Labyrinth Retreat

The Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America created a grant for rostered leaders to address their spiritual, mental and physical well-being in this time of sustained crisis.  And my application was granted!  

Walking labyrinths is a spiritual discipline that speaks to, and energizes, my body and soul.  I wanted to go away on a retreat, one centered around labyrinths; however, there was no “safe” place available to do it.  So, I decided to create my own personal retreat, based out of my apartment, with the help of a wonderfully wise labyrinth facilitator and a dear friend cooking all my meals.

The plan was kicked off with a virtual workshop called “Walking the Seasons of the Pandemic”.  That happened this past Friday and Saturday.  Along with the included guided finger labyrinth meditation which was indeed inspirational! 

During the virtual workshop, we created a “map” of sorts of the seasons of the pandemic that we have weathered so far and talked about how we would like to see ourselves as we emerge from this current time.  I created my “map” based on an emotive wheel, outlined with “bleeding hearts” to represent all the joys I have had to forsake so far, and all the joys I have experienced.

There is so much I wish I could share about this workshop:  the “Spirit of Reiki” music, the history of the labyrinth, and the symbolism of it all.  I’d encourage you to walk a labyrinth, or at least try tracing along a finger labyrinth like the one pictured below.  Catch the excitement!  Get energized!  And feel the peace!  

During this next week I plan to share here various labyrinths I will walk - 12 total - and reactions to them.  Check back and see some of these wonderful spots just miles from Indianapolis.