Well of Mercy Labyrinth

Written by: Karen McMillan, ACC – www.kdmcmillan.com
The Conscious Leadership and Retreat Coach

Last month while on retreat I took some time to walk the labyrinth.  During my walk, and after, I realized the metaphor it represented and decided to reflect on it by writing.  So, here’s my share.

This photo is of the labyrinth I walked at Well of Mercy – in Harmony, NC.  On their web site they describe it as, “similar to the one on the floor of Charters Cathedral in France, which dates back to the 13th century… An ancient tool, a meandering but purposeful path leading to a center and out again. The sacred path, symbolic of life’s journey, is meant to give those using it a chance to pray, meditate, and find wholeness. Those walking the labyrinth meander back and forth, turning 180 degrees each time they enter a different circuit. As they shift direction, it is said that they also shift awareness between the right brain and the left.”

I was attracted to the beauty of this labyrinth, situated on a hill overlooking forest and hills. I figured it would be reason for an intentional walk in the evening air.  I also love when ancient wisdom meets modern practice, so this made it even more attractive to me.

As I walked I noticed how the paths started out shorter keeping me more conscious of my steps and turns.  Further into the walk, as I slowed down and began to be more in the moment, I noted the paths were longer between twists and turns.  This reminded me of times in my life when I start a task or learn something new.  At the onset of these endeavors I am more conscious of what I am doing – before it becomes wrote, more natural, easier and relaxed action.  Later, I am acting without so much thought and enjoying the results of the action and the view along the path.

It was also interesting to experience how the path progressed closer to the center then out again to the rim.  Close enough to touch but not available to enter until I walked the whole labyrinth path – unless I chose to jump the path and cut the experience short.  Yet, as in life, I decided not to quit, stayed the path and enjoyed the views as I slowed my pace, got more and more present, and walked the path as it was intended.

As I walked the labyrinth I revisited each view over and over.  Yet, each time I experienced something different.  Be it a simple change in light, a bird or animal on a path, or how the green of the trees varied from tree to tree.  I found myself paying less attention to my feet and the path and more engaged with nature.  Feeling the changes in the breeze and the light of the sun.

Karen McMillan, ACC

I’ve decided that I will keep this walk in mind as I walk through life.  Deciding to slow down.  Knowing it is OK to revisit a path.  Not quitting when the end is in sight but not yet attainable.  Enjoying the journey.  Taking time for gratitude for what crosses my path.

I invite you to find a labyrinth near you and enjoy slowing down, being present, and taking time in nature.

May your walks through life be a journey to learn and enjoy!

Namaste’

Karen McMillan, ACC
The Conscious Leadership and Retreat Coach

www.kdmcmillan.com

A bit about Karen

Life Coach Karen, ACC I AM. Daughter, sister, mother, friend … woman. Loving life and living out loud! Living from my heart and leading from my intuition. An internationally certified coach, author, radio show host and community volunteer who is passionate about mixing up ancient wisdom with modern practice. Moving into right brain thinking and playing with light and dark (that may be the amateur photographer in me).

Petals for Progress in the fight to end cancer.

“Thanks” to all those who have offered their support and expressed an interest in this project.  I have been contacted by so many people who have watched “The Big Guy” video and have been profoundly touched by the message.

I believe that, beyond the personal tribute, is a message that asks us each to examine the purpose of our lives and the path we choose on our own journey. In addition, we are reminded that we have a responsibility to take care of our health and do what we can to make a difference in the world that surrounds us.

My mission now is to do my part in the fight against cancer. I feel I have an obligation. I do so in my father’s memory, and because I do not want to see another person I love go through what he did.

I realize, however that the odds are stacked against me because the fact is that approx. one in every two men, and one in every three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. We lose about 600,000 lives a year to cancer. It’s shocking that 30 percent or more of the cancers people are living with today are preventable, with another on-third of cancers that are treatable if detected early.

That being said, I am inspired and encouraged by the efforts of two organizations – Stand Up To Cancer – and LIVESTRONG | The Lance Armstrong Foundation. They are both committed to the cause and are distributing their messages through innovative channels.

“We unite people to fight cancer believing that unity is strength, knowledge is power, and attitude is everything.” (The Lance Armstrong Foundation)

I am committed to doing what I can to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. We have set up a fundraising team – Team Petals for Progress – at Stand Up To Cancer.  100% of all donations to our team support the revolutionary efforts of Stand Up To Cancer to urgently move cancer research forward.

More news and progress to come …

Thank you,
Joni Romnes Welzien

"The Big Guy"

About Labyrinths – Walking Your Spiritual Journey

We are all on the path … exactly where we need to be. The labyrinth is a model of that path. A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering, but purposeful path. At its most basic level the labyrinth is a metaphor for life’s journey – to the center of your deepest self and back out into the world with a broadened understanding of who you are.

A labyrinth is an archetype with which we can have a direct experience. We can walk it.  It has only one path — the way in is the way out. The labyrinth’s path has a beginning and an end that are one and the same. Walking a labyrinth offers opportunity for reflection and meditation, and the chance to become more aware of where we are in life. In the walking, exploration of a labyrinth we always end up where we started, but as acknowledged by the English poet T.S. Eliot, “… the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

The ever-turning path of a labyrinth offers a circling walk to the center. The walk first takes you in … into the labyrinth and into yourself … and then around … around and back and forth with an ever changing perspective of the labyrinth that also offers to change and broaden your perspective of the problems or concerns that you brought with you. And, finally, walking a labyrinth takes you down. Down to an inner place of peace, of rest, of relaxation.

Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one choice to be made. The choice is whether to enter or not. The choice is whether or not to walk the spiritual path. — Dan Johnston, Ph.D. (Lessons For Living)

Envision the possibility of stopping cancer in its tracks.

On the evening of September 5th, 2008 I sat on a couch next to my father. I held his hand as we watched a celebrity-filled television show called “ Stand Up To Cancer”. I cried, so did he. I remember him being particularly struck by the appearance of Patrick Swayze and the young children featured on the show who were bravely battling the disease. For the most part we watched in silence.

Little did I know as we sat together that night, that within two short months my father would become one of the statistics — he passed away within three months of his diagnosis with stage IV colon cancer.

For me, personally, I had always thought about cancer in an abstract way. “IT” was something bad that happened to other people — other families. “IT” was likened to an intense roller coaster ride, through tunnels of darkness, bracing yourself for what lies around the next corner. “IT” continued to challenge  the best scientific minds, unable to find a cure.

“IT” has now changed my life forever ….

- Joni Romnes Welzien

If you missed the “Stand Up To Cancer” show on that evening in September, I invite you to take the time and watch it here.