A bit slack today – installed new church PA system and laid down a labyrinth in the church forecourt.
What is a labyrinth? For many it conjures images of the Minotaur of ancient Crete – half man and half bull, consuming young Greek captives left to wander in a maze of dark undergoround tunnels. While the most ancient of labyrinths can be traced to Crete, they are much more benign than that. A labyrinth comprises a simple path winding around itself to a centre – no dead ends, no nasty surprises. For many in the Christian tradition, it is symbolic of prayer – a pathway inwards, laying down cares and concerns; a meeting in communion with God at the centre; and, in retracing the pathway outwards, resolve and application. Its presence and design lends itself to silent contemplation – the prayer of no words. Simply to walk the pathway is to encounter the stillness where we can listen and hear what is needed.
The labyrinth pictured is open, accessible, and kind of temporary/permanent. It’s only masking tape on pavers, but easily patchable. It’s my poor attempt to put into practice what I learned at a Robert Ferre workshop the other day. We already have a canvas labyrinth available for the use of schools and other community organisations. If you’re passing by, stop off for 20 minutes and give it a try.
