Sophia Retreat and Event Center, of Dolores, invites the community to walk their labyrinth to promote peace and enlightenment for World Labyrinth Day on May 6 at 1 p.m.
The purpose is to join others across the world walking labyrinths to “create a wave of peaceful energy washing across the time zones,” according to the Labyrinth Society website.
A labyrinth is a circular design which has one path from the outside to the center. The ancient design, found in many cultures around the world, is currently undergoing a resurgence in popularity, and now appears in public spaces, parks, hospitals, and schools all over the world.
The outdoor labyrinth at the Sophia Retreat is a replica of the famous Chartres labyrinth near Paris, France, said retreat owner Mary Kramer.
“It is a meditative walk and is part of a tradition that goes back thousands of years,” she said. “People are really into these labyrinths and we welcome them visit us to experience ours.”
Walking along the winding path towards the center is a process of releasing, Kramer said. The center is a rosette design that symbolizes enlightenment, and walking the path out represents a form of spiritual grounding.
Labyrinths are tools for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation, according to the Labyrinth Society. They evoke metaphor, sacred geometry, spiritual pilgrimage, mindfulness and community building.
For more information, call the Sophia Retreat and Event Center at 970-882-4920. They are located at 19581 Road 31.
