Mazes are meant to disorient and confuse us with multiple paths, dead ends, tricks and high walls. They are puzzles to be figured out, hence activating the left-brain. Currently many spiritual and secular settings are using them as walking meditation tools for personal and spiritual growth. How they work is a mystery, although it has been shown physiologically that they balance the body s fluidic system as well as the right and left sides of the brain. Most people who walk them or use finger labyrinths report a sense of calm and peace making them a wonderful tool for stress reduction.
Labyrinths come in many forms and patterns.
They can be created permanently or temporarily outdoors using a variety of materials, portable ones are drawn and painted on canvas, nylon or other fabrics and finger labyrinths, where your fingers do the walking by following the path, are created in wood, plastic, acrylic, etc. Some corporate parks have installed permanent labyrinths on their grounds. Portable ones are used for training programs, retreats and department meetings. Finger labyrinths can be used individually at a person s desk. Since there is nothing to do but put one foot in front of the other and follow the path, the brain starts to quiet so we can hear our inner voice or truth which is so frequently drowned out with the constant chatter or clutter in our heads.