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The Providence Labyrinth
Step into Serenity
Come
experience a centuries old spiritual tradition. Walking a labyrinth is a
sure way to tranquility, harmony, and peace of mind. If you follow the
path, you cannot get lost – there is only one way in to the centre and one
way out – there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. Walking a labyrinth
quiets the busy mind and inspires creative thinking. The winding path can
become a metaphor, a mirror for one’s life. If one walks with an open
mind and an open heart, the labyrinth can reveal joy, sorrows, insights,
peace and healing. Labyrinth walking is for all people and all faith
traditions; it is a way to come together in love, solidarity and
understanding.
The Providence
Labyrinth
A Three-fold Path
1. Moving Inward –
Releasing
A time to cast off,
discard, divest, unwrap, forget, release, let go, empty.
·
A time
to shed thoughts and emotions and quiet the mind. Some may wish to use a
sacred word, mantra or special image to enter the silence.
·
Although
one may enter the walk with a particular question or intention, the
journey towards the center may be a time to set aside all the things we
think we want and need, and open ourselves to find what God wants.
·
Seek to
become a child before God, empty, open, expectant.
·
Reject
any anxious desires or expectations about what “should” happen in the
labyrinth. Simply walk in prayer, reflection, silence, allowing the
walking itself to quiet and deepen your attentiveness.
2. Centering –
Receiving
A place of meditation
and prayer; a time to hear and receive what is there for you.
·
Take
time to listen to an inner voice or to silence or to mystery.
·
Stay in
the center as long as you like, until you are satisfied. Consider the
possibility of new images, insights, understandings, the miraculous, the
transformative Spirit entering your life in a new way.
·
Contemplate the blessing of the hidden nature of God who cannot be fully
known, cannot be manipulated, cannot be made into an idol, pinned down,
contained or tamed, yet is very simply, Love.
·
Enjoy
the silence, stillness, waiting, and the simplicity of seemingly nothing
happening.
3. Moving Outward -
Returning
Sensing oneness with
God and becoming empowered into action, given new direction, satisfaction,
comfort and new energy.
·
The
return journey empowers you to find and do the work you feel your soul
reaching for. Oftentimes, there is a lighter step, a deep peace or joy, a
sense of simpler and more focused life.
·
Rest in
the knowledge of God’s unconditional love. Move away from anxiety toward
peace and deeper faith and love
Guidelines for the Walk
Many find it helpful to sit for a few minutes, clear the mind and become
aware of the breath. Allow a little transition time from the outside
world to the inner world. It may be helpful to journal or take a mental
“snapshot” of your life, noting concerns, questions, etc. Is there a
specific question or focus for this walk? When you walk, allow yourself
to find your own pace. Since the path runs both into and out from the
center, you may meet those going in and coming out. You may “pass” others
or let them step around you. Do whatever feels natural. Be mindful of
your own path. If you are following another walker into the labyrinth,
please allow about a minute before you enter the path. Remember, there is
no right or wrong way to walk.
Labyrinth Hours
You are welcome to
walk the Providence Labyrinth during regular Centre hours – 8am to 8pm.
Please check in with the receptionist prior to beginning your walk. You
will be given a guest tag and a map so that you can find the labyrinth.
At the end of your walk, please return your tag.
About the Providence Labyrinth
Our Building Crew - June 24, 2006
The Providence Labyrinth designed by Lynnell Prediger in
honour of the Sisters of Providence, who created Providence Renewal Centre
in 1983 to serve the spiritual needs of the people of the area. The
centre of the labyrinth is p-shaped, designed around the logo of the
Sisters of Providence. There is a stone in the very centre of the
centre with this logo and the motto of the Sisters - "Providence of God...
Thank You for All". The labyrinth was built with help from many
faithful supporters, volunteers from the Edmonton Institution for Women,
and PRC staff.
For more information on the
Providence Labyrinth or any of our programs and retreats,
contact Debbie Doornbos, Program Director, at (780) 701-1853
or by email at ddoornbos@providencerenewal.ca. |
