WACC Adds Labyrinth

Washington Avenue Christian Church has added a new path to spiritual enlightenment in Fellowship Hall. This ancient, Christian Medieval design is a sacred ritual tool called a labyrinth. It is a walking meditation that transcends the limits of still meditation. It is active, not passive. Our labyrinth is a pattern printed on a 21-foot diameter polyester fabric. It is similar in pattern to the labyrinth in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France. The WACC labyrinth is a Vision Quest with 8 circuits. The path to the center is 329 feet long, as is the return journey.

Labyrinths are found in almost every religious tradition around the world, having been known to the human race for 4,000 years. There are many different labyrinth configurations, all with a single path leading into a center, with the same path leading back out. Walking the labyrinth has emerged as a metaphor for the spiritual journey and a powerful tool for transformation. Walking the path quiets the mind and opens the soul, leaving a feeling of wholeness and tranquility. Many walkers experience a tremendous sense of peace and possibility. The walk towards the center has the ability to let the walker release stress, tension, problems, and begin to calm within.

When in the center of the labyrinth, the walker may spend as long as needed to pray, reflect, seek the divine, center the soul, or rest after releasing cares. When ready to begin the reverse walk out from the center of the labyrinth, many begin to feel a difference within themselves. Each walker sets their own pace and can expect varied reactions.

The experience of walking the labyrinth is unique to each person. Some feel it gives comfort to the aching heart and solace to the weary soul. It goes beyond the bounds of comfort that another human can give. A walk can fill the needed core feeling of connection to the Divine that gives our lives meaning. Hopefully, a walk will inspire a renewal and higher level of human awareness.

After experiencing many helpful, hopeful, healing, calming, and quieting labyrinth walks, Marty & Megan Rowe wanted to share this spiritual tool with WACC members and the community. They have purchased and donated our labyrinth in memory of their son, Andrew Lawrence Rowe. To walk the labyrinth, please contact the church office.