My life has been so whirlwind and full for the last few weeks that today was the first time I was able to walk labyrinth since the start of Lent. I try to make an effort every year to do a dedicated 40 day practice (see tags for more detail), and it did not work out that way this year. It is what it is, and I do my best to be present to the current energies, rather than forcing it.

Today, I had the time and opportunity, so I walked the delightful little labyrinth in Malibu at the Methodist Church on Morningview. It was a bit messy, so I cleaned up the pathways as I went in, and that became part of my practice for this walk.

The path to the center of the labyrinth is an opportunity to release.

I’m on antibiotics, due to the lung issue last week, and I’m not supposed to be in the sun, so I wore my big floppy hat, which had the effect of keeping me focused directly where I was. It worked well, although I did take the opportunity to look around on my way out. It’s just easier for me to focus and clear my mind on the way in if my options are limited.

The center of the labyrinth is for contemplation.

The center of this labyrinth is a stump for sitting and a stone into which has been carved a quote from Mother Teresa

I sat, and did my best to just be. It was pleasant, once I got past the overdrive I’ve been riding lately.

The pathway out of the labyrinth is an opportunity to receive.

As I said, I did take the time to look around on my way out, taking in the beauty of the day. It almost got me lost, though, as I skipped a boundary, and I had to bring myself back to the immediate now. Mostly, my mantra on the way out was “I open myself to receive” and I tried not to hold on to any thoughts that came.

I was reminded that I have an obligation to my students, my practice, my household, and the three projects on which I am working, and that everything else is not a priority. I have a metric I use from time to time, and perhaps ought to be holding more in the forefront right now –

Is this going to further me along my path?

So I’m going to go through my To Do list, today, and re-prioritize. I will delegate what I can, and do my best to breathe and release those things that do nothing to further me along my path. Distractions serve no one by the negative ego.

What are you doing this week to simplify your life?