Labyrinth Patio - The Garden
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - Dusk
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - Noon
Mission Statement
The Garden embodies a new vision for the historic corner courtyard of La Mesa First United Methdist Church. The area has been transformed into a sacred space for reflection, meditation, and prayer. The courtyard is open to the community and offers access to the Loving Spirit in a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. The Garden serves not only the La Mesa First UMC congregation but those looking to extend the expression of their faith and those who are seeking a spiritual connection. The permanent installation also restores a highly visible gateway to our church, reestablishing the historic entry in a way that allows our congregation to again make use of an under-utilized space, and reaching out into the community and to other churches in a tangible way. The pleasant urban oasis, both by its location adn appearance, welcomes you in to discover an old spiritual tool, a labyrinth, awaiting. This page is meant to aid those unfamiliar with labyrinth walking so that you might feel more comfortable utilizing this approach to meditation and prayer.
Walking the Labyrinth
There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. You have only to enter and follow the path. Your walk, however, may encompass a variety of attitudes. It may be joyous or somber; thoughtful or prayerful. It may be a walking meditation. Adults are often serious in the labyrinth. Children are most likely playful and may move in and out quickly. Attitudes may change within a single walk.
Some general guidelines that may be useful while walking are:
- Focus: Pause and wait at the entrance. Enter when you feel ready. Alternatively, you may circle the outside of the labyrinth until the time to enter. Become quiet and centered. Give acknowledgment through a bow, nod, or gesture and enter.
- Experience: Walk purposefully. Observe the process. When you reach the center, stay there and focus for several moments or minutes. You may choose to sit while in the center. Leave when it seems appropriate. Be attentive on the way out.
- Exit: Turn and face the entrance. Give an acknowledgment of ending, such as a bow or "Amen."
- Reflect: After walking the labyrinth reflect back on your experience. You may choose to use journaling, drawing, prayer, or discussion with others.
