‘Walk the Labyrinth’
Good afternoon,
One of our Quaker Chaplains, Barbara Davey, offers the following meditation:
We are hearing much at this time about the positive benefits of being in nature, for those who are able to venture outside. Here’s a suggestion for those in St Andrews, that might lift your spirits – while keeping at least two metres away from others, why not walk the Labyrinth in Kinburn Park?
Labyrinths have been used for hundreds of years in different designs and settings. They are not attached to any particular tradition. Unlike a maze, the Labyrinth is a simple path to the centre and out again. There are no wrong turns.
The activity of walking can allow space for prayer or meditation –
Breathing in, I calm my body or With each step I greet the earth
Breathing out I smile With each step the earth greets me
(both from Thich Nhat Hanh)
There might be an element of pilgrimage –
La ruta nos aportò otro paso natural
The path provides the natural next step
(Spanish palindrome from Robert Macfarlane’s The Old Ways)
For me currently, it is an opportunity to reflect on one of our Quaker Advices –
Attend to what love requires of you, which may not be great busyness.
Whatever your perspective on life, walking the labyrinth can offer tranquility, drawing you in to the present moment.
Thank you Barbara for that lovely meditation. And I know there are online labyrinths for people who can’t get to one in person.
Let me also remind you that tomorrow at 11 am we will hold the University Chapel Service on zoom. I will conduct the service from my home, Claire Innes-Hopkins the Director of Chapel Music will play piano at her home, readers will read from where they are, and I hope that many will listen, respond in the prayers, and even sing the hymns (while muting their microphones, or it will be a cacophony because of time-lags). Here is what you need to know if you wish to take part. The order of service is attached. This contains the words of the hymns and prayers we’ll say together, and of the readings. Click on the link under Join Zoom Meeting, and follow the process.
Donald MacEwan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: University Worship Sunday 29 March 2020
Time: Mar 29, 2020 11:00 AM London
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/339178445
Meeting ID: 339 178 445
Finally, do not forget that clocks go forward tonight in the UK by one hour. That means that while the service is at 11 am British Summer Time, it will begin at 10 am GMT.
Yours,
Donald.