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Conversations With The Soul…
The Living Labyrinth

By Sandra Nelson

The only way to stop fear is to move through it. And I did. I was the first to step onto the prayer rug, and with a crystal in one hand and a piece of Rose of Sharon wood in the other hand, I entered upon my journey…it had begun.

Later I wrote in my journal: “Stepping onto the rug – stepping up to the gate, doorway, entrance to eternity. Back to myself, to truth, back to the arms of the Blessed Mary. I stepped through the veil, the mist…”

Walking, I focused on balance as I had left my cane at my chair thinking it may distract others walking with me. Within seconds I started to get warm and the closer to the center I moved, the warmer I became. Feeling loved by the gift that brought me there, I mentally spoke my gratitude. Following the path laid before me, I entered the center of the labyrinth. Concerned that I would be in the way of others, however, I didn’t want to stay long. There it was, in my face, the very thing I came to release, my unworthiness to receive. 

After a brief meditation, I left the center feeling more relaxed and carefree. The walk out of the labyrinth seemed to take longer then the walk in. Soon that little voice of fear started chattering. “This is taking some time. Did I step on the wrong path? I don’t remember. Is this where I am supposed to be?” Lasting only a few moments, the fearful thoughts stopped when my higher self told me to “relax and keep walking.”

Once I left the labyrinth I thought of how true to life those fearful thoughts were. I often question my place and progress in the world. I know I am where I need to be at every moment. There really isn’t a “wrong path” as all paths eventually lead us back to our center of power. I know and I believe that too. I will remember the sage advice received while walking the labyrinth, “relax and keep walking.” No matter what I am faced with, I need to stay in my power and with the Grace of God, keep my focus on the moment at hand. Writing these words, I was reminded of Eckhart Tolle’s book, “The Power of Now.” Taking his book off my shelf, I opened it and placed my finger on the page and read, “To offer no resistance to life is to be in a state of grace, ease, and lightness. This state is no longer dependent upon things being in a certain way, good or bad…”

Walking the second labyrinth was a much different experience. During the lunch break I decided to chant the phrase, “I am worthy to receive” as I walked it. Again Eunice held the energy in the room and exchanged greetings of “Namaste,” and a prayerful nod with each of us as we entered to walk. Waiting for my turn, I realized the fear I felt before walking the first labyrinth was replaced by readiness and comfort. The walk itself was smooth and I felt energized and stronger as if I were being held up. Had I been alone I could have glided, danced and flown around the labyrinth.

I walked and chanted: “I am worthy to receive, I am worthy to receive,” over and over again. The words took on a life force of their own and changed as I walked. “I am worthy to receive…I am worthy. I am worthy…I received. I received…I am receiving. I am receiving…I receive…” Like clearing the wheat from the chaff, the words seemed to drop away until the only thing left to repeat was, “I Am.” And there I was, at the core of my truth, “I Am.” 

Saint Augustine was right, “Solvitur ambulando…It is solved by walking…”

Sandra Nelson is an ordained minister, who shares spiritual journeys through writing, speaking, teaching, and her website, www.ascension-sanctuary.com Email: sandra@ascension-sanctuary.com 
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