Labyrinth
This labyrinth was created in 2015 by a former memer who grew up in the church. Nestled under the trees it is for anyone to be still with God. It is a physical metaphor for one's walk with Christ which invites a person to journey to the depths of their soul to listen, to meditate and be refreshed.
As the song goes, I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses….
Kiki Corry wrote: "Isn’t that the essence of finding peace and comfort with our Lord? Don’t we all have a mental image of that place. Maybe a grandparents’ garden. Maybe the tended geometric landscaping of a formal palace. Perhaps a grove of olive trees. For me it is a respite, an outdoor sanctuary; protected from the noise of the world, filled with nature’s beauty. A place with a winding path that I can follow as meditation."
Restore Austin with Memorial United Methodist Church’s labyrinth is not a traditional church labyrinth, it was built so that a person could follow a continuous spiral to the center and out on the other side. Here are some mindful considerations for your time in the labyrinth:
1. Entering Intention: Decide if you have a particular focus for your journey then take a deep breath with your first step.The granite gravel path has been packed down with larger stones to guide you.
2. Pace Yourself: Feel free to move as slow or quick as you want. Take deep breaths as you mindfully take each step.
3. Embrace any Obstacles: Just as in life you may face an obstacle, a tree limb, a weed, a flower.
4. Centering at the Center: Stop when you arrive in the center. Say a prayer, journal, sing a song, sit, stand, raise your arms or bow your head. Do what feels right for you.
5. Returning: As you leave the center, go forward with intention just like your entered.
6. Exit Intention: Take moment to give thanks for the journey and then one more breath before you step out.
This labyrinth is one of many tools to exploring a deeper connection with God. Thanks be to God. If you would like more resources about prayer or the labyrinth please contact Pastor Robyn, robyn@restoreaustin.org
