Special thanks to First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach (especially Dr. Ron Hilliard and Catherine Hilliard) for inviting Labyrinth Wellness, LLC to bring the labyrinth for Advent Solitude Day 2010. It was a truly wonderful morning...
Participants had several hours of unstructured time to simply rest silently, journal, pray, read, reflect or walk the labyrinth. Plenty of wonderful reading material was available, but really, the idea was just for attendees to use the time as they felt God was leading them to do. There was absolutely no set agenda (what a blessing)!
It was a beautifully sunny, crisp morning so the courtyard and the prayer garden were particularly nice spots to just sit and to "Be Still." Delicious refreshments were set up in the coffee house whenever folks needed a bit of nourishment. Reverend Hilliard was available for one-on-one prayer time on an outside bench for anyone that desired some quiet conversation. A small, quiet room was set up where prayer candles could be lighted, communion could be taken, and individuals could remember their baptism by water.The choir was rehearsing for their Christmas Concert in the sanctuary, so participants could slip into a pew and enjoy some beautiful music as well.
In the gymnasium of the Youth Building, we had several returning labyrinth walkers and many individuals who had never walked the labyrinth before. It was such a blessing for me to get to share a bit about this spiritual tool with those who had questions before they began their walk. I also brought lots of different finger labyrinths that walkers could sit on the comfortable couches and trace before or after their walk.
Afterwards, we had a brief time for sharing. Many wonderful insights and impressions were spoken about the day within the quiet, supporting circle of participants. Again, it was such a lift to my heart to learn that the experience of walking the labyrinth had touched so many lives throughout the morning.
May each of you find your own personal ways to rest in the Silence and the Solitude of the Season...
Peace for your Advent Path,
Robin
Excellent way to set this up, freedom for everyone to pursue their own path as they felt directed and so much extra supportive parts made this a sure winner.
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