Musings on Dance, Food, Geek Stuff
“The labyrinth was designed by an intelligence we cannot fully understand. But this much I do know. The labyrinth is truly a tool for transformation. It is a crucible for change, a blueprint for the sacred meeting of psyche and soul, a field of light, a cosmic dance. It is a center for empowering ritual….
Traditionally labyrinths are of course intended to be walked upon. But even in ancient times, there were small labyrinths that adorned buildings, books, and even coins. When I was visiting the Scott Street labyrinth, I appreciated that they had both a walking scale version and a small one on a raised dias that you could…
Perhaps the best summary of what a labyrinth is all about, from the great T.S. Eliot. “We shall not cease explorationAnd the end of all our exploringWill be to arrive where we startedAnd know the place for the first time.” From “Little Gidding” by T.S. Eliot (1943) part of his “Four Quartets” series.
Yesterday I completed a side quest to walk every public labyrinth in San Francisco. It was surprisingly revelatory and joyful, and I recommend the practice for all spiritual seekers. For those unfamiliar, the labyrinth is an ancient design element found across civilizations dating back thousands of years. Sometimes used interchangeably with the word “maze,” labyrinths…
I think I’ve finished touring all of the public labyrinths in San Francisco! The last one I could find is in beautiful Bernal Heights Park. It’s right near the road so it’s easy to spot. And it’s one of the most original designs that I’ve seen, weaving its way around three spirals. It might be…
Today I visited the most “rustic” of all the labyrinths I’ve experienced in SF, the McLaren Park labyrinth. Basically it’s just a dirt path barely delineated with some rocks, with weeds and detritus all around it. Random toys and objects are strewn about. The center is an altar of sorts, with a couple of buddha…
I’ve been a bit obsessed with labyrinths lately. Labyrinths were last month’s topic of a spiritual discussion group I’ve been attending. Since then, I’ve been visiting all the labyrinths in San Francisco. People have asked me what my meditation process is when I visit one. I’ve adapted a process I found printed near a labyrinth…
Somewhat hidden past the entrance to the California Pacific Medical Center lives a lovely outdoor labyrinth. Set back from the street and away from the entrance, the labyrinth is well situated for an undisturbed meditative walk. The pattern is similar, possibly identical, to the one used at the Grace Cathedral. I guess it’s a popular…
Grace Cathedral is one of the finest houses of worship in San Francisco. It’s also home to, not one, but two beautiful labyrinths. I had the opportunity to walk both this week, and can highly recommend the experience. The most obvious labyrinth is right as you enter the cathedral. It takes up the large open…
The Lake Street labyrinth is hard to find unless you are looking for it. Tucked in a garden beside Saint John’s Presbyterian Church at Lake and Arguello, you might think it’s just four row of small bushes. But it’s actually a tiny labyrinth! Here’s a timelapse of me walking it.