12.20.14 … all things labyrinth …

“Solvitur Ambulando” – It is solved by walking, 2014 Advent Labyrinth Walks, Avondale Presbyterian Church – Charlotte:

A wonderful morning spent with my church’s newest minister, Erika Funk, walking and talking labyrinths. We walked Avondale and also drove by and looked at the labyrinths at Myers Park Baptist Church, Wedgewood Church, South Tryon Community Church and the Almetto Howie Alexander Labyrinth at the McCrorey YMCA.

I’m sure I talked too much!!

12.20.14 … My stockings are hung and it’s a kitschy affair!

Christmas 2014

Preschool and early ed teachers, thank you. My mantle is covered in ornaments that my children made, cake toppers from birthday cakes and happy meal toys and Christmas book tie ins. Since my three children are 20, 22 and 24, I’m not sure when this kitschy affair will end and what respectable and elegant decorations will replace it … But for now, I am happy. (And yes, Molly never got a matching stocking … The store in Charlotte where I ordered them went out of business the year she was born. 🙂

12.20.14

12.16.14 … stress relief …

“Solvitur Ambulando” – It is solved by walking, 2014 Advent Labyrinth Walks, finger labyrinth:

We now own a blood pressure monitor at our house. a certain member checks his/her blood pressure daily.

I do not check my blood pressure, it is always been very low, never an issue.

So today I decided to check mine. Wow. 135/87. I took it again thinking, this cannot be right. 130/87.

So then I thought, I will do my finger labyrinth and see what happens. And it was a surprising result. After walking the finger labyrinth, it was 120/85.

Now, I know the bottom number is more important and I really did not make it move significantly. But I have made a 17 point move with the top number. That does still seem significant.

So medical friends, what is the science behind this?

12.16.14

12.7.14 … It works because it makes you focus really hard to stay on the path.

“Solvitur Ambulando” – It is solved by walking, 2014 Advent Labyrinth Walks, Christ Church School Lower School Greenville SC:

This is a lovely labyrinth made of stone pavers with a thick grass boundary. This labyrinth is a full Chartres style. It is very tight though, and the path is about the width of my 2 feet standing together. It works because it makes you focus really hard to stay on the path. The boundary is made of grass which is extra thick because it has not been mowed lately. However, it’s nice because the grass is frosty this morning because it’s still early and the sun is not burned the frost off. The frost shimmers in the morning sun.

In addition, there is a lovely seating area right next to the labyrinth with a running fountain.

Great way to start my morning.

Blessings!

12.7.14

12.4.14 … “sacred geometry”

“Solvitur Ambulando” – It is solved by walking, 2014 Advent Labyrinth Walks, private labyrinth – Nashville TN:

A friend invited me to walk this one, and I was sure it was not going to be a perfect Chartres. Most private labyrinths are built before people really understand the concept of “sacred geometry,” and therefore, they are using it more as a centerpiece for landscaping or a peaceful spot to sit and relax.

But this small labyrinth was the real deal, and I really enjoyed walking it. It is not available to the general public or even on the worldwide labyrinth locator.

It was an enjoyable experience as part of my Advent walks.

12.4.14

12.3.14 … “Spiritual life is reality-based. It can have mystical entry points and destinations.But it is at root about making peace with what is.” – Krista Tippett

“Solvitur Ambulando” – It is solved by walking, 2014 Advent Labyrinth Walks, Scarritt-Bennett Center – Nashville TN, Calvary United Methodist – Nashville TN:

The labyrinth is located on the Scarritt-Bennett Center campus in the International Peace Garden (Scarritt-Bennett Center is a non-profit education, retreat and conference center with a strong commitment to promoting racial equality, cross-cultural understanding, the empowerment of women and spiritual renewal.).

The weather says cloudy and cool but it is very very damp. The labyrinth is a grass labyrinth and the borders are made of brick. It’s a very simple labyrinth and it is an eleven-circuit Chartres. As soon as I arrived I turned around to look to see if there was a peace pole in the garden and, yes, there is one. This seems to be some kind of Methodist center. it’s very lovely. I hear a mower in the distance, and I see someone who appears quite academic. I’m doing it very quickly as I am running late.

Part of the reason I do this is to quiet me from the busyness. But sometimes you just need to be reminded of the busyness before you can “be still.”

And lucky me … another walk … Another nice grass labyrinth …

And here is a quote from Krista Tippett that I like:

Krista Tippett @kristatippett 38s

Spiritual life is reality-based. It can have mystical entry points and destinations.But it is at root about making peace with what is.

via Twitter.

Happy third day of Advent. Hope is the mantra of this week.

12.3.14