9 Questions to Ask About the Labyrinth of Your Life

Labyrinths have become part of spiritual practices for many people and cultures.

Labyrinths are like mazes and are built in different designs and various ways. When walking through them they can represent your journey and ways to learn more about yourself, your life, and your relationships with others. It can deepen your connection to your emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.

The most basic metaphor for walking a labyrinth is that of your life’s journey. You walk through being mindful. You can envision your life’s goal or a challenge you might be facing. You walk to your destiny (the center of the labyrinth) and see what you learned, or experienced.

So how can you do this if you don’t have a labyrinth to walk?

You can begin by acknowledging what you are experiencing throughout your days. Symbolically you’re walking a labyrinth every moment.

Although, if you haven’t had the experience of actually walking one, I recommend exploring it at least once, it really is quite amazing.

When you wake in the morning, imagine your day is unfolding with many great lessons and insights for you.

You can be specific as to which area in your life you want to explore today, like relationships, money, career, personal time and growth, or spiritually. Or you can just let the day unfold and see what insights you receive, or what you learned about yourself or others.

Start by paying closer attention to sights, sounds, people, your body, and your emotions.

At the end of the day take out a notepad or sheet of paper and ask yourself these 9 questions:

1. How was my day in regards to ____________, or in general?

2. Were there any twists and turns today? If so, how did I handle them? What could I have done differently - if anything?

3. What did I notice about myself emotionally today? Was I relaxed, tense, happy, sad, scattered, rushed, fearful, etc? What contributed to my overall feeling?

4. What did I experience in my body today? Was it feeling wonderful, in pain, relaxed, alive, etc? Did my body have any messages for me? Think about what your body might be trying to convey to you.

5. Did I feel connected today, or lost and alone? Did I take time to just "be" today or connect with God (use whatever word feels right for you)?

6. What was I aware of? Was I going with the flow, or rushing through my day? Was I focused or scattered?

7. How did I experience others today? Did I feel a sense of oneness, frustration, jealousy, envy, anger, etc? What contributed to this feeling?

8. What did I see today? Or what did I see differently today? What blessings or gifts did I receive?

9. Consider all the experiences of your day. What did you learn about yourself or situation? What insights, epiphanies, or ah ha moments did you have or came to realize as you were answering the questions?

Every twist and turn in our days, or life, is a way to awaken us to the present moment, to why we’re really here, and who we really are.

They are opportunities for us to grow, learn, and expand as we walk our personal labyrinths.

Are you paying attention to your body and emotions, as well as the signs, symbols, events, and people that are for your personal, professional, and most importantly, your spiritual connection and growth?

Remember when you Shine, the world shines brighter because of you!

©2009 Kimberley Cohen / The Insight Technique™