After a shortened Sunday service on the fifth Sunday of the month, we were invited to the hall next door. A large labyrinth was laid on the floor. It was dusk. A mid-sized group of people of all nationalities and ages gathered, awaiting instruction in a soft-lit hall.

I’ve walked a few labyrinths prior, but nothing offered the full experience like at St John’s Cathedral walking it with more than a handful of people.

The path of the labyrinths starts on the outer rim of the labyrinth and coils into the center. Unlike a maze where there are “dead ends” to maneuver, labyrinths are one path. Winding though – as you’ll sometimes be walking clockwise, and soon after a turn, anti-clockwise. If mazes are left-brain, labyrinths are right brain. It could be a relaxing walking meditation once you are in it.

I got onto the labyrinth after a few people, making sure there was some room before me. To be honest, it took a little while to acclimatise. I noticed I was annoyed when the person behind me was chasing at my coattails and when the person in front just wasn’t moving fast enough. And, and, and… anything can be made into annoyance when you’re not at peace.

Every once in a while, you come close to another person on a different orbit/lane.

Connection

The annoyance didn’t last long thankfully. I was able to find my peace. The collective on the labyrinth began moving in sync in rhythm and it was really quite awesome to be doing so almost subconsciously. Still passing each other by every so often, still making a bend when the path directs, the synchronised movement together reminded me of planets orbiting the sun. The earlier frustrations dissolved within the larger scheme of things.

Unlike a maze where there are ‘dead ends” to maneuver, labyrinths are one path.

Six alcoves in the centre offers a point of rest when the journey is complete. Six people could fit, one in each alcove as we stand, feeling, collecting the senses. 

There are several labyrinths in Hong Kong and around the world. Search on “Labyrinth Locator” (https://labyrinthlocator.com/) to find the one closest to you. One peculiar and off the beaten track labyrinth in Hong Kong is at Tao Fung Shan, an inter-religious sanctuary in the outskirts of Hong Kong. 

One can simply follow the labyrinth’s path as it opens up without needing to “think” and arrive.

Food for thought:

• Do you take note of the insights you get while walking and/or walking the labyrinth?