My Labyrinth

[Mika]

One very reassuring,
though challenging,
aspect
of the infinite knot
is that it reveals
something
of the 'layers'
of our being.
As we contemplate
the symbol
of the knot,
we can begin
to notice
the spiraling nature
of our journey
into the deepest
centre of ourselves,
and the intricate maze
of exploratin
that draws us
into the heart
of the matter.
It draws us
into a centre
where we rediscover
our selves
and rediscover
that union
which was fragmented
when we first
followed the enticement
of autonomy.

A spiraling journey
takes us to ever-deepening
layers of ourselves.
It is never
'just the same thing over again',
but rather
the vision
of recurrent experience,
differently
and more deeply known
and recognized.
We begin to notice
the layers
that have formed us
into who we are.
The layers of childhood,
of play and learning,
the first layers
of loving and of losing.
Layers of growth,
like rings in a tree trunk,
each successive layer
marked by the weather
of the time,
rough or gentle.
We may have lived
in the same village
all our lives,
and with the same people,
but each stage
of our living and growing
will have
its own particular markings.
When we stand
at the sacred space
of our personal reflection
on that infinite knot,
we may begin to glimpse
the layering
of our own story
in the way that
the Universe sees it.

If you artistically inclined
you may like to try
drawing your own
infinite know.
Express in your own way
how your spirals
have evolved,
what your layers look like,
and the special colors
of the threads
that have been woven
into your life -
the events and relationships,
hopes, fears and dreams
that have formed you.
Or, if you prefer
a more dynamic image,
try looking at your life
in terms of an intricate dance.
What has moved you
closer to the centre
of yourself,
what has whirled you out
to the edges again?
Who have been
your closest dancing partners?
How has your dance
become interwoven
with the dancing
of those around you,
or with the dance
of all creation?
And for those
who prefer a steady walk,
how has your journey been?
Where has the maze
seemed dense,
and where has the way
opened up clearly
before you?
Round what twists and turns
has your maze
journey led you?
Perhaps you can recall
difficult times,
when you may have felt
you were walking
further away
from your true center?
Times when you seemed to fly
on eagles' wings
along a true course?
However you felt
at the time,
all these periods
of your life
have actually been
bringing you
to the point where you stand
today!

And what is this center
into which
the infinite knots
and spirals
are drawing us?
We might call it
the deepest
and truest center
of our selves,
which we refer to
as our 'heart',
or our 'soul'.
We might equally well
call it
the heart of creation,
where all is one
in bedrock union.

quoted from 'Sacred Spaces - Stations on a Celtic Way' by Margaret Silf