I went for a bike ride today and found myself at a labyrinth. I’ve known of this labyrinth for a while now, but this was the first time I had stopped and given it much attention. The idea of walking a labyrinth appealed to me, as I am continuously working on finding peace and calm, so I can bring that grounded feeling into my home and share it with those around me.

Labyrinths have been around for thousands of years, the best-known early examples are associated with the Minotaur legend on the island of Knossos. The labyrinth was used by Catholic monks as a tool for meditation and contemplation during the medieval period. Today labyrinths are everywhere, in some surprising places. A 25-mile radius search around my home outside of Washington, DC found 44 labyrinths. Most are located at churches (of all denominations) but others are located in parks, at private residences, at places of learning, places of healing, and professional health organizations (e.g., University of Maryland, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, American Psychological Association).

So what was my experience with walking the labyrinth for the first time? It took much longer than I expected, and now I understand how this is a calming, meditative, and healing practice. I felt my mind quiet as I paced, step by step, along the twisting and spiraling pathway to the center of the labyrinth. My vision was reduced to the few feet in front of me, sounds of passing cars receded into the background, and my mind became focused on the present as I let go of all thoughts about the future. I was surprised at how effective it was at bringing me into a calm and peaceful state.

Next time, I will come to the labyrinth prepared for its quiet power.