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7 May 2020

In case you missed it, Emma member Claire Thompson (2005) is designing short mindfulness activities each week for us, to share with the college community during this difficult time.  To see last week's exercise, click here or join in with the new activity below.

Labyrinth

This week's mindfulness practice aims to complement the leaflet shared by Jeremy Caddick relating to the labyrinth in the Fellow's Garden. Because of the lockdown, I know that many of you may not be able to get to the labyrinthso guess what? I've done my best to bring the labyrinth to you instead!  

A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral, into a meandering path, but one that can be walked with intention. The labyrinth represents both a journey to our centre and back out again into the world, as well as a metaphor for the path we walk throughout our lives. It's a perfect opportunity for mindfulness & reflection. 

Unlike a maze, which involves making choices and solving a puzzle, a labyrinth removes choice. There is only a single path to the centre. We simply allow the path to guide us, step by step. Walking in & out of the labyrinth is thus an exercise in trusting the path itself,and to pause, reconnect & to receive whatever this moment may have to offer. We can then take whatever we receive back out into our lives. The magical little haven of the Fellow's Garden is indeed a perfect setting for a labyrinth.

Using two videos I took to set the scene, and some audio guidance from me—I invite you to find a quiet, comfortable spot to sit or lie down at home and immerse yourself in this visualisation. 

Where might the path lead you today? Wherever that is, don't forget to enjoy the journey. And like perhaps some of us are sensing during this lockdown, the way forwards in times of uncertainty is always: one step at a time!

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