The Magic of Labyrinths: Following Your Path, Finding Your Center - Liz Simpson

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      The Magic of

      LABYRINTHS

      Liz Simpson

      Following your Path, Finding your Center

       ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

      As a wise woman once remarked to me, the labyrinth is not about “me,” it’s about “us.” The same is true of books. I could not have written this one without the generosity of spirit I received from so many inspiring individuals. Their support and the openness with which they shared their personal stories and wisdom have helped make the writing of this book an especially joyous experience for me. I would therefore like to extend my special thanks to:

      

      Kim Anderson

      Neil Anderson

      Jim Buchanan

      Dr. Alex Champion

      Joan Champion

      Kathy Doore

      Robert Ferré

      Lea Goode-Harris

      Nicholas Halpin

      Joyce Leake

      Prof. Paula Lemmon

      Sig Lonegren

      Rae Ann Kumelos Mahon

      Marge McCarthy

      Julie Mitchell

      Joseph Rafalo

      Taylor Ray

      Jeff Saward

      Dr. Lynne A. Texter

      Calvin Vanderhoof

      Dale Vanderhoof

      

      I would like to dedicate this book to my husband, Douglas Barnes. There is a saying I’m fond of: “A mind once stretched by a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions.” No one has ever stretched me as much as you, Doug, for which I am ever grateful.

       Labyrinth

       A walking meditation, a spiritual tool,a means of coming to one’s spiritual center.

      Viewed from exterior angles, a device that appears complicated and bewildering but, once experienced, is found to be a single pathway (“unicursal”) that winds inextricably towards its center and requires you simply to take the same route out.

       Maze

       delirium, delusion, disappointment.

      A network of interconnecting passages designed for trickery and deception. A complex puzzle that, without guidance, is difficult or impossible to navigate to a successful conclusion.

      Table of Contents

       Title Page

       3. Emerging from the Maze Mind

       4. The Relevance of Ritual

       5. Living Labyrinths

       6. Changing the World, One Person at a Time

       Resources

       Index

       About the Author

       Copyright

       About the Publisher

       INTRODUCTION

      Instead of searching for what you do not have, Find out what it is you have never lost.

      

      SRI NISARGADATTA MAHARAJ (1897-1981), FROM “I AM THAT”

      What is a labyrinth? How does it differ from a maze? And why are so many people across the world today embracing a symbol that is thousands of years old? It is these, and other questions, that this book aims to address – but as a guidebook, rather than a set of rigid rules that have to be followed. Because what is so exciting about labyrinths is that they lend themselves to individual interpretation. There is no single labyrinth pattern, nor is there a right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Each experience is unique and, if welcomed, can offer valuable insights about how to navigate life and address its challenges.

      

      The beauty of the labyrinth motif is that its appeal is so multi-faceted. As a metaphor for life’s journey, the labyrinth prompts us to think about the way we choose to travel that path – whether we savor each moment, secure in the belief that while life’s problems will continue to challenge us, we have the inner resources and confidence to solve them. Or whether we act like distracted onlookers – always wondering why someone else seems to have the better deal. Consciously walking the labyrinth can cause you to reflect on whether life is something that just happens to you, or is an experience that you choose to truly engage with. The labyrinth symbol can help you re-appraise your goals in life – to stop looking for a “quick fix” by latching onto this guru or that and to accept full responsibility for your own spiritual enlightenment. After embracing the labyrinth as a metaphor for journeying into our deeper, hidden, authentic selves, many have been inspired to recognize that the source of contentment and wisdom lies within. Since walking the labyrinth – consciously and with respect – has prompted others to ask themselves questions like these, then it is likely to do the same for you. The labyrinth is not just a philosophical tool but lends itself to many practical applications. Here are a few of the ways in which labyrinth symbolism can be integrated into your life:

      

      • as a form of walking meditation, particularly for people who find it hard to sit still;

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