Almost departure time...

The only journey is the one within. 

 Rainer Maria Rilke

I feel as if I've been on a journey

all my life.

To discover who I am,

whose I am 

and 

what it is 

I was created for.

I don't believe

our existence is a mistake

or mere happenstance.

I believe each person

has a purpose; 

a reason for being here

on this earth

at this time

and, 

if their paths cross mine,

there's a reason for that as well.

Did you know labyrinths were created

by, and for, Christians 

who wanted to make a pilgrimage

but, 

because of life circumstance, 

obligations 

or illness

were unable to travel 

to the Holy Lands,

Spain (The Camino de Santiago), 

or Rome?

Labyrinths are not mazes.

There are no dead ends,

blind alleys

or 'surprise' exits.

There's one way in 

and 

one way out...

all you need 

to do is walk the path

that you're on.

I've walked numerous labyrinths,

located

both inside and outside,

and, 

despite the same basic design,

the experience is always different.

In some, 

it was merely a nice walk;

but,

in two others -

New Harmony (IN)

and Chartres Cathedral (France) -

I had life altering,

profoundly spiritual

and totally unexpected

experiences - 

from which I've not fully recovered.

I love that you can never predict 

where or how 

insight, faith and revelation

will find you.

Can you tell I'm looking forward

to my trip -

and what may be found -

or what may find me -

on this next stage 

of my journey?