Unity Church of Wimberley's Labyrinth
The Labyrinth is an archetypal symbol of
wholeness that invites one into a transformative prayer experience.
Walking this path is a personal pilgrimage to spiritual
wholeness.
The
Unity Church of Wimberley labyrinth is open to the public during daylight
hours.
Tradition
Labyrinths have an ancient history dating
back at least 4,000 years. Unity Church of Wimberley's labyrinth is
one of the oldest known labyrinth designs and is found on 3,000 year-old
coins from Crete.
The mystical tradition of labyrinths has
been revived in recent years, thanks particularly to the work of Dr.
Lauren Artress, Episcopal priest and author of Walking a Sacred
Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool. People
around the world are once again walking the path and engaging in its
powerful process of spiritual transformation.
A labyrinth is not a maze; there are no
tricks or dead ends. One cannot get lost, and success is assured.
Guidelines for the walk
Keep in mind that walking the labyrinth is
a sacred activity and is not to be rushed or forced. Here are some
suggestions to enrich your prayer walk:
- Stop, relax, and breathe deeply at the
entrance. You may want to set an intention for yourself before
beginning.
- Begin walking slowly, following the winding
path towards the center. Release and busy thoughts, concerns, or
burdens of any sort. As your body moves into a peaceful rhythm of
contemplation, an awareness of God's active presence may be quickened.
- If you meet a fellow traveler on the path,
simply step aside and pass with reverence.
- In the center, pause for a few moments and
focus your attention on God.
- As you leave the center and return toward
the outer edge, maintain serenity and offer silent praise and
thanksgiving. This is a time of empowerment.
History
The Unity Church of Wimberley labyrinth was lovingly contributed by
Roberta Shoemaker-Beal and Jim Beal and was built with love by Jay Edwards, David & Llea
Norboge, Maglin Nippert,
Pamela Kenney, Walt Buerhing and others from our community. Thanks
to the Amanda Doerr family and many more
who contributed to creating a sacred meditation path
for all to walk. Our Labyrinth was dedicated on January 1, 2005.
**** Guided
Labyrinth walks are
offered after church services by Roberta Shoemaker-Beal as available
during cool weather months.