How I Use a Finger Labyrinth

Trace a path with your finger to inner peace.

photo credit: Pexels Starship Sky

I love walking in a labyrinth. Whenever I attend a spiritual retreat, I often find a labyrinth somewhere on the grounds. Labyrinths are a spiritual symbol that can be found across countless cultures and faith traditions. The winding paths of the labyrinth seem to mimic the pathways we take in life. But no matter how long and challenging the road, it leads us back to ourselves at the center.

When I walk a labyrinth, I stop at the opening and recite a prayer to myself. I set an intention, ask for guidance about a particular challenge, or just offer gratitude. I enter slowly and I take thoughtful steps as I move along the path. I might chant a mantra or repeat a prayer. A few of my favorites are:

Psalm 23 (King James Version)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Buddhist Prayer for Peace

May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses.

May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free.

May the powerless find power, and may people think of befriending one another.

May those who find themselves in trackless, fearful wildernesses--the children, the aged, the unprotected--be guarded by beneficent celestials, and may they swiftly attain Buddhahood.

- Author Unknown

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

I walk and chant or pray or in silence. I allow my feet to follow the path around and around. When I reach the center, I pause and say a prayer. Some people leave items at the center of a labyrinth. When I feel complete, I turn and make the return journey, resuming my chanting and prayer. When I reach the opening, I say a prayer of gratitude and go along my way.

Not everyone approaches a labyrinth in this manner. I remember how annoyed I was when two women entered the labyrinth I was walking while I was deep in meditation and prayer. They were laughing and talking to each other, skipping the rounds that got too long and just chattering with each other as they moved through. I had to forgive myself for the judgmental thoughts I had about them. I imagine that if there is some form of “labyrinth etiquette” not everyone knows about it.

If you’re used to walking in a labyrinth as a contemplative, spiritual practice, you might be delighted to discover that you can re-create that experience using paper and a pen. Today, we’re going to make a finger labyrinth that you can use whenever you need to re-center, calm or ground yourself. I used to keep one tucked into the front cover of my journal, so I could pull it out and trace my finger along the pathways my feet might follow if I were outdoors.

Supplies:

• A sheet of paper (printer paper works perfectly)

• A pen

Gather your supplies and follow along with the video. You can choose to decorate the paper first and then draw your labyrinth on top or draw the labyrinth and then decorate it later. Of course, you could also just leave it plain. It’s up to you.

Once you’re finished drawing your labyrinth, find a quiet place, take a few deep breaths and follow the process I described above, but instead of walking, you’ll be tracing the path with the index finger of your non-dominant hand. You are also free to create your own process for tracing your finger labyrinth.

I wanted to share another tool for using creative expression as a spiritual tool. I hope you found this helpful.

I’d love it if you’d share a picture with me if you create your own finger labyrinth. I’d also like to hear about your experiences using it.