During the seventh week of my End-of-Life Doula course, some time was spent focusing on self-care, not something I am very good at. As somebody who was the editor of a self-care magazine, it’s ironic, because when it comes to myself I have the cobbler has no shoes syndrome. All of us in the course were encouraged to walk a labyrinth. I had seen labyrinths when visiting holy sites on vacations, but had never walked one with an intention. Unlike a maze, you’re not looking to find your way out. A labyrinth asks you to find your way in to the space, yourself and a calmer mind. 

Walking a labyrinth is a great, free self-care too. First step, find a labyrinth in your neighborhood. You may be surprised to find how many there may be by going to World-Wide Labyrinth Locator. Who Knew! There are five in my neighborhood. I chose one sequestered near the edge of the woods at Mariandale, an ecumenical retreat and conference center a few miles from my home. It’s a red brick lined, gravel path in a classical style according to the sign at the opening. I came to the labyrinth with a question in my mind, and by the time I slowly reached the center, the question changed, my shoulders lowered, tears were shed and I was an inch taller, clearer thinking. I highly recommend putting one foot in front of another.