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| Greetings, | September 2007 |
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The event was held in the conference facilities of the beautiful Grace Cathedral, which was making history by just having laid the last piece of their indoor labyrinth - the first to be inlaid in the nave floor of a cathedral in six hundred years. (You can see a picture of it below in the following article). In addition, they have a beautiful outdoor terrazzo labyrinth as the centerpiece of their award-winning meditation garden. To accommodate the large amount of attendees, our conference providers also fashioned an additional temporary model for our use. We had many to choose from! Even though I had heard of labyrinths being used at many events and in many contexts, this was my first personal experience with them. Throughout the early evening of the welcoming celebration, (which included mingling, food, and wine sampling), when each individual felt called to do so, we chose from large ribbons (about 4 feet long and 5 inches wide) in shades of purple, pink, green or yellow. With fine felt markers, we were encouraged to write down a dream, wish, or prayer. On my shimmery pink ribbon, I wrote:
Each of us then took our ribbon and began our labyrinth journey. At the time I started mine, there was only one other person on the outdoor labyrinth I chose. It felt peaceful and serene upon entering. I held my ribbon to my heart and kept its message in my focus. At some point along the way, I stopped and looked up at the cathedral. The stained glass windows were beautiful as the sun lit the colors. And above cathedral's spire, the fluffy clouds were racing across the sky like I've never seen. The whole thing was quite surreal and breathtaking, and at several times during my walk I had to stop to savor and enjoy the moment. Once we arrived at the centre, we were to place our ribbons in a large basket and, in exchange, take out the ribbon of a fellow "pilgrim". We then read their ribbon and thought of their message as we began the journey out of the labyrinth. After we completed our pilgrimage and exited, we attached the ribbon to a nearby fence where all the ribbons (an expected 100+) then fluttered throughout the days of the conference, letting the wind carry their messages to fruition. The conference's Executive Director, Robin Carpenter, wrote this passage in her welcoming letter:
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Similarly, when embarking on a labyrinth journey, it may initially look complicated or intimidating. We might associate its maze-like appearance with obstacles, blockages, or dead ends of false hope. After taking my first labyrinth journey, I learned that there are stages of the walk, and methods that may greatly enhance the experience. These same practices, when applied to an inner journey, can lead to greater enlightenment. Entering the labyrinth; beginning your inner journey. Take comfort in the fact that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to experience your process. It will unfold naturally, in the way that best serves you. There is only one path leading to, and from, the center. One path to truth. With patience and persistence, if we follow with faith, the destination is assured. Arriving at the center of the labyrinth; arriving at our inner center. This is a time for receiving and illumination. When you arrive, stop to rest and receive. As William Wordsworth said, "Rest and be thankful." Embrace the stillness of the moment and stay as long as you need to. How you invest in this sacred time is your choice. You might sit or stand quietly, meditate, or pray. Listen with gratitude to what your heart and soul longs to say and have heard. Allow yourself the opportunity to receive guidance and illumination. Leaving the center of the labyrinth; returning to self. Just like leaving the labyrinth, leave your center in the same manner in which you came - peaceful, open, and present. Upon return, you may feel strengthened and renewed. With greater clarity, you become more empowered to honor your soul's calling.
Today's message is from my new Labyrinth Inspiration Cards, bought from Grace Cathedral in "The Shop". (Also available online). They come with a fabric labyrinth map and glass "guide stone" to trace your path. Humility "As I walk through life, I require no recognition, for I know I am a part of the whole... no more or less than another. Help me find and keep my humble self." This is called an Expressive (as opposed to Silent) Path Card. It represents "how we express ourselves in daily life... our thoughts, words and actions...as we move from one moment to the next".
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The Gratefulness Labyrinth. A virtual way to experience one. Wisdom Flash. "The combination of visual beauty, inspiring music and a message of wisdom..." Attract World Peace video. Pay it forward.
Please visit my website to see my current schedule. Please note that my workshops have been temporarily reduced as I'm finishing my book. In the spring, I will be back to full swing!
If you have a question related to personal or professional development (internal, external, or spiritual), life coaching, employment counseling, my book (see About the Book web page), or the website, please send me an email.
The newsletter subscriber and contest winner for August was: Katherine Wagner of Maple Ridge, BC. Congratulations Katherine! You will be informed of the book release date in the New Year, and will be sent a signed copy!
THANK YOU! Thanks for reading everyone! Feel free to drop me a line at: brenda@brendablackburn.com. I look forward to your comments! 'Till next month...
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In This Issue • Podcast Brenda's Book Brenda's book is due to be released in the New Year! Stay tuned to her website and this newsletter for new information and events! Contest Every month a new subscriber will be chosen to win a signed edition of Brenda's new book when released! |
| www.brendablackburn.com Copyright Note: © Brenda Blackburn 2007. All material and photographs are copyright protected by Brenda Blackburn and may not be reproduced. |
At the end of August, I returned from the "Writers for Change" conference in San Francisco, which was a wonderful experience. I met and connected with a lot of very inspiring and talented authors, who are changing the world with their books. They came from diverse parts of the USA, and I was one of two women representing Canada.
There are times when we choose to settle our minds, go within, and listen to our soul's guidance. However, the path is not always a clear one, and we may be unsure of how to arrive at the destination. Confusion, impatience, or distractions may cloud the way. 