Yesterday’s post put you in my shoes as I walked through Miami’s colorful Coconut Grove on a bright November morning.
But my meandering morning wasn’t finished yet.
There’s a Labyrinth in My Path!
I noticed a labyrinth in front of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, almost directly across from the my hotel, at the end of my walk.
Serendipity is my favorite word, for a reason: things that are meant to be are put in my path, and I have learned to exercise every ‘carpe diem’ instinct when that happens.
My clear path was to end my walk with spiritual reflection in the labyrinth. I made my way up the stairs in the golden morning light, reminding myself of the purpose of labyrinth-walking.
I made a commitment to do it seriously and slowly, intentionally, to bask in the serenity that a sacred space provides.
While there were joggers, bicyclists and walkers cruising by on the street, I was alone in the labyrinth garden. I made my way to the entrance stones, and stood, silently, before taking the first step. Walking the path slowly, mindfully, I summoned the challenges and concerns that sometimes keep me awake at night, framing them as prayer and penitence. I embraced the sadness from the faint, whispering voices of so many lost loved ones who never fully leave me.
I stood in the middle of the labyrinth, reflecting, feeling, trying to be completely open. The patterns are mesmerizing, perfect for meditation.
Breathing slowly, I reminded myself that the labyrinth experience is about getting to the center while carrying your burdens, reflecting and praying, and then purposefully letting go.
That’s what I did.
Letting go lets in the light.
I felt lighter as I slowly retraced my steps to the entrance stone. I was in a labyrinth state of mind: sometimes the most important journey is the one we take within ourselves.
I felt an overwhelming gratitude for my blessings, particularly the people in my life who are a constant source of joy.
Those moments in the labyrinth were restorative, meaningful and meant to be, which brings me to an obvious haiku.
serendipity:
carpe diem when you know
it's just meant to be
What are You Stepping Into? What are You Leaving Behind?
I read a beautiful post from another blogger today about her experience in a labyrinth: Love Through a Labyrinth. It was truly lovely, and I encourage you to read it. I really liked this excerpt near the end:
“Each time you walk the labyrinth it’s different but this specific moment will be etched in my mind. It served as a powerful reminder of meeting each part of ourselves on the journey of life. And having a moment of grace before one steps out of their path on earth. What are your stepping into? What are you leaving behind? “
Blessings are Brave, Bold and Direct
Another blog post about labyrinths touched me today, as well. I was looking for a little history – and there’s a LOT, my friends, from Greek mythology to ancient Egypt to medieval churches – and found this one.
The author said,
“Today, I am sharing that the Labyrinth has come to bless you.“
That’s exactly how I felt that golden morning in Coconut Grove, at the end of my walk, when the St. Stephen’s labyrinth invited me in.
It was an Eagle Scout Project
I learned on Google via the Coconut Grove Grapevine that the St. Stephen’s labyrinth was the result of an Eagle Scout Project in 2017 (click here). Both of our boys are Eagle Scouts and we know how much work it is to get to that final step, and how proud the parents of the young man who made this wonderful space come to life must be.
More about Labyrinths to Come
The reflection time in that sacred, peaceful space has stayed with me, three weeks later. A labyrinth experience is a walking prayer, and remains like muscle memory.
I can feel that there will be more labyrinth experiences in my future, and maybe I’ll even build one. I know where to find an Eagle Scout or two. 😊
© 2024, Glover Gardens
