Sunset Labyrinth Walks

ALL ARE WELCOME - no matter your spiritual belief or faith

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED - we will guide you through this slow, intentional walk

Labyrinth walking is an ancient form of active meditation used for centering, clarification, prayer, and contemplation to reduce stress, quiet the mind, and open the heart. A Labyrinth offers a blueprint where the psyche meets spirit and can help you break free of thoughts and behaviors for a level of focus difficult to find in a busy lifestyle.

WHAT IS A LABYRINTH?

A labyrinth is made up of a single, winding path that leads to the center of a circle. It is not a maze with trick turns and dead ends. The path is in full view, and the same path is used to enter and exit the labyrinth.

Labyrinths have been found on ancient Spanish petroglyphs, Greek pottery, and medieval cathedral floors dating back to 1200 B.C. The practice of labyrinth walking integrates the body with the mind and spirit.

WHY WALK A LABYRINTH?

• Focus your intentions
• Quiet and clear the mind
• Find answers
• Open the heart to love
• Ground the body & find healing (body/mind/spirit)
• Gain a sense of wholeness
• Spark creativity
• Calm anxiety
• Be in the present moment
• Reduce stress
• Find guidance
• Connect to a higher source

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather. To get the most from your walk, you will want to enter the labyrinth with a clear mind and be open to free-flowing thoughts and feelings. This is difficult to achieve if you are focused on being too cold or hot. Flat-soled shoes are best for comfort and stability.

DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OR AN EPISCOPALIAN?

You do not have to be a member of a church or an Episcopalian to walk a labyrinth. Labyrinths have been around since ancient times and are not necessarily tied to any specific religion or culture. It’s not uncommon to find labyrinths in hospitals, spas, public parks, schools, prisons, playgrounds, and people’s backyards. Anyone is welcome to enjoy Ascension’s labyrinth.

WHERE ARE THE WALKS HELD?

These guided Sunset Labyrinth Walks are held at Church of the Ascension (726 1st Ave NW, Hickory, NC), in the church’s backyard. Participants should gather in the church parking lot located along Second Avenue NW (lat.: 35.734260, long.: -81.349182).

Because parking is limited along Second Ave NW, you are also welcome to park in front of the church (off First Avenue NW) and walk down to the backyard along the pathway on the right side of the building.

WHO DO I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

If you would like more information about walking the labyrinth or Church of the Ascension, please contact the Rev. Karla Woggon at (828) 328-5393 or karla@ascensionhickory.org.