Walk as one for global harmony this weekend

The Margaret River Uniting Church will host an event this weekend to coincide with World Labyrinth Day, joining a global movement to provide “moving meditation for world peace and celebration of the labyrinth experience”.

On Saturday May 3, the gathering will take place at 60 Tingle Avenue from 12.30pm, and will feature a talk by local artist, storyteller and therapist Nari Jones.

Those gathered will then ‘Walk as One at 1.00’ – as communities across the world each walk at 1pm local time, creating a rolling wave of labyrinth peace walks happening at every moment throughout the 24 hours.

As Craig Bosman explains, there are differences between mazes and labyrinths, despite their similar appearance.

“A maze is like a puzzle with many paths and dead ends in which you can get lost, whereas a labyrinth is a pilgrimage – there is one path to the centre and one path back out.

“People from all cultures have been walking labyrinths for thousands of years for ceremonial purposes and as a contemplative spiritual practice.”

Craig says one way to think of labyrinth walking is as “a journey to your own centre”.

“As you slowly follow the path in you spend the time releasing, letting go, shedding thoughts, and allowing your mind to quieten.

“Then, at the centre you pause in stillness and silence, being wholly present to what is, receiving and being filled.

“Finally, as you journey back out you return to life with a sense of renewal and refreshment.

“With the way labyrinths are designed, the path is circuitous – as you walk in you sometimes feel close to the centre, and other times you feel far.

“Nevertheless, you know that you are always moving toward the centre.

“This represents the journey of life and the experience of walking the labyrinth can fill you with a sense of courage and peace – if you just keep moving forward, you will arrive.”

The walk will take place inside the Uniting Church, where a temporary labyrinth will be set up for the event.

Those who wish to walk at a different time than 1pm are invited to attend throughout the afternoon.

The labyrinth will remain set up for the Sunday service on 4 May, which is a Communion service and will include walking the labyrinth and receiving communion at the centre.

Find out more at www.facebook.com/margaretriveruc