review · Reflection, Mindfulness, Personal Development · 20–45 min · 1-40 people · low energy
Labyrinth Walk
People walk a single winding path into the centre of a labyrinth and back out, one after another. There are no dead ends. The walk is usually framed in three parts: releasing on the way in, receiving in the centre, returning on the way out. A short reflection or journaling moment follows.
When to use Labyrinth Walk
Use at the end of a retreat day or programme to let people slow down and decide what they take home, especially at venues with a permanent labyrinth.
What it solves
After an intense day, people jump straight from the last session to the bar or the car and the learning evaporates.
How to run Labyrinth Walk, step by step
- Introduce the labyrinth and the three phases, and say there is no right or wrong way to walk it (5 min).
- Invite people to hold a question or intention from the day (2 min).
- Start walkers at intervals of about 30 seconds; people can pass each other gently (15-25 min).
- In the centre, people pause as long as they need (included above).
- On exiting, people write one sentence about what they are taking with them (5 min).
- Optional short circle where a few people share a sentence (5-10 min).
Materials needed
- A permanent or canvas labyrinth, or a pattern marked with rope, stones or chalk
- Cards and pens
- Optional quiet music
Facilitator tips
- A canvas or chalk labyrinth works on any lawn or car park; Veriditas rents and sells portable ones.
- Keep an accessible route: wheelchair users can follow the path if the surface is firm and the circuits wide enough.
- Do not frame it religiously for a work group; the structure works without any belief attached.
Common pitfalls
- Too many people start at once and it becomes a queue.
- Asking everyone to share in plenary afterwards, which makes a private walk feel like a performance.
Variations
- Finger labyrinth on paper for indoor or hybrid groups.
What it produces
A personal intention or insight per person, often written on a card before leaving the venue.
Origin
Revived by Lauren Artress, who brought the 11-circuit Chartres Cathedral pattern (laid in 1201) to Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, and founded Veriditas to train labyrinth facilitators. — source
Build a session around Labyrinth Walk
METODIC places Labyrinth Walk inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.