Walk the Labyrinth

Walk the labyrinth.. first Sunday of the month, 7-9 PM. Click for more... Prayerfully walking the labyrinth can be a spiritual tool to quiet the mind, open the heart and bring new clarity.



Experience A Labyrinth Walk

    All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other and follow the meandering path, and you will reach the center and comeback out again. If you should cross a line, the worst that can happen is that you will end up back where you started.
    Prayerfully walking the labyrinth can be a helpful spiritual tool to quiet the mind, open the heart and bring new clarity, Take a moment to calm and center yourself. When you feel ready, enter the labyrinth, find your own pace and follow the path.
    There is no “right” or wrong way to walk the labyrinth, there is simply your way. One may listen to one’s breathing, or repeat a prayer or mantra. One may enter the labyrinth without expectation, or with a specific prayer or question or purpose in mind.
    However one chooses to walk the labyrinth, it is sometimes helpful to imagine it more as a journey than a destination.
    If you meet someone coming the other way, simply turn slightly and allow each other to pass.
    If you wish to stop for awhile, you may stand on one of the labyrs, the darker areas where the turns meet.
    After reaching the center, and perhaps lingering there for awhile, when you’re ready, simply retrace your steps.    We do ask that everyone kindly remove their shoes unless needed for support. Relax and enjoy your walk!

Welcome
to the
LABYRINTH
of the
2nd Congregational Church
43 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, MA

The Santa Rosa Pattern

Walk with us:
1st Sunday
of each month
7 – 9 PM

SOME QUESTIONS:

Q: What is a Labyrinth?
A:   A labyrinth is a geometric pattern that has a well‑defined pathway that winds its way to the center and back out again, Unlike a maze, there are no tricks in the pattern, no wrong turns, no dead ends. It is not designed to confuse or bewilder.
    The labyrinth is an archetype, an original design, found in many religious traditions in various forms around the world.     By walking a labyrinth you are rediscovering a long-forgotten tradition of prayer meditation that is being reborn in today’s world.

What is the history of the labyrinth?
The word labyrinth refers to the maze‑like patterns on the floor of some medieval churches, such as Chartres Cathedral in France.
These labyrinths may have been intended to symbolize the Christian pilgrim’s walk with God. They may also have been used as a focus for meditation and prayer.
Today, in our fast-paced technological society, we often have difficulty finding time for prayer and meditation.
That is why there is currently a resurgence of interest and a rediscovery of the benefits of walking a labyrinth.

Q: What is the history of our labyrinth?

A. Here, at the Second Congregational Church, under the direction of our Church Growth Committee, in an effort to expand and deepen the spiritual experience of those interested in meditative walking, we have acquired a 22’ canvass “Santa Rosa” labyrinth.
    Our canvass arrived with only the outline of the pattern. Over several months, in the spring and summer of 2009, many members and friends took the opportunity to scribe special thoughts and prayers into the lines marking the pathways. The lines were then painted by a small group of steady hands. Dedicated on October 4, 2009 in loving memory of Tom and Claffy Williams, we have begun a ministry of walking the labyrinth on a monthly basis.

Q: Why Walk a Labyrinth?

A: Labyrinths are tools that have been used by many cultures throughout history. Their function is to further those who walk the path to a more balanced spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical well being.
More and more, people are being drawn to the power and magnetism of labyrinths. They have become a sought-after healing tool for today’s hectic times. While no clinical studies have been done (yet) to prove exactly how they unravel stress, some frequent labyrinth users call the experience a meditation. Concentrating only on the course before you, your pace slows, your breathing deepens, and your mind becomes clearer as you let go . . .

Q: Why is walking the labyrinth considered a spiritual exercise?

A: The Spirit dwells within us. One can walk with Spirit along the path. Walking the labyrinth is a wonderful way to pray, as it helps to unclutter the inner “noise” in order to “hear” God’s “still, small voice.”
While walking the labyrinth, one may want to reflect on where they are in their lives; quiet their minds—letting go of some of the worries of work and home; focus on a question that they have been asking themselves; read scripture; or simply pray.
Insights may occur as you walk or when you reach the center. At the center stand, sit, lay down - do whatever feels right to you. Take the time to remain quiet and open to whatever is there for you to discover.

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