What is the meaning of a labyrinth?

 

A labyrinth is not a maze or a puzzle to be solved but a path of meaning to be experienced. Its path is circular and convoluted, but it has no dead ends. A labyrinth has one entrance -- one way in and one way out. When we walk the path, we go around short curves and long curves; sometimes we are out on the edge, sometimes we circle around the center. We are never really lost, but we can never quite see where we are going.

 

Along the path we sometimes move forward with ease and confidence: sometimes we creep ahead cautiously, sometimes we find the need to stop and reflect, and sometimes we even feel the urge to retreat. The center is there but our path takes us through countless twists and turns. Sometimes we are at the heart of our life experiences, sometimes we are at a playful turn; sometimes we share our path with others, and other times we don't. No matter what, we are still on the labyrinth path. It holds all our experiences, in life and in work. And to draw upon the wisdom of the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, we need to be aware that what looks like an end point can also be a beginning point. Indeed, in so many ways, the labyrinth is like life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many great cathedrals were built on the sites of ancient labyrinths. At Chartres Cathedral in France, the 11-circuit labyrinth on the floor of the cathedral is considered by some as symbolic of the ancient pilgrimage to Jerusalem. But the labyrinth is also a metaphor for what is sacred in our lives. Through its twists and turns, its ancient spaciousness holds everything we experience -- our minds and emotions, our physical beings and our spirits, our losses and gains, our successes and failures, our joys and sorrows. When we walk the path inward, we carry our burdens with us. When we meditate or pray in the center, we ask for grace, forgiveness, and understanding. When we walk the path outward, we are lighter, more joyful, and ready again to take on our life's challenges. 

 

Written by Alex Pattakos

Co-founder, OPA! Center for Meaning, Santa Fe, N.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We find the labyrinth to be symbolic of our journey to create The Temecula Center for Integrative Medicine.  Each of our lives have taken unique twists and turns,  all leading us to this point where we have joined together to create a medical facility that has the ability to change people's lives.  The labyrinth continues to inspire us and reinforce our company mission.  We hope that the labyrinth can become a symbol of joy and prosperity for you and your loved ones and continues to remind each of us to take time to reflect on the amazing journey we all call...our lives. 

 

Thank you for being part of TCIM!!