September
2001
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Labyrinth Into
Thy Self
SAVANNAH RHAE
SUMMER BEGINS TO wind down; I relish in the wonder and beauty of the summer evening
sky. As the last of the sun's light disappears into the night, I catch a faint flicker
of the stars above and a peaceful remembering that "the sun is always shining"
comes over me. For a moment, I simply rest, feeling my connection to the Source of
all life.
It is challenging for me to remember the omnipresence of Light as the sun sets earlier
every day. I, like so many in the northern states, experience Seasonal Affective
Disorder. In the past, I dreaded this time of year and branded it with the initials
ìFOFîóthe "fall of the fall." Autumn was nothing more
than a miserable descent into a lifeless drone of feeling flat.
It wasn't until I embraced my shadow self as worthy and lovable that I began to
heal the enormous rift in my life between fall and spring. By freeing the energy
that I once used to deny this part of myself, I was able to seek alternatives in
healing and integrating my shadow. What follows are my thoughts on walking into the
dark of the year in a conscious way.
Autumn is a healing season
In this article, I will show how the transition from fall to winter can be compared
to the sacredness of walking a labyrinth, how setting an intention for your journey
inward can help you stay present for your experience, and how using a simple visualization
tool daily can bring comfort as you navigate your way through the darkness.
A labyrinth has three aspectsóthe path in, the center, and the path out.
These aspects are mirrored in the seasons. The path inward follows the transition
from fall to winter. It can be seen as the gradual exchange of the long days of summer
activity for the long nights of winter stillness. Each day is a step on the path
to the center: winter solstice, the darkest night of the year. This is a stillpoint
in the journey, a time of deep reflection. Finally, with an inner knowing a person
turns, and begins the path outward, integrating the lessons learned as one returns
towards the light of the year.
Before beginning your journey inward take time to ask, "What parts of myself
need healing?" Taking inventory allows you to get a clear picture for where
you are, so that you may set a clear intention for the journey ahead of you. Setting
an intention is both a prayer and a statement of personal responsibility for the
direction of your life. Walking into the dark of the year can be frightening. When
your mind screams, "Get me out of here!" and your legs want to flee faster
than your pounding heart, your intention can serve as a gentle reminder to keep walking.
Its purpose is to make you into an equal partner with the Source. The Healing One
is a power greater than the self, working as a guide, in tandem with the asking one.
When you are clear about your intention for healing, you are ready to take a conscious
step into the labyrinth of your life. You may feel like you don't know where you
are headed or what you are doing. Don't worry. You need simply remain present for
what is. As you live from day to day be aware of the sensations in your body and
the wisdom of its messages.
The journey towards the center is a journey of trusting the process. Healing is
an awesome mystery and it comes in many ways. Your job is to set a clear intention
and then let go of the outcome, trusting that the Source of all healing works through
you.
Start each day with the innocent trust of a child, knowing that all of your needs
are being met and that the healing you seek is in process. Imagine a quiet pond,
and see the reflection of your true self as you accept that you are exactly where
you need to be, feeling exactly what you need to feel in order to heal in this moment.
At noon take a moment to close your eyes and see the gift of transformation that
this day offers you. Use your ability to love yourself, seeing love in action in
all that you say and do today. At night give thanks, resting in the cradle of stillness
that surrounds you.
As you walk a labyrinth, walk through the days of fall and winter. Find and honor
your own rhythm as you walk through the dark of the year in an intentional way. Stay
present and put your trust in the source of healing at work in your life. And remember
to take the consciousness of light with you; even in your darkest hour the sun is
always shining.
Savannah Rhae is a communication artist and owner of Unfinished Masterpiece. She works with small groups leading retreats, and individually with people to claim their lives as works of art in progress. She may be reached at 715-831-6444.
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2001 Twin Cities WELLNESS newspaper.
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