With the help of volunteers from Kids Saving the Rainforest, staff at The Blue Banyan Inn has constructed a labyrinth entirely out of coral and mother of pearl shells collected from the local beaches.
Labyrinths combine the imagery of a circle and spiral to create a meandering yet purposeful path. It has only one way in and one way out. Labyrinth walking is often thought of as a symbolic form of pilgrimage, where people can take the path, ascending toward salvation, enlightenment, or wholeness.
We invite you to walk the spiritual path.
Prepare to walk. Think of your time in the labyrinth as a walking meditation. Before you enter, take some time to reflect on your everyday life. Set an intention for the experience you’re about to have—it could be a question, an affirmation, a goal, or a wish that you focus on while you walk. You may even like to take off your shoes, a traditional sign of respect fora sacred space.
1. Begin your journey. Take a deep, cleansing breath and focus your attention as you enter the labyrinth. You may recite your intention aloud or silently to yourself.
2. Walk the inward path. Walk at a comfortable pace on your way in, focusing on letting go of everyday thoughts and feelings that you may want to leave behind so that you can fully embrace your spiritual journey. When you need to, pause and be present with each step of the inward path.
3. Spend time in the center. You may wish to stand, sit, kneel, or lie down when reaching the center. Be present in this space with your inmost self and be open to the stillness within. You may choose to reiterate your intentions, pray, or just be.
4. Walk the return path. When you feel ready to leave the center, walk back the same way from which you came. Focus on what you will bring out from the center and back into your life. Again, pause if you need to and try not to rush out of the labyrinth as this return part of the journey is just as important as the others.
5. Reflect on the journey. Before leaving the labyrinth, take some time to reflect on any insights you’ve gained, new feelings you may have, or thoughts that may have come up that you’d like to explore further later.
KSTR 