Walking the Labyrinth: A Journey to Self

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Walking the Labyrinth A Journey to Self
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• Labyrinths have been a part of human culture
  since ancient times. Though their individual
  designs may vary, the basic premise seems to be
  rooted in a fundamental archetype of human
  consciousness that recurs throughout recorded
  history.
• An Introduction to Labyrinths
• Though there are labyrinths with multiples paths,
  the most common ones are unicursal meaning they
  consist of only a single path. That path is a
  complex and circuitous journey that leads from
  the outside through various twists and turns to
  the center and then back again. With the
  destination never in doubt and

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• with no place to get lost along the way, walking
  the labyrinth becomes a meditative journey rather
  than a puzzle to master. In this way, the path of
  the labyrinth offers an internal exploration
  rather than an external one.
• Ancient labyrinths have been found in multiple
  cultures dating back at least as far as the
  Bronze Age from India to the Mediterranean to
  southern Africa to the Americas. Various designs
  are carved in petroglyphs or etched on pottery or
  stamped on early coins. Perhaps the most famous
  historical example is the labyrinth at Knossos
  which, in mythological lore, was designed by
  Daedalus and imprisoned the Minotaur.

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• Labyrinths continued to flourish during the
  medieval period when the Chartres Labyrinth was
  inlayed in the floor of the nave of Chartres
  Cathedral in France. It still exists to this day
  and has become a site of pilgrimage over the
  centuries for those coming to commune with the
  divine.
• That tradition of seeking out greater
  understanding and deeper wisdom continues today
  and may be part of the reason why labyrinths are
  more popular than ever. With greater awareness of
  the value of meditation and the positive impact
  that mindfulness can have, many people are
  realizing that the relaxation and clarity that
  comes from walking a labyrinth can positively
  impact their lives.

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• Yoga Retreats Labyrinths Inner Journeys
• Since the act of embarking on a yoga retreat is a
  journey of self-exploration, it seemed only
  natural that we should add a labyrinth to our
  property to complement the experience. On an open
  section of land near our beach, weve built a
  simple, stone labyrinth that offers the perfect
  location for walking meditation and quiet
  contemplation.
• Whether you are looking to clear your mind
  entirely or, perhaps, place focus and intention
  on one particular aspect of your life or question
  that you may have, a labyrinth can serve as a
  tool to assist you. Integrating mindful movement,

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• focused concentration, and an openness to insight
  can set the stage for greater clarity and
  understanding to arise spontaneously.
• Oftentimes, guests will head out to the labyrinth
  solo, following its winding pathway to the
  center, rest there for a time, and then retrace
  their steps back out. There is something soothing
  and rhythmic about following the circuit of a
  labyrinth. It allows the analytic mind the chance
  to take a break from navigation, opening you to
  an intuitive viewpoint that might resonate more
  deeply. Though you inevitably arrive at the same
  place you started, rarely is your perspective the
  same upon exiting.

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• Its also powerful to witness a group walking the
  labyrinth together, each at their own pace.
  Though everyone treads the same path, all
  particpants their own individual journey. Guests
  pass one another in silence or with a discreet
  nod or acknowledgement, understanding that
  while sharing a similar trajectory they also
  experience unique sensations and insights along
  the way. Spending time together, simultaneously
  in motion and in silence, can be very powerful.
• Metaphorically, your path to the center of a
  labyrinth can be seen as a journey to the deepest
  part of yourself. And the path outward can be
  your return back into the world hopefully, with
  a greater sense of clarity and renewed energy.

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• Being on retreat allows you to step away from
  everyday life for a time to gain perspective and
  to reassess your priorities. Within the context
  of a yoga retreat, walking a labyrinth can
  distill that experience even further. It creates
  an opportunity for mindfulness and self-discovery
  and prepares you to take what you learn during
  your time away and apply it upon your return.
• So when you come to visit us, pause on your walk
  back from the beach sometime. Take a moment to
  set an intention or ask yourself a question and
  then embark on a little journey within our
  labyrinth. You may be surprised what you discover.

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• Prana del Mar is a premier beachfront yoga
  retreat in mexico. Located at the southern tip of
  the Baja peninsula featuring luxurious rooms
  suites, delicious cuisine internationally-acclai
  med yoga teachers. Come on a yoga vacation to one
  of the most beautiful mexico yoga retreats
  wellness retreats in Mexico. For more details,
  visit us at pranadelmar.com