Unlike a maze, which is a cousin of the labyrinth, the labyrinth has one path in and the same path out. The maze is a puzzle to go through and solve, while the labyrinth is a trusted rhythm to be meditated or contemplated in while walking. Whereas you conquer a maze, the labyrinth enables you to self reflect.
Lighter
The gentle rhythm
of this walking meditation
is a metaphor for life itself,
walking to my center,
turning,
and turning again,
each turn a momentary still point
for reflection,
and the middle a waiting,
a wrestling,
a letting go,
just the place to leave something
of self,
while the return journey
is always the lighter for it.
©Paul Vincent Cannon
Paul, pvcann.com
“while the return journey
is always the lighter for it.”
… Sometimes.
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True, if so I go again, time permitting of course, but even then …
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Great take on the prompt, Paul.
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Thanks Winnie, appreciated
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You’re welcome, Paul
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Reblogging to my sister site Timeless Wisdoms
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Thank you Ana 🙂
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My great pleasure, as always, Paul
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😀
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Thanks for the enlightenment. I never really knew the difference between a maze and a labyrinth. I now know that I experienced both in New Harmony, IN a few years back.
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So glad it was useful, and great to hear you’ve experienced them.
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So nice, and true too, Paul! Thank you! Michael
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🙂
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Thank you Michael:)
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I love the comparison you point out between the maze and the labyrinth. I find myself doing both separately at different times. A perfect poem, thank you Paul.
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Thank you Helene so appreciate the encouragement.
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🙂
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Fascinating theme, Paul!
I like how well meditation, how accurately, it’s described, captured.
Your words, theme, and technique all came together.
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Thank you so much Paul
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beautiful contemplation!
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Thank you Kate 😊
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welcome Paul 😎
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🙂
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Excellent meditation on the labyrinth.
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Thank you so much 😊
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Enlightening words Paul. Re read it again to enjoy its depth 🙂
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Thanks so much Radhika for sharing that. 🙂
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Beautiful, Paul.
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Thank you, so appreciate the encouraging words.
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My pleasure.
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What a lovely way you describe tackling your problems head on! Stop, pause and reflect before moving on. The return journey is lighter. I loved this Paul 🙂
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It took me so long to get to it, so glad I learned, thank you Christine
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We learn as we get older don’t we? 🙂
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We do, late developers we is 🙂
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Lovely poem. There are lots of labyrinths around New England. I’m betting you might have one in your yard? 😊
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I have one in the front yard, well bet indeed 🙂 and thank you.
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Fascinating take on the labyrinth. i too chose it over the maze, finding it’s internal rhythm more soothing.. I love the idea of being able to leave behind that which might have become to heavy to carry (my words) .Beautiful.
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Such a beautiful reflection of my experience with the labyrinth
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Yes, can’t beat it really.
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Pingback: What do you See? Roundup Feb/12/2019 | Willow Poetry
It helps to find a worthy poem that just drives you along a path of reflection and contemplation.
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