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Summer 2006 | |
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Bridging the Gap With a Circular Path by Gillian Corcoran
In many of his poems the Indian poet, Navakanta Barua, utilizes the bridge as a symbol of life (see his latest anthology of poems, "The Tent on the Bridge"). In a similar way we imitate our life's journey as we walk a labyrinth, both advancing and backtracking, reaching turning points, experiencing times of purposeful movement and times when we are merely putting one foot in front of the other, and even times of complete stillness. However, by trusting and following the path we reach our center. In this center we bridge the gap between our minds and bodies, and we recognize that we are all one. It is by operating from our centers that we can be effective bridge-builders and peacemakers.
A bishop, an imam, and a rabbi, among other religious leaders, experienced this transcendent connection as they walked together on the Grace Cathedral labyrinth in a Walk dedicated to Peace in the Middle East (September 2005). Kevin Thompson, a pastor from the Bay-area Family Federation for World Peace, commented after the walk, "Being in the labyrinth brought us together in a way that I have not experienced before. Doing that walk seemed to equalize us all as children of the same creator. It brought down barriers, so our prayers were much deeper." Labyrinths are a natural meeting ground for various faiths to come together, a mutual sacred space where new perspectives are formed. Many faith traditions honor the practice of pilgrimage, and for more than three thousand years labyrinths have been known as symbols of the spiritual journey. Toby Evans, creator of the Prairie Labyrinth in Missouri says of labyrinths, "These ancient patterns of transformation seem to reemerge when we most need to reconnect to one another, our communities, and ourselves. The current labyrinth revival is stronger than it's ever been, drawing people around the world from every denomination and all walks of life." The new perspectives we gain in the labyrinth of others and ourselves can be compared to the view offered from a bridge as we gaze into the flow of the current below. On the bridge we stand above the swell of the water and see a more complete picture. We can look at both banks of the river and discern their advantages and disadvantages. We can acknowledge the connections between the two, that there is a meeting place, and that the bridge provides the means to get from one side to the other, allowing us to continue on our journey. |
—J. P. Morgan
abyrinths are being increasingly utilized as instruments for healing individuals and for guiding people or groups in conflict toward peace and reconciliation. Walking a labyrinth helps us to go beyond our differences by providing a way for us to see from new perspectives and to acknowledge our connectedness, allowing us to bridge many gaps in our modern world.
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Journal Navigation Main - p. 2 - p. 3 - p. 4 - p. 5 |
in This Issue...
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Upcoming Events Walking a Sacred Path and School of the Sacred Feminine at Chartres Cathedral, France in September, 2006 Alaska Labyrinth Cruise with Lauren Artress, July, 2006 Books New books by Lauren Artress: Walking A Sacred Path (Revised) and The Sacred Path Companion |
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