Seasonal Transitions
For many, September feels like the beginning of a new year. Summer has come to an abundant end, and the turn of seasons invites us to consider what's coming next. I know I am seeking discernment for what's next in my own life: Where do I want to focus my energy and attention? What new challenges do I want to embrace or pass by? Is there something Divine Love is inviting me to consider?Â
It can be hard at times to get out of our usual way of thinking about what is expected of us - by those in our communities and by our own selves. How do we attune to the wisdom of the Spirit that dwells within us? How do we position ourselves to hear the still small voice in a life (over)full of noisy activity? One way I've learned to embrace in my own life is to take time out to experience spiritual practices that offer my mind/soul the space to pay closer attention to my own spirit and the Spirit who dwells in me. If I don't listen/pay attention, I won't hear.
Whoever has ears, let them hear. Matthew 11:15
Invitation: Labyrinth Walk & (optional) Communal Reflection
I am planning to visit the Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth in King's Park, Winnipeg to host/hold space for the contemplative practice of walking the labyrinth as a way of seeking discernment. Anyone is welcome to join me, indeed I warmly invite you to come along!
If you are interested in joining me you can let me know by email (ferventfolk@gmail.com) Â
Know this: while I'm excited to facilitate this experience for others, it feels vulnerable and unsettling to do so. I'm not a long-term, practiced event host. I simply want others to experience the joys of contemplative encounters in ways they may not have experienced before. And I love to hear about your spiritual encounters and experiences.
I would love to hear your comments, questions, past experiences of labyrinths, and reflections either in private messages or, if you're willing, in open dialogue in the comments. It's always wonderful to engage in community about the ways we encounter the spiritual movements in our lives: it broadens our perspective on the breadth of the Creator.
An informative sign at the Carol Shields Labyrinth
How a Labyrinth Differs from a Maze
A Labyrinth's key defining feature is it's single path that leads into the center, and then out again. There are no dead-ends, no wrong turns . Although the path may lead you in a circuitous route there is always the assurance that if you keep following the path, it will lead you to the center. Labyrinth design is characterized by its winding and meandering nature, often symbolizing a journey of self-reflection and meditation.
A Maze, on the other hand, is designed to confuse and perplex you, there are multiple paths to follow and dead-ends to confound you. The goal of a maze is to find the correct path that leads to the exit. It is a test of problem-solving skills. Sometimes maze walls are higher than your eyes can see (think hedges, corn stalks, ice/snow), cutting off your ability to visually discern which way to go. Mazes are all about the thrill of the challenge.
The purpose of the labyrinth is to prompt thoughtful self-examination and reflection about the sometimes confusing path of life we all journey. The process of walking the labyrinth can invite contemplation on where we are on our path in life, where we sense we are being led, and how we feel about it. The spiritual practice of labyrinth walking can be a way to gain new perspective and discernment on where we're headed in our life, and what our spirit, mind, and heart want to tell us that we often don't hear in the regular day-to-day busyness of life.
The Labyrinth: a Sensory Experience
Walking the path with your whole Self, observe the path and it's environment, your inner self and your body. What do you notice, what do you see, hear, feel as you walk? Try not to judge or explain what you encounter as you walk, simply notice with curiosity and an openness to hear the still small voice in a way you may not expect.
What do you notice physically - what (and where) do you feel in your body as you walk the path? How does the weather feel on your skin/hair? Do you hear birds, wind, talking, traffic? Are you tired, energized? Maybe your legs hurt or your head feels foggy.
What do you notice emotionally - identify and label/name any emotions you feel. No emotion is 'bad', they all have something to communicate to us. Perhaps this experience is uncomfortable, or intriguing. Use Emotion words to describe what you're encountering within yourself.
What do you notice mentally - where are your thoughts coming/going? Does this experience trigger memories, insight? Last time i walked this particular labyrinth I noticed the weeds along the path, triggering thoughts on the 'weeds' in my own life that distract me from the process of walking forward and enjoying the process.
What do you notice spiritually - where is God/Divine Love as you traverse the path? Is Beloved saying something to you? Does Wonderful Counselor invite your attention somewhere specific? Where? How do you imagine Creator is feeling as you walk the path seeking discernment? How does Almighty Presence feel about you?
Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth located in King's Park, Winnipeg, Manitoba. June 2023
How to Prepare
This practice is intended to be an intentional time of reflection and contemplation, joy, curiosity, discovery, and consolation. Not everyone will have the same experience, so participants are encouraged to be mindful and respectful of the breadth of emotions and responses that may develop - within themselves and one another.
After all participants have had an opportunity to walk the labyrinth there will be a time to share our experiences, responses and reflections with one another. It's wonderful to learn how this practice can engage people so differently. I will facilitate the reflection time, holding a safe space where participants are encouraged to listen attentively without offering comments, judgement, or advice on the sharing of others. It is possible that some experiences may be too intimate or unsettling to share in a group. That's ok too. Treasure your encounter in your heart - be curious about what your inner wisdom wants to communicate to you through it. If the experience is somehow unsettling, or you would like to examine it more closely with someone else's perspective, find a trusted friend - or Spiritual Director who is trained in holy listening - who will refrain from judgement or advice, but rather will offer a listening mirror for you. Sometimes the very process of speaking your story out loud without interruption or the risk of judgement helps to clarify what Spirit is drawing your attention to.
You don't need to bring anything to participate, however, you may benefit from a journal + pen to write down anything that you don't want to forget, so you can revisit the insights later. Please wear weather appropriate clothing/shoes. Consider turning off your phone as you enter the park area to contribute to a distraction-less environment for everyone to experience.
Labyrinth Host - Jocelyn R Plett, Spiritual Director/Soul Friend.
Jocelyn was trained in the Ignatian way of Spiritual Direction, with the foundational understanding that the Spirit of God resides within us and desires to communicate with us, leading us into all truth. Many of us have ears, but do not take time to hear - we have lives full of noisy activities, jobs, kids, service, and so much more. We often do not allow ourselves the space to listen to that quiet Voice who speaks in real time.
Jocelyn's passion is to hold space for others, being with them in silence, accompanying them as they listen, learn and experience new - and old - ways of encountering Divine Presence so that Love's own Self, together with our own spirits that hold often unacknowledged wisdom and intuition, can direct, encourage, counsel, comfort, and invite them deeper into abundant life.
Did i mention i love dialogue? If you have questions, concerns, fears, insight - please do not hesitate to reach out via email (ferventfolk at gmail), phone text/call 204.612.0540, or social media comment/message.
No question/comment is dumb, and it is always a gift to know you have engaged with this content.
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