FSA WOODFIELD eCO-MEDITATION GARDEN
Labyrinth Information
LABYRINTH INFORMATION
ABOUT LABYRINTHS
A labyrinth is not a maze and not a puzzle to be solved. It is a spiraling, spiritual path which, when walked, represents a journey to our own center and then back again, out into the world. Many different forms of Labyrinths, used as meditation and prayer tools, have existed for over 5000 years.
Early in the 13th century, a beautiful mandala-like version of this ancient pattern was laid in the stone floor of the great Cathedral of Chartres, France. Pilgrims came from all over the western world to tread the eleven circuit Chartres Labyrinth as a substitute pilgrimage to Jerusalem. People walked it for both physical healing and for re-birth into a spirit-filled life.
THE SANTA ROSA LABYRINTH ©
Based in the traditions of sacred geometry, this is a seven-path, 24’ in diameter labyrinth, which Lea Goode-Harris, PhD creatively developed in Santa Rosa, California. Her design combines the classical labyrinth’s seven circuits with the quarter and half turns of medieval labyrinths.
Three key elements of the Santa Rosa Labyrinth
-
The Sacred Geometry of medieval labyrinths uses the golden mean: or phi = 1.618. The golden mean underlies the labyrinth’s proportions, thereby creating balance, symmetry, and harmony.
-
Labrys means “double headed ax” and is the name given to the lines intersecting the concentric circles, creating a turning point.
-
The heart-space is an empty space in the fourth circuit, directly in front of the entry point, which Lea Goode-Harris created instinctively. An offering or meditation focus object could be placed, viewable from all four directions. If you use this heart space, please be sure to retrieve your object, after walking the labyrinth.ou wish, you may use an audio mindfulness meditation which is timed to complete the labyrinth at a slow walking pace.
We acknowledge, with gratitude, permission to use this design by Lea Goode-Harris and Labyrinth Architects,
HOW TO USE THIS LABYRINTH
Centre yourself with several deep, slow breaths. As you walk the labyrinth, find your own pace. You may wish to experience the path alone or share the experience with others. If watching others, try to be a supportive witness.
Walking the labyrinth is an opportunity to:
-
Release the past and mindfully come into the present moment -- opening the heart and quieting the mind.
-
Receive: In Lea Goode-Harris’s words, “the labyrinth is a place to find stillness, and a space to listen to your innermost thoughts.” Pause when you reach the center, and be with your inner process.
-
Return: The Labyrinth can be a place of connecting with God (Father and Mother), your Higher Power, or healing. Bring your inspiration, solution, calm, new purpose back with you.
Listen to this mp3 audio file of a 10 minute walking mindfulness meditation.
You may prefer to read the pdf text. Thanks to Dr. Elspeth Evans, Psychologist who created this meditation specifically for the FSA Santa Rosa labyrinth.
We acknowledge, with gratitude, permission to use this design by Lea Goode-Harris and Labyrinth Architects (www.labyrintharchitects.com)