The experience of walking the Labyrinth can be seen as paralleling the three stages of prayer found in classical spiritual writers like Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross.

The path to the center is the path of quieting ourselves inside and out; of letting go of the details, distractions and busyness of our lives; of moving away from the ordinary routine of daily life; of surrendering control and dependence on our usual ways of knowing; of purification, healing, and forgiveness. It is the path of PURGATION!

The center is the place for waiting, listening, and open attentiveness to the Divine Presence within; discernment, insight and illumination; receiving a Word, a gift, or the grace we are seeking; quiet resting in God. The center is the place of ILLUMINATION!

The path from the center is the path of returning to life with new understanding; of walking at-one-with-God, to live life in deeper intimacy with God than before; of going forth to give as a gift what one has received as a gift; of continuing one's journey with greater wholeness and integrity. It is a path of UNION!