What are Labyrinths and Facilitators?
What are Labyrinths?
Labyrinths have been around for thousands of years, in cultures and religions all over the world. They come in many different patterns. Labyrinths often remind people of mazes, but unlike mazes, there is only one path inward to a center, and one path outward.
You can never get lost in a labyrinth.
I personally define labyrinths as an ancient tool to simultaneously experience internal and external journeys of mind, heart, and spirit. Internal because it is an individual and unique experience. External because you are physically connected to the experience through sight, touch, and/or movement. And labyrinths should be for everyone, so my tagline is also my guiding light: "Labyrinth Journeys for Every Body, Every Mind, & Every Path."
Here's how the organization Veriditas describes labyrinths:
Labyrinths are currently being used world-wide as a way to quiet the mind, recover a balance in life, and encourage meditation, insight, self-reflection, stress reduction, and to discover innovation and celebration. They are open to all people as a non-denominational, cross-cultural blueprint for well-being. The practice of labyrinth walking integrates the body with the mind and the mind with the spirit.
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If you are brand new to labyrinths, check out the "New to the Labyrinth?" page at Veriditas. There are also resources available on this website.
(Note: the video on the Veriditas page is not accessible to blind and visually impaired people, so let me know if you need a description of the video and its text.)
What is a Labyrinth Facilitator?
The labyrinth is a tool for spiritual and personal growth and reflection. Using a labyrinth is a very personal experience,
and that's what makes them so wonderful.
Facilitators plan labyrinth walks or online sessions,
and are trained to "hold space"
for those who are doing labyrinth walks.
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Holding Space “means that we are willing to walk alongside another person
in whatever journey they’re on
without judging them,
making them feel inadequate,
trying to fix them, or
trying to impact the outcome.
When we hold space for other people,
we open our hearts,
offer unconditional support,
and let go of judgement and control.” — Heather Plett
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Do I Need a Labyrinth Facilitator, and
How Much Does It Cost?
No, you don't need a labyrinth facilitator!
You can use labyrinths on your own, in any way that works for you.
If you go to my Labyrinth Resources page,
you can download your own labyrinth and get started.
I highly encourage it and it's free!
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Facilitators are helpful for individuals, couples, and groups
when people are not sure what to do, or if there's a specific purpose for using the labyrinth, like a celebration, a meditation,
or marking a transition.
A facilitator can plan out how people will use the labyrinth, reflections, and any related activities.
If the labyrinth is in a space for people to use on their own,
a facilitator can provide written instructions, train volunteers,
provide supplies, be present while the labyrinth is in use,
and help clean and close the space when everyone is done.
We also have extensive knowledge about labyrinths and their use, and can choose from many different labyrinth patterns to best meet your needs. In my case, I can also work with people to make labyrinths more accessible for people with disabilities, children, seniors, and others who may need adjustments or support.
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I use a sliding scale in determining how much labyrinth
facilitation will cost. Labyrinth work can be a
30-minute welcome to a group or a multi-day retreat,
so time and the amount of work are also factors.
Contact me to talk about your needs.
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