The Peaceful Path

	Tranquil Twists

I saw my first labyrinth on my way to kickball.

Someone had burned it onto the field behind the art gallery where we practiced, and left a bunch of fliers explaining what it was -- a winding path that twists and turns in on itself, meant to promote meditation and use of the creative, nonlinear side of the brain of those who walk it.

Appropriate enough, I thought while looking at it, since the pattern kind of resembled a brain.

I tried it.

And once I overcame the ridiculousness of walking in circles in the middle of an open field, I got into a soothing rhythm.

This particular labyrinth -- which I later discovered was a Chartres labyrinth, named after the original, in the Chartres cathedral in France, and one of the most popular designs -- winds tightly around and constantly doubles back on itself.

It seems designed specifically so the most straightforward and logical path is not the one that leads to the center.

This is obvious, perhaps, considering that it is, well, a labyrinth, but the whole concept takes on a new weight when you consider the intention and process behind labyrinths.

Out of the Maze

The dictionary defines a labyrinth as a type of maze.

But according to Robert Ferre, founder of St. Louis's Labyrinth Enterprises, a company specializing in their design and construction, this is not the case -- at least not for the kinds of labyrinths currently popping up around the country in churches, hospitals and even people's backyards.

"A maze keeps you completely in your intellect; a labyrinth takes you out of it," Ferre explains.

A maze is essentially a mental exercise, whereas in a labyrinth, there are no decisions to be made.

It is simply about the psychological and emotional journey, or the process of meditation -- a central reason why the designs are gaining popularity in public spaces like schools and hospitals.

I have to admit, my first labyrinth walk didn't quite get me there.

There was something relaxing about following the path back and forth, but I certainly didn't find myself having any epiphanies, either.

But I also hadn't made the mental commitment. Like anyone who's ever fallen asleep in yoga class can tell you, true meditation takes work and focus.

A Mindful Walk

Labyrinth tender Michele Fry, who along with her husband put a labyrinth into their front yard a few years ago, offers advice on how to take full advantage of your experience.

"Take several deep breaths and set your intention for the walk," her Web site says. She also recommends lingering as long in the labyrinth as necessary, doubling back, retracing steps, even shouting or singing, if you're alone.