Northminster Presbyterian Church to Host World Labyrinth Day

The third annual World Labyrinth Day event will take place at 12:30 p.m. May 5 at the Interfaith Labyrinth located outdoors at the front of in Troy.

The Labyrinth Society has invited the world to "Walk as One at 1" on May 5 in an attempt to create a wave of peaceful energy moving around the planet.

“A labyrinth is a meditative, winding walking path that for centuries has been utilized worldwide for spiritual and psychological healing and transformation,” said Rev. Charlotte Sommers, pastor of Northminster Presbyterian Church. “The difference between a maze and a labyrinth is that a maze is designed to confuse and challenge you while a labyrinth provides a single path in and out again so there can be no confusion while you let your mind relax and contemplate.”

Labyrinths are thought to enhance right brain activity, and uses include problem solving, conflict resolution, walking meditation, modern day pilgrimage, and stress management. The American Cancer Society states that labyrinths "may be helpful as a complementary method to decrease stress and create a state of relaxation."

Research studies conducted in a variety of settings consistently have shown that walking a labyrinth reduces stress. In fact, over the past few years, this has been the most commonly reported finding related to the so-called "labyrinth effect," according to John W. Rhodes, Ph.D. Chair of The Labyrinth Society Research Committee.

A brief presentation on labyrinths will be given at 12:30 p.m. followed by a walking of the labyrinth and refreshments.

The handicapped accessible, brick lined Labyrinth on the grounds of Northminster Church was constructed in 2008 through generous donations by individuals throughout the local interfaith community.

“We welcome everyone from throughout our region and from all faiths to come join us as we celebrate World Labyrinth Day and experience the unifying joy of a simple, reflective and transforming walk,” Sommers said.

For more information, call 248-644-5920 or visit www.troynorthminster.org.

Source: Northminster Presbyterian Church