The labyrinth has always had important mythological, religious and cultural overtones. Many embrace the challenge of walking the labyrinth or maze without giving a thought to its significance to civilizations that span known history. For our family, the labyrinth has always signified “the journey.”
Alison & Vieja at Grace Cathedral
Some years ago, I remember standing with Sheila at the beginning to the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco with my mother, who insisted that we walk the labyrinth and embrace the mysteries that have been passed down over so many generations. I don’t recall any earth-shattering revelations as Sheila and I walked the path toward enlightenment. I suspect that I was far too worried about stepping on the stone borders that lined the labyrinth trail or, perhaps, I was simply more concerned about discovering the “right” path.
But then, walking the labyrinth isn’t about any great new revelation: the labyrinth is just a simple reminder that the journey of life is full of mystery, dead-ends and new beginnings and, to paraphrase Robert Lewis Stevenson, “traveling hopefully is far more important than to arrive.”
As my mother makes her final journey toward the great mysteries at the end of her personal labyrinth, I think back on all of the joy and life-enriching experiences she has shared with her family and many friends all over the world. We are all the wiser to her gift for infusing us with her pioneering spirit. An inquisitive mind forever young is rare and we are grateful that our mother shared so much of her journey with us.
While the end of her labyrinth may be near, I am quite sure that my mother sees it as yet another path to be taken by those who travel hopefully.
