The Labyrinth at Webster
The labyrinth is for all people! Like the labyrinth, we are open and welcoming to all people. We are not just open to everyone, but we actively invite everyone to walk with us. We value and honor the unique contributions that your journey will bring to the labyrinth in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, financial status, marital status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs. As the Webster UCC community says, “Whoever you are, wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.”
A labyrinth is a tool to quiet your mind and open your heart.
Through mindful walking of the single path, walking a labyrinth is a moving meditation and a time for reflection and prayer. A labyrinth is not a maze. Rather, it has a single, circuitous path; there are no dead ends or cul de sacs.
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The labyrinth at Webster UCC was completed as an Eagle Scout project of Steve Crompton of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 477, Dexter, Michigan. The labyrinth design is inspired by the 7-circuit Classical Labyrinth; but incorporates the switchback Labrys of the Medieval (or Chartres) Labyrinth. The result features a large chalice like shape, featured prominently at the entrance of the labyrinth. Thus the design is called the “Chalice Labyrinth”. The original Chalice Labyrinth design was created by Bob Peach of Atlanta, Georgia. The container of the labyrinth is defined by large stones and flowers, with an inner border of lava rock. The path is made of gravel and defined with red brick. The surroundings feature mature trees, an outdoor chapel, a fire pit, a meditation shelter, vegetable gardens, and walking trails.
The labyrinth is located on the property north of the church building, across Farrell Road, facing the large red barn, near the outdoor chapel.
Walking a labyrinth
The labyrinth can be walked in four stages. As you encounter other people walking the same path, simply allow them to pass. You walk the labyrinth with your body and rest your mind.
Remember, Release, Receive and Return
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Remember
Before walking the labyrinth
Take time in gratitude be thankful for your life. Bless the people in your life. If there’s a specific event or situation troubling you, bring it to mind and form a healing question if possible
Release
Walking into the labyrinth
This is the time to quiet the mind, let go of the mind chatter and release your troubles. Open your heart to feel whatever it might feel. Become aware of your breathing. Take slow breaths. Relax and move at your own pace
Receive
Standing or Sitting in the Center
This is a place of reflection. Pause and stay as long as you like. Open yourself to your higher power. Listen to that small inner voice. In the safety of the labyrinth have a heart-to heart talk with yourself.
Return
Walking out of the labyrinth
When you are ready, begin walking out the same path you followed in. Walking out, integration of your experience happens. Experience the sense of well-being, healing, excitement, calm or peace.
Each labyrinth experience is different.
You may feel nothing or have a powerful reaction. Whatever, listen to your heart and take all the time you need. The above description is only a thumbnail sketch. You provide the bigger picture.
Check these Facebook events for details on upcoming events at the Labyrinth
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We will also have a Labyrinth Clean Up Day on April 22, 2023 from 10 am - 1 pm. During our time together we will freshen up the labyrinth, clear fallen debris, do any early weeding, bring out the benches that have been stored away for the winter, etc. It is also our hope to have received a load of mulch to add to the already mulched areas around the labyrinth. We also hope to begin to re-establish the Daffodil Stroll path through the wooded area near the labyrinth. If you are able to join us, please bring rakes, shovels, chainsaws, trimmers, gardening gloves, and wheelbarrows. There is also a rumor that there will be hot beverages and something to snack on to sustain us. :)