Today’s Resolution: Plan a Labyrinth Walk

Today might be a great day for a walk, but if it isn’t, then this resolution can be planned ahead. Have you ever heard of a labyrinth (other than that bad-ass 90’s movie with David Bowie?) In Greek mythology, a labyrinth was an elaborate maze-like structure meant to hold a minotaur. Think of a corn maze, except with a beast stuck in the middle. In modern times, a labyrinth is something like a maze, but most often doesn’t have any walls.

According to Wikipedia, a “single-path (unicursal) labyrinth has only a single, non-branching path, which leads to the center. A labyrinth in this sense has an unambiguous route to the center and back and is not designed to be difficult to navigate.” These days, labyrinths are meant for meditation and reflection. They say that if you start the labyrinth with a question, you’ll have your answer by the time you reach the end.

What’s more fascinating about labyrinths is that there are tons of them all over the place, and the people who made them are often a mystery. Or, some people like them so much that they built them on their own land. In any case, they’re almost always free and open to the public. Some incorporate art, walls and statues, others are simply a painting on cement. The Labyrinth Society  is a great place to start when learning about Labyrinths and the Labyrinth Locator can help you find ones near you. Don’t be alarmed if you’re not religious and see a few at churches. Labyrinths are for anyone and can be found on both public and private properties as well. You might be surprised at how many there are in your area, hidden away.