Exploring Contemplative Practices
Contemplative practices invite us into being fully alive! God lives deep inside each of us, but oftentimes we are distracted, preoccupied, too busy, or focused on chasing other experiences or things to notice or remember.
Contemplation opens us to living within the tension of unknowing and the mysteries that permeate life. It guides us in discernment, navigating the changing seasons of our lives, stripping away delusions, supports our commitments and activities for justice, guides us in healthy and graceful relationships, and reconnects us to our Source. It allows individuals and our congregation to step into a sense of vitality, inspiration, joy, and peace that the world cannot give. We are invited into Healing and Wholeness.
Labyrinth
Since there have been humans on this earth, there have been ways to step away from our ordinary lives and free ourselves, even for a moment, from the hustle and bustle of life. The Labyrinth has been a place of refuge and meditation for thousands of years. The first Labyrinth in the West was on the floor of Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral in France, built in the 13th Century. People would travel for miles to visit the Cathedral and walk the Labyrinth. Since 2000, the Labyrinth at Peace Lutheran Church has been a destination for modern pilgrims to find a quiet place within to listen to their hearts and the “still, small” voice of God.
The Labyrinth invites us to come as we are, open to what is, and enter back into the world changed. People can walk holding in awareness the Labyrinth as an ancient symbol of life, death, and rebirth. Asking and then letting go of a question or noticing the sights, sounds, and atmosphere surrounding us are other ways to explore this contemplative practice.
The Peace Labyrinth was the first publicly-accessible and permanent Labyrinth installed in Contra Costa County. It is a Medieval design and Chartres replica. The original design and installation was done by Robert Ferre in 2000. Our Uplift Project was completed in 2021 by Lars Howlett of Discover Labyrinths. Both Robert Ferre and Lars Howlett are world-renowned Labyrinth builders and teachers.
The design of our Labyrinth is accessible for people using wheelchairs or walkers. The Labyrinth is located outside the Church on the north side of the Sanctuary between the Children’s Playground and Old Blackhawk Rd. Visitors are welcome to park in the parking lot (entrance is from Maison Dr). The Labyrinth is available to walk any time, with the exception of when rare special events are scheduled. The Labyrinth is lit at dusk until midnight for those wishing to walk in the evening. You can also enjoy the Peace Mosaic on the Sanctuary wall.
We hold group walks throughout the year, typically one each season. Take a look at our upcoming events to see if one is happening soon.
To explore other Labyrinths, you can search by geographic location on the World Wide Labyrinth Locator. Or you can learn more at Veriditas and The Labyrinth Society.
As You Walk…
A Labyrinth is a pattern with a single entrance and a single path, winding or circuitous, leading to the center and back out again. There is no choice to make about which way to go, there are no tricks and there are no dead ends. The path leads you directly in and directly out. This movement meditation can ground you in the present moment: a respite from our busyness, it provides focus and calm and a means to integrate what you are experiencing.
There is no right or wrong way to walk a Labyrinth. It is available to use in whatever way you need:
As you move toward the center, you can allow the letting go of thoughts, grief, fatigue, and preoccupations. If thoughts keep coming, that’s normal. Just keep walking and focusing on the path in front of you.
When you reach the center, rest: sit, stand, or kneel and feel your body and your emotions. If you want to pray, meditate, focus on what you want to say to God.
On the return path, follow the same path back out. Listen for any responses that may come. Feel the peacefulness. Carry what you’ve received back out into the world.
This walking meditation path gently leads people into a Peace Journey. Walkers are grateful for the calm and clarity they experience. Friends, from all spiritual traditions, appreciate a mindful spirit while walking to the center and gazing on the Interfaith affirmation of the Peace Mosaic. Enjoy renewing your awareness with Life and Mystery!
