PERSONAL LABYRINTH

Information and use suggestions

Labyrinths are found in many cultures as far back as 3500 BC. Unlike a maze, the labyrinth is unicursal, having a single path leading to the center with no loops, cul-de-sacs or forks. The PAXWORKS Labyrinth is a scale replica of an ancient labyrinth constructed around 1200 AD in the stone floor of Chartres Cathedral, France. Medieval Christians visited Chartres (and other cathedrals) and walked the labyrinth as an alternative to taking a hazardous pilgrimage to Jerusalem to walk in the "foot steps of Christ." Modern "pilgrims" walk the labyrinthine path as one of many tools to enhance prayer, contemplation, meditation, and/or personal growth.

There is no required way to walk a labyrinth. The beauty of the labyrinth is that you can approach the experience on your own terms. However, as a guideline, scholars have broken the ‘walk’ down into three stages.

Entering:  During this stage you walk the path toward the center, and should try to eliminate worldly concerns and quiet the mind.

Illumination: The time spent in the center. This is a time of openness and peacefulness; you experience, learn or receive what this unique moment offers. Take your time.

Union: The journey outward. You choose when to leave the center, following the same path. This is a time to consider what occurred in the center and how it may be applied in your life.  Sometimes a fourth stage is described. This stage represents your life outside the labyrinth; the world where your experience or illumination is carried into and affects your everyday life.

Canon Lauren Artress recently referred to these steps as the three 'R's ": Release, Receive and Review"

Begin by setting the environment. Find a comfortable chair, location, or position. Outdoor locations, yards, patios,  gardens are wonderful environments. Remove distractions such as jewelry, watches, bracelets, etc. Set music or background sounds. Adjust the lighting. 

Acquaint yourself with the labyrinth, pass your hands over the edges, across the center and around the outer edge; examine the detailed carvings, identify the variances in the wood grains that make this labyrinth unique.   Every labyrinth has the beauty and imperfect perfection of nature built right in!

Adapt your breathing, close your eyes and begin tracing the path from the outside with one or more fingers, following the groove toward the center. When you arrive at the center, stay a while.    Complete your experience by retracing the path from the center outward.

The PAXWORKS Personal Labyrinth is constructed of fully cured quality hardwoods with a durable satin finish. The natural materials make this labyrinth unique in all creation.   Maintain it with any high quality furniture cleaner or polish. We have added a ‘keyhole slot’ in the back for convenient hanging as a fine piece of artwork.

PAXworks - P.O. Box 502244 – Indianapolis, IN 46250-2244

phone 317 842 2997 

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