Lessons from my 10/23/2021 Labyrinth Walk at Spirit of Grace Church in Tigard, OR
This is part II of labyrinth lesson. Its not often that I get I was fortunate to get two set of lessons from a labyrinth walk, so I felt fortunate for this experience.
The first lesson I called “From the Outside, In” because the first set came during my walk into the labyrinth. The second set is (predictably) called “From the Inside, Out” because they came during my walk out of the labyrinth.
As is the standard with my labyrinth walks, the lessons all resonated with me. They also dovetailed neatly together—with my internal queries and with each other.
Part II: from the Inside, Out
There will be obstacles to overcome
There was a fist-sized rock on the narrow path – not big enough to be an obstacle to me, but it could have been if I had not been paying attention – it could have caused me to stumble.
What was the significance of that observation? It was my reminder to pay attention to what’s happening around me, so that I can be aware of potential obstacles and avoid them.
Also, at the center of the labyrinth were two large rocks—just big enough to sit on either one, though there were some sharp edges and corners…. I realized I could choose to look at the two large rocks as an obstruction (preventing me from my usual habit of walking in small circles contemplatively before beginning my journey out), or I could see them as a new way to approach a situation (sitting quietly to consider the possible implications of the lessons received).
There will be tears
Tears can be good or bad… tears of joy, tears of relief, tears of grief or loss, tears of frustration.
You say tears, and I think ‘Walls’, or any other type of barrier or blockade- literally or figuratively.
I came to this realization when I stopped to consider what events or experiences bring me to tears. The ‘wall’ is usually an emotional wall – a place where I have come to the end of my ability to cope with an emotion- be it joy, frustration, grief or loss…
Tears are, in fact, a bridge.
I don’t like for people to see me cry—it feels too… vulnerable. But it happens, and I’m learning to live with that.
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.
There will be love
It wasn’t until I started writing this narrative that I realized each trio of these lessons ended on a positive note. “There will be love” is about as reassuring as it can get, especially when the first two “lessons” in each group warn of challenges ahead.
In the face of so much uncertainty about the future, knowing there will be love makes it less daunting.
And so, onward, and upward!
