We join spokes
together in a wheel,

but it is the center hole

that makes the wagon move.

We shape clay into a pot,

but it is the emptiness inside

that holds whatever we want.

We hammer wood for a house,

but it is the inner space

that makes it livable.

We work with being,

but non-being is what we use.

Tao Te Ching, Chapter 11
Translation by
Stephen Mitchell

When I first viewed the image above, I saw the gentle turns of the labyrinth and realized life on earth can also be experienced gently... if one chooses to go with the flow... learning to adjust to the inevitable changes being human involves.

Remember... there is no wrong way or right way to walk a labyrinth at any time. It is best, however, if you wish to receive the maximum benefit from your online meditation, that you are not disturbed during your virtual walk. Following are a few suggestions as you prepare to walk any labyrinth:

Pause and take a few moments to quiet and calm yourself... take a couple of deep focusing breaths... becoming aware of what is inside, possibly reflect on where you are in your life... bringing anything that may be burdensome to you or something you wish to receive an answer for into your conscious mind before beginning your walk... requesting spiritual guidance.

The walk to the center is a quieting of the mind... calming yourself, releasing all tension and conscious thoughts... opening yourself to receiving an answer or releasing whatever you need to... trusting and having faith that the labyrinth will assist you in this process.

Stop along the way if you wish and proceed again when you are ready. (You can push the Stop button at any time, pushing Restart to continue.)

After you reach the center, you may allow your attention to stay there for awhile, becoming aware of what is inside you... whatever you are feeling in your heart... remaining in the center for as long as you wish.

The walk back out from the center can be seen as returning to one's life... with a new approach toward whatever question or issue you brought into the labyrinth... feeling a sense of empowerment from the experience.

Some walkers wish to not focus on anything in particular, clearing themselves... trusting they will receive whatever message is for their highest good. However you choose to walk the labyrinth, just be open to the experience and allow the energies of healing and inner peace into your being.

Classical (Cretan) Labyrinth
(7-circuit, approximately 15 minutes)

Chartres Labyrinth
(11-circuit, approximately 20 minutes)