A what?
A Labyrinth! Since the third century, Christians have walked these maze-like paths as a form of contemplative meditation. According to the world-wide labyrinth locator, there are 15 permanent labyrinths in Baltimore City. The closest to Epworth is on Pot Spring Road at St. Francis Episcopal Church. There is also a large labyrinth at Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville.
So what’s the point of walking?
From theosophical.org “In the Middle Ages, walking a cathedral labyrinth was a substitute for going on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Not everyone could make the long and arduous journey to the Holy Land, so walking a labyrinth in a church was a devotional activity. Today meandering labyrinths are often used as walking meditations, to focus the mind and put the walker in tune with the greater reality metaphorically represented by the labyrinth.”
And what do you do while walking?
From unspokenelements.com
• Stepping into the labyrinth move towards the center while clearing your mind, opening your heart, and bringing your focus to God's presence. Let go of Earthly attachments here and contemplate your prayers or questions with God while you meander through the path.
• Upon reaching the center of the labyrinth, you come to a place of peace within, reflect in these moments on your relationship with God and the insight you have just received.
• When the time arises to return, walk with Jesus out of the path and into the present with a renewed sense of self and purpose to share with the world.
Here’s a way to go way deeper: think about planning a labyrinth at Epworth! Seriously. Would it be painted on the pavement? A moveable printed labyrinth? A permanent brickwork labyrinth or one made from stones set in the grass? Look online at options. Talk to the pastor and trustees.
