Guest Writer: Gary Kimmel
“The rhythm of the turns flowed into me as I found my pace and walked where the path would take me.” —Twylla Alexander in Labyrinth Journeys: 50 States, 51 Stories (Springhill, 2017).
chartes labyrinth
This evening we walked the labyrinth in memory of Les Hunton, a wonderful friend, a fellow singer in the bass section, and a person who always presented a positive attitude. He will be missed.
Each time I walk the labyrinth, I come away with different thoughts. Tonight, the labyrinth blessed me with the following:
The paths we follow are a mixture of short, medium, and long. Most of our busy lives are spent in short paths: going to the grocery, taking kids to school, getting over a cold. But some are much longer: taking an extended journey, dealing with a terminal illness. We can walk fast or slow, but we can’t avoid these different paths. It is our challenge to focus on the path we are on, not on the path we just left or the one coming up.
Those who are also on their journey are not always on the same path I am. They may be on a path of a different length; or if they are on the same path, ahead or behind me. Consequently, they may not appreciate where I am in my journey and vice versa. I need to guard against judging their journey based on mine.
My path is not better or worse than another’s. They will be different at a point in time, but not better or worse. All of us will walk these paths, but each of us will be affected in different ways.
Richard Rohr points out that there are two stages of life: the building of the ego and the incorporation of that ego into Creation. Likewise, as you enter the labyrinth, you must work a little to come into a contemplative mood. As you walk toward the center, this mood becomes more a part of you. But when you reach the center, you are only half way. At some point you turn, retrace your steps in a fully contemplative mood, and leave the labyrinth with a new/renewed perspective.
I look forward to my next journey through the labyrinth and what it will bring me.
Gary Kimmel