Choosing the path towards focus and mindfulness
What is a Focus Labyrinth?
The Focus Labyrinth is a simple, yet effective tool that integrates a very specific intention, affirmation or goal into a relaxing meditation session. It's also a beautiful reminder to stop, breathe, relax, meditate, focus and tune in to our true desires!
Mindfulness and meditation are very old practices but they are now the new buzzwords. Society is now looking for ways to combat the stress and anxiety we face which are the root cause of many of today’s ailments. Mindfulness and meditation are becoming mainstream now in answer to our desire for calm and meaning
Today's great teachers and authors tell us to FOCUS on our goals to achieve them... but they don't teach us HOW to focus.
The Focus Labyrinth is a unique tool created to help you focus on the things that really matter in your life. It combines the magic and energy contained in "walking" a labyrinth with the conscious choice and focus of a desired goal or attribute you'd like to attain.
Our world is definitely speeding up! We're losing our ability to focus. Now, more than ever, we need focus and insights to find creative answers and solutions for today's individual and global issues.
As a handheld, portable labyrinth, you have access to the tool no matter what time of day it is, what the weather is or if you have physical challenges with walking or with driving to a labyrinth. My meditation experiences with an outdoor labyrinth have been very powerful. But to have a handheld labyrinth available to me 24/7 is also invaluable.
Let your mind become clear like a still forest pond.
If you let cloudy water settle, it will become clear.
If you let your upset mind settle, your course will also become clear.
If you take care of each moment, you will take care of all time.
--- Buddha
How to use a Focus Labyrinth
Additional Information
Decide on a specific intention, affirmation or goal that resonates with you in that moment. It could be a person that you’re concerned about, a quality or attribute that you desire and want to attract into your life, a general feeling you would like to experience more of or a very specific goal you would like to accomplish. Just the simple act of consciously choosing your intention or goal is very powerful in itself.
You can choose from one of the worded magnets and attach it to the permanent magnet in the center of the labyrinth or you can write your own word(s) on the blank magnet and attach it. (The kit comes with 7 blank magnets and 12 pre-worded magnets) If you’re using the solid color blank magnets, you can use the chalk marker and write down your own specific, personal intention or affirmation and then erase it once you’re done with that intention and write a new one the next time.
Step 1: Take a few deep breaths and relax. Choose your intention. Repeat the word or intention to yourself a few times to solidify your desire.
Start at the opening at the outer edge of the labyrinth. Slowly and gently follow the path inward with your finger or the stylus provided.
Release all thought processes and just “walk” your way to the center of the labyrinth with a stylus or your finger. Breathe as evenly and normally as possible the entire time. The goal is to use a light touch, surrender and immerse yourself in the flow of the journey to the center. Enjoy the journey and let your mind relax and wander. This is not a game that you need to rush through to win or stay perfectly in the lines to achieve results.
Step 2: Once you arrive at the center, take a minute or two to rest, listen, tune in and receive any information that comes to you about your intention or goal. The labyrinth will “whisper” clues, insights and information to help you achieve your desired goal or intention. You might feel a wave of energy or peace or connection while you’re in the center. I like to think of it as my treasure map where the center, or the X, marks the spot where I will receive treasure. Or as a compass that will help direct me on the right path.
Step 3: You can then choose to stay in the center and hold that energy or feeling as long as you like. Once you’re ready, you can “walk” the path backwards and take the energy you’ve received back into your day and your life. You can also choose to end the meditation after you’ve reached the middle. Some people report experiencing negativity as they walk back out to the edge. Try experimenting with both options and see if you can feel a difference.
Step 4: Write down the information you’ve received during the process on the notepad. Review it and sit with it to absorb as much information as you can. I like to put the date on each sheet so I can go back through them at a later time and analyze the trends of my thoughts and my progress. When I see a recurring theme in my notes, I know I’m on to something valuable.
The first time might not produce any amazing or noticeable results but keep trying. Set a goal to use the Focus Labyrinth daily to create a new habit. Just like brushing your teeth or making your bed, your results will be best if you add the labyrinth into your daily routine around the same time each day. You might want to “tie” it to another non-negotiable task so you don’t forget. Many counselors today advise taking at least 30 minutes for self-care related activities per day. Using the Focus Labyrinth can be a productive and relaxing addition to your self-care routine.
