subject: Walking A Labyrinth For Self Improvement [print this page] Labyrinthine designs and spiraling shapes can be a great way to help and improve oneself. Well, the labyrinth can be a way to center oneself, to find a certain sense of balance. Of course, the maze is a different thing. With a maze, you need to make certain decisions. The labyrinth was originally built by many cultures in ancient times as part of the peoples' spiritual traditions.
One example of a great labyrinth is the Chartres labyrinth. If you can see it, you may be motivated to experience its power to facilitate prayer, meditation and the attainment and the cultivation of your sense of spiritual balance. Inner peace and balance are just two of the benefits that come as a result of the labyrinth.
It is a good practice before a walking a labyrinth to establish your purpose. Establishing the intention of a person can enhance one's motivation and dedication to the practice. In this way also, your body can be programmed, in a manner of speaking, to achieve the intention and the purpose established beforehand. There is many a person who experienced a profound sense of gratitude after walking a labyrinth.
Remember too that you have to walk at you own natural pace. Try to listen to your body, soul, heart and mind. At each step, have a sense of self, an identity. One reason for this is that turning movements can cause a certain balance between the two hemispheres of your cerebral cortex. Being more aware of yourself therefore can help you be more focused on establishing that balance. Those who have experienced labyrinth walking feel that the labyrinth is a symbol for the inner journey of our souls. It is a representation of the spiritual quest we all need to undertake.
Left and right movements time and time again create a recurring pattern that can be refreshing and conducive to reflection. You can think of it as a way of reminding that life is full of choices and crossroads taking you to so many opposing and apparently similar paths. It is gentle way of telling yourself that you can find so many paths in life, and that you may need the courage to walk these paths even though you may feel confused, scared and tired.
Some people practice labyrinth "walking" on their knees; (then, technically it should be called labyrinth kneeling). In whatever way you choose to practice labyrinth walking, always try to get a lesson, a sense of achievement after every walk. Establishing reinforcement is vital so that benefits can be long lasting.
