A visual and contemplative treat for today: an exploration of Unitarian Universalist labyrinths.

Many Unitarian Universalists find the practice of walking a labyrinth to be extremely fulfilling, and many of our congregations have permanent labyrinths in or near their buildings.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas, has a beautiful setting for theirs:

“Though circular in design, the four directions have been consulted. The opening is to the east, it also is the exit. Here is the place to pause, to wait, to think or empty out your thoughts. Then step within and let the pathway guide your feet while your mind is elsewhere occupied. There is no must or should, as your experience will be unique.”

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin, Illinois hosts the Earth-Wisdom Labyrinth, modeled after the famous 11-circuit design laid into the floor of the medieval cathedral at Chartres, France:

Rev. Dan Brosier says, “The labyrinth is here to keep the spiritual dialogue open—to be a reminder that there are a number of paths to the sacred.”

This one was spotted at the Unitarian Church in Princes Street, Cork, Ireland:

Other congregations have come up with not so permanent ways to enjoy the spiritual benefits of a labyrinth, such as the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, Virginia, who have reproduced the Chartres pattern on canvas:

When we lived in Milwaukee, I had a chance to walk either this canvas labyrinth on loan or one exactly like it. It was set up in the upper chapel, and provided a wonderful, although needfully temporary, experience.