“The labyrinth found me when I needed it the most, when I was in a point of transition in my life about 14 years ago,” says Dr. Rob Meyer-Kukan, a local Naturopathic Doctor, Massage Therapist, and owner of 7 Notes Natural Health in downtown Lewisburg. Dr. Rob (“Doc”) is also an Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator. “Since that time, the labyrinth has continued to come back, and back, and back again, when I truly needed it the most,” he said.
It is said that the labyrinth is a place to quiet the mind and open your heart. “I also find that the labyrinth is a space of deep connection and community. I needed all of this when I was introduced to the labyrinth. It’s even more important to me today!”
Labyrinths have been around for thousands of years and examples of labyrinth can be seen around the globe in many cultures and traditions. Coming into their height during the flowering of the Middle Ages in Europe when approximately 80 cathedrals were built throughout the region. Twenty-three of those cathedrals included labyrinths in their design. The most iconic example is the Medieval Labyrinth, or sometimes called the Chartres labyrinth, because it is found in the cathedral in Chartres, France. This labyrinth is still in existence today and thousands make pilgrimage to Chartres to experience it annually.
Labyrinths and mazes are often confused for one another. Here is what makes a labyrinth different from a maze: A labyrinth has one single path in the center and back out again. The path of a labyrinth is easy to follow.
The entrance of a labyrinth is also the exit of the labyrinth. Additionally, the labyrinth is also a safe and judgment free space. It is a space where we can experience community with one another. Whatever brings you to a labyrinth, you are welcome.
If you haven’t walked a labyrinth, a labyrinth facilitator can offer a few suggestions to guide your walk. These are not hard and fast rules; but suggestions for what to focus on as you walk. We call them “the three R’s.” On the inward journey, release. Once you reach the center of the labyrinth, receive. On the outward journey, return (other “R words” for this part of the walk may be reflect or renew).
Every year on the first Saturday in May, thousands of people around the globe participate in World Labyrinth Day. Beginning in 2009, as a moving meditation for world peace and celebration of the labyrinth experience, World Labyrinth Day has grown to include participants in over 100 countries worldwide. Many “Walk as One at 1” local time to create a rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one time zone to the next.
This year, World Labyrinth Day falls on Saturday, May 2. Several local labyrinth facilitators are gathering at 1 p.m. to host a walk on a canvas labyrinth (often called a portable labyrinth) at Old Stone Presbyterian Church in the Activity Room of the Education Building. The walk will include a brief talk about the history of labyrinths, recommendations for how to walk a labyrinth, and intentions for global peace for World Labyrinth Day. All are welcome and invited to participate. With a focus on inclusivity, handheld labyrinths will be available for those who are differently-abled or prefer not to walk by foot. Packets and activities for young people and children will be available as well. This event is offered free of charge. For more information about the walk, please contact Rob Meyer-Kukan at rob@robmeyerkukan.com.
Old Stone Presbyterian Church is located at 644 Church Street in Lewisburg. Parking for this event can be found on Church Street near the church. Please enter the main doors of the Education Building and follow the signs to the Activity Room.
