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Labyrinths as Meditation Tools

Labyrinths are ancient patterns found all over the world. There are many types sharing a single overall design. Their origin is mysterious and their uses are varied. They are energy grids that have been around over the centuries, paths for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation. They come in different patterns. There are two primary varieties: a Maze, with repeatedly dividing paths, forcing the traveler to choose among options, some of which may be dead ends; and a Meander labyrinth, with a single, undivided path and no choices to make other than traveling onward through the winding pattern to an assured goal. To traverse the labyrinth is a journey into the center of our own being and the return to our divine source. Each single round of a labyrinth is called a circuit. Among the meander labyrinths, there are 2 main designs, the seven-circuit type and the medieval design. The seven-circuit ones are also known as Cretan Labyrinths. Traveling the seven-circuit labyrinth is extremely powerful, as it correlates to the seven chakras: 1. Base chakra (Root). Your relationship to the universe 2. Sacral chakra (Navel). Your relationship to the community in which you exist 3. Solar plexus. Your perception of yourself 4. Heart. The point of oneness in the human body with the all; the balance between the lower and higher chakras 5. Throat. How you speak your truth 6. Third Eye. How you see the truth 7. Crown. Your spiritual relation to the universe The labyrinth of Xinalani’s logo, is a meandering pattern type of eleven-circuits, based on the labyrinth of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres (The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres) located in Chartres, France. It’s a medieval labyrinth that signifies the journey each person must take through the difficulties and opportunities of life. With this we aim to enhance spiritual perception and peaceful energies. Nowadays meandering labyrinths are still often used as walking meditations, to focus the mind and put the walker in tune with a greater reality. No matter how many times a person walks even the same labyrinth; it is always a new experience. Walking the labyrinth is thus a type of Yoga. While walking the labyrinth, either by your feet or in your mind, it will evoke the meanings of its circuits for you. Just as in life, the goal is to reach the central source, but the path to it takes us close and far away by turns, until finally, we reach its center. At this point, we realize that the journey is only half done, for now we must dance this energy back out to the world. Utilizing a yoga labyrinth is a great tool for both yoga students and the instructor. In fact, a lot of group retreats have been inspired by our labyrinth and they have built their own! Normally they build it around a tree to rebalance energy, as the power of this form comes from the earth and it is associated with nature traditions. On your next trip to Xinalani, either if you are part of a group or if you come on your own, make sure to build your unique free-form labyrinth! We have an open space surrounded by nature that is the perfect spot for you to get creative and let your mind unwind its true potential. Also, we totally recommend you to experience our cleansing rite of Temazcal and master meditation techniques. A Temazcal is a type of sweat lodge, which originated in ancient Mexico with pre-hispanic indigenous people. It’s an intense ritual that will challenge your body and train your mind for higher self-power. This initiation is the first step to solidify bonds and ignite transformation. On our meditation classes, our experienced meditation instructor will teach you the art of mindfulness, this could have revolutionary effects on your work, your relationships, your health and your overall level of happiness. A must try for anyone willing to fulfill their real potential. Dare to dig down deep inside and tap into the spiritual connection that sustains you! “We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us” Namaste ॐ