St. Philip’s Episcopal Church located at 256 East Main St. in Brevard, NC has installed a wonderful labyrinth recently that they are encouraging the public to use. I had a dentist appointment close by and figured it was the perfect stop post crown last week and I was so happy to be able to spend a little bit of time at the newly installed labyrinth. The area is behind the church and easily marked with some informative signs to help guide visitors as they walk.

If you are unfamiliar with the idea of a labyrinth it is not a maze although some might think it closely resembles a maze in looks. The big difference is the unlike a maze a labyrinth has a single path that leads to the center and then leads directly back to the beginning. A maze has dead ends, wrong paths and several options. The labyrinth at St. Philip’s is a fairly small one and can be completed in 10-15 minutes.

The purpose of using a labyrinth is up to the individual using it. Many use it for a time of prayer as I did, meditation, or find just a peaceful and quiet spot within the stones. There is no correct or incorrect way to use the labyrinth and I was happy that the day I was there was a quiet day with no one else around other than the man on the ladder at the church.

This beautiful area has several benches where folks can just sit and enjoy the area and reflect, read, pray, and just be in nature. What a blessing this is to our community.

There are several ways suggested as ways to use this area and one that was included as a link on the church website was the one I used. Here is the link to take you to that description of the one listed below that I found helpful.

• Remember– Take time and be in an attitude of gratitude before starting. If there is something weighing on you now is the time to bring it to mind.
• Release – As you walk into the labyrinth now is the time to release all the noise and become aware of just being in the moment. Relax and walk at your own pace.
• Receive – as you enter the center spend some time in reflection and be open to hearing what is being said to you in the quiet.
• Return – As you walk out of the labyrinth retracing your steps experience the fullness of the experience and feel the calm of and peace.

I found this to be a really peaceful time and I am so happy that it is open to the public. It is going to grow to be an even more beautiful place over the years and maybe, just maybe, this sweet little flower will have company as the years pass by.

Have you ever walked a labyrinth? I would love to hear all about it in the comment section. Remember each comment made on any post this month means a 50 cent donation to our Comments for a Cause – Shadowbrook Farm.