Almost as a counter trend, people want less fragmentation and more center and unity. Those who walk often say they like to walk the labyrinth because they are lost or afraid. Some explain that the labyrinth gives them a sense of going back home. Many Americans are making their own portable labyrinths. And now, having the labyrinth available for walking on a weekly basis has been a wonderful opportunity for midweek prayer and meditation, not only for our church members, but also for people in the larger community.
People walk the labyrinth and get ideas for poetry, pottery, or music.
The labyrinth is a real inspiration. The Community of Hope, United Church of Christ, in Madison, Wisconsin has both a pattern that can be laid on a floor indoors and one that lays on the ground outside. In addition, they have an indoor canvas labyrinth, which is available three days each month for candlelight walks to music. There are also many private labyrinths. We mowed one into a large meadow in our backyard, based on the design at Chartres.