s guidance and contemplate your intention. When ready, on your walk out, “let out” and feel empowered to come back out to your life spiritually filled. Adapted from Sacredwalk.

Walking Meditation

Pause to set a prayer or intention at the entrance of the path. Quiet your mind. While walking, take your time, and feel your feet root into the ground, focusing on the sensation of each toe pressing on the floor. Find movement, rhythm, stillness, and peace as you journey slowly to the center. The labyrinth is designed for you to find your way. Let it be your spiritual guide to the center. Let it guide you to your truth.

Walking the Labyrinth

Multiple persons can walk the labyrinth together. When your paths cross, you can quietly step aside and let them pass. We offer these gentle suggestions for walking the labyrinth, but please walk the path in whatever way is most helpful for you today. You are welcome to carry a stone into the labyrinth or to write a name or message to place and offer in the center.

Before entering…set an intention for your walk. This can be a change you desire in yourself or in our world, or you may want to dedicate your walk to a person or purpose. We invite you to think of names, prayers, questions, and the pains of the current moment.

While walking towards the center…simply follow the path ahead of you, with steady and unrushed steps, focusing on the present experience of your feet and body walking. This walking is enough, but you may also connect your steps to a prayer, to your intention, or to remembering lives lost, even saying or listening to the names.

When you reach the center…take a moment to breathe. For some, this is a place to engage with the divine, to feel your connection to the universe, or to return to your own center. This can be a space apart from the outside world, a place to rest, or a journey deeper into the current moment. As you breathe, create a new intention. What new hope or purpose or action will you carry with you when you return to the world?

While leaving the labyrinth…gently return your focus to the steps of your walking. Carry your new intention with you.