
On Saturday, I went to one of my absolute favorite places in Chicago: Garfield Park Conservatory. It's not very far - three stops on one El train, then three on another - and there are amazing things to see there, no matter what time of year it is. I try and go fairly often to see how things look in different seasons, and also to just relax and enjoy such a beautiful place. I went there, for example, the day after I finished all my annotated bibliographies for my Masters exams - after catching up on sleep, of course!



I think my favorite thing at the Conservatory, though, is the Labyrinth.

I just discovered it for the first time in April with my sister, and it was ... miraculous. It was life-changing, and I know that probably sounds silly, but it's true. I had the most amazing experience while walking it.
The instructions for walking the labyrinth are posted nearby:
Pause to clear and quiet your mind. Steady your breathing.I handed Katie my purse, then headed in. I tried to clear my mind as best I could, but there were so many worries running around in there. My Masters exams were coming up - was I prepared enough? What if I failed? Or - what if I passed? What's going to happen next in my life? Will I find a job? Will I have to leave Chicago? And as I walked, I wondered if I was doing it right. It seemed to be taking me a long time to reach the center, and there were so many loops and curves.
Step into the labyrinth. Shed thoughts and emotions. Quiet and empty your mind.
Begin walking, taking plenty of time.
When you reach the labyrinth center, pause and relax.
Return by the same path, ending where you started. The return moves you into union with the divine, with insight or with healing forces.
When I finally got to the end of the labyrinth, I "figured it out," so to speak. Unlike a maze, there are no false turns or dead ends in a labyrinth. There is one true, correct path, and you are on it. Don't worry about the journey, just trust that you will end up exactly where you need to be.
As I retraced my path out of the labyrinth, I felt incredibly hopeful about life. And Saturday, as I walked through the gardens, I remembered that pure, enlightening moment and how it applies to my new lifestyle. All these times when I thought I had failed - those weren't false turns. They were necessary moments on my path - the one, true path - towards where I need to be. I learned from them, and I carry on towards my goal. And I feel so hopeful again.
2 comments:
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! "Don't worry about the journey, just trust that you will end up exactly where you need to be." That says it all! xxox
I've never walked a labyrinth, and really had no interest. They were pretty to look at, but that was it. Until I just read your insight into them... wow! That was powerful. What an amazing experience you had.
And I ADORE Chihuly glass! I've never seen it in person, but would love to.
Thank you for your comment on my blog. I didn't know Julia Child had written an autobiography. I reserved it in audiobook form to listen to from my local library. I really liked her, too.
Loretta
=^..^=
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