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The
Journey Inward
by Laura Grace |
Recently, I experienced my first labyrinth walk in the
artistic and beautiful coastal town of Cambria,
California. This walk entailed the classical
eleven-circuit labyrinth, a replica of the design
embedded in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in
France around 1220. Before walking, I was informed that
the labyrinth was "a sacred place, a spiritual tool
meant to awaken us to the deep rhythm that unites us to
ourselves and to the Light within." It was
reassuring to hear that there was no "right"
or "wrong" way to experience the labyrinth.
Not knowing what this path held for
me, I decided to completely surrender any expectations
and allow my soul to reside in the moment. There was
nothing more I could do, for the labyrinth contained
only one way in and one way out. Thus my only real
choice was whether or not I went in.
Wanting to be as mindful as possible,
I journeyed into the labyrinth, keeping my eyes focused
on each step while concentrating on my breathing. Soon I
became aware that I was near the left side of the
center, and then the right side. From that point, it
appeared that I moved away from the center and that it
would be a while before I was actually inside the
labyrinth’s core.
Walking the labyrinth, to me, was
symbolic of our own personal pilgrimage. The pathway
into our heart means moving through and beyond old
wounds, fears and insecurities, and is part of the
process of reaching our true self. It involves knowing
there will be times when we desire to spiral away from
our core, when we are afraid to face ourselves; not only
our perceived weaknesses, but our light, love and inner
strength. The heart of the labyrinth is symbolic of the
place where we are free to be open to all aspects of
self and to empty our minds of preconceived beliefs
about who we are.
Genuine self-esteem surfaces as we
tap into our wellspring of courage and take the journey
inward. It blossoms as we realize that our sense of
worth has nothing to do with what we do, how we behave,
how much money we possess, who we know, or how many
credentials we’ve attained. It has everything to do
with our willingness to surrender, face ourselves, heal,
and infuse our thoughts, words, intentions and actions
with love.
Jesus once stated the only difference
between us and him is that he knew he was love,
and we don't. Unfortunately, most of us don't feel
wholly loving, loved or lovable. Easily, we can point to
numerous areas where we've "blown" it;
sabotaged relationships, jobs, finances and health
"prove" that we're unworthy of having
everything our heart desires. Yet, A Course in
Miracles reminds us, "Some of your greatest
advances you have judged as failure, and some of your
deepest retreats you have evaluated as success."
The question then, is, "How do I correct my
perception of myself and see past my errors to the truth
of who I really am?" And the answer remains, "By
recognizing everything you've ever done has either been
love or a call for love."
I truly believe that we never do
anything that is not in some way an attempt to bring
more light into our life. Any mistake we've made or
crisis we've experienced has created the fertile ground
for the birth of a stronger and higher self. And just as
we would not expect an infant to walk before it crawls,
our newly emerging self requires support and nurturing
as we continue on our journey. Sending it signals of
disapproval while it is attempting to maneuver, inhibits
and delays its' progress. Therefore, as we give
ourselves (and others) permission to make mistakes, we
gain courage to look within to where our most
light-filled self resides.
The road to remembering your deepest
self is like walking a labyrinth. It entails moving
inward—a time to release, let go, unwrap and empty
the mind; centering—a time to be open,
reflective and receptive; moving outward—a
continuation of delving more deeply within, gaining
comfort and empowerment, and extending unconditional
love.
Allow yourself to journey inward
toward your center as you would walk a labyrinth. There
is no right or wrong way, for no matter how you proceed,
the journey will always lead you "home." As
you look within, what do you need to release in
your life right now? What no longer serves your higher
good and is time to let go of? Next, as you delve within
and get nearer to your center, what is your inner voice
telling you? This is a time to listen, consider
new possibilities and experience the mystery of your
life. And finally, as you move outward and return to
your daily life, what do you feel inspired to focus
on? This stage of the journey is a time for making
commitments to what most honors you and then following
through with integrity and courage.
It has been stated that a labyrinth
is like taking a thoughtful walk, looking in a mirror of
the soul, taking part in a religious dance, and going on
a symbolic journey. The same is true for your life as
you remember that all of your experiences and everyone
in it is a reflection of you. Each situation and person
has the power to take you into your being where your
deepest Self resides.
Affirmations for Self-Acceptance:
I give myself permission to let go of
external searching and to look within.
I lovingly forgive myself, knowing
that I did the best I knew how at the time.
I easily let go of what no longer
serves my higher good.
I take time each day to ask, listen,
and follow my inner voice.
I congratulate myself often and honor
every step I take, no matter how large or small.
I focus on what brings me aliveness
and joy.
I trust that everything happens for my
higher good.
© Copyright 2002 Laura Grace. All Rights Reserved.
Laura Grace is Co-founder of Infinite Wisdom, an organization dedicated to the highest human capacity, and a national author and speaker. As a regular contributor for publications across the US and Canada, Laura writes about human awareness and spiritual growth. Laura is the author of the widely acclaimed book Gifts of the Soul and is the creator and teacher of various programs, including the transforming and popular Self-Mastery Program, Claim Your Inner Power!, The Art of Compassionate Forgiveness, Wonderful Women: Reclaiming Our Power, Passion and Purpose!, Creating Soul in Relationships, Living the Intimate Life and several others. Please visit Laura's web site at:
www.LauraGrace.net.
From performing dream analysis for more than 20 years, Laura is an experienced dream counselor and
is currently available for dream analysis. She provides assistance in three ways: 1)
In-person, 2) By phone, 3) and via e-mail. You may contact her by calling
(888) PEACE-93.
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