Transformation Spirituality Center - Reconciliation Labyrinth

View a
printable pamphlet
of the Labyrinth (202 KB)

Marking the boundaries of the labyrinth.

Painting the path the mower will carve into the field.

Why Walk a Labyrinth
People walk a labyrinth for many reasons. A labyrinth is a metaphor for life. It can be a tool for calming, healing, community building, inner and outer peace, problem solving, stress reduction, reconciliation and spiritual growth.

A Unique Contemporary Design
Plan The new labyrinth at Transformations Spirituality Center is a unique contemporary design called the "Reconciliation Labyrinth." It was designed by Clare Wilson of South Africa as a tool for-and symbol of-healing. As such, you may find this labyrinth to be a particularly helpful experience for resolving differences or celebrating a resolution of differences.

You may use the labyrinth during daylight hours (groups please call in advance). It can be accessed from the second driveway into the Nazareth property off Nazareth Road.

Living Choices
Just as in life, the labyrinth presents choices. You can choose to enter the path that starts you out on the right or the left of the circle. You can stay on one side of the labyrinth and retrace your own steps or you can choose to cross over to the other side and walk "in another person's shoes." You can pause and enter the center, then choose which exit to take: the one you entered, the entrance for the opposite side, or the center common exit. You can walk alone or with a group.

The Reconciliation Labyrinth is about unity and differences. It is about seeking understanding and forgiveness. It is about the world in which we live: we are alone and unique, but it is in relationship and unity with others where we become truly human.

Click the labyrinth to see a PowerPoint display of the path you can take. (250 KB)

Don't have PowerPoint? Download a free viewer here.

Walking the Labyrinth
(estimated time: 10-15 minutes)

There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth but here are some suggestions for you to consider to get you started.

CLEAR - Before you begin, stand near the entrance and clear your mind of the day's intrusions and become present to the experience before you. Some people do this by taking a few deep breaths in and out. However you do this, it is best to leave your worries and concerns behind and come to the labyrinth with a quiet, unhurried state of mind, if you can.

CHOOSE - There are three marked paths at the entrance. Choose either the path to the right or the path to the left.

FOCUS - As you enter the labyrinth, you may wish to pause and express thanksgiving and define your intention for this walk. It may be to:

seek God's wisdom
be still with Nature
celebrate an achievement or milestone in your life
focus on forgiveness of yourself or another
seek comfort from grief or clarity for a decision.

WALK - Allow your body to set the pace, which may change as you proceed. If your pace is faster than those in front of you, you may pass. Others may pass you as well. You may wish to bring your awareness to your breathing or sensations in your body as you walk. As your awareness focuses inward this will all come quite naturally. You can walk the labyrinth more than once if you have the time.

SHARE - Usually, others will also be walking the labyrinth, some in the same direction as you, some in the opposite direction. You may choose to acknowledge or nod at the other person or to direct your gaze elsewhere.

PAUSE - You may wish to pause at the center to reflect on your experience or to refine your intention. You may meet the person you came with at the center.

EXIT - The path you choose to exit can be part of the symbolism of your unique labyrinth experience. Choose whichever seems right to you.

What Clare Wilson says about the Reconciliation Labyrinth She Created
"Sometimes the path allows us to travel alongside each other, sometimes it takes us away and sometimes towards each other but, if we keep walking, when we are at the furthest point from our divided entrance we find we are in the same path as each other. We then pass each other and walk the path that 'the other' has walked, gaining understanding along the way of how we were shaped to be where we are now. Eventually we reach our 'heartspace' where we need to make a decision whether we want to walk into the centre together, a centre which belongs to us all. When it is time to leave we find that there is a third path, a new path, by which we can exit. Incorporated 'through the body,' together and on our feet, walking into the future, still a place of 'not-knowing' but nevertheless on a journey to a place of hope."
- Clare Wilson, creator of the Reconciliation Labyrinth

A Labyrinth Prayer
I CALL UPON YOU, FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT
As I enter this sacred space today,
          I carry reminders that you have created all things,
          and that you are present with me always.
I pray that I may walk the path, where you want me
          to be in my spiritual pilgrimage,
May my vision expand to what is possible,
          may my soul be stretched.
Help me to see clearly, to listen,
          to take courageous risks,
To claim and embrace your gifts every step
          on my way.
Help me to know my life is a sacred journey
          of transformation: of change, of growth,
          in discovery, with movement and hope.
From here may I go forward in your peace,
          with stories that are signs of healing,
          walking in beauty, wisdom, dignity and love.
AMEN

The labyrinth was plotted out on a beautiful site surrounded by trees and a natural stone fence and then mowed into the prairie grass.

Part of the Labyrinth crew is shown: Michele Gossman, Allen Buhl, Gertrude Maurer, SSJ, Jane Vernon and Elizabeth Tompkins.