I have been walking labyrinths since 1998, when I discovered one at Waycross Retreat Center in Brown County. My book study group was on retreat, and we took the opportunity to walk their large grass labyrinth. None of us knew anything about labyrinths at the time, but within a few minutes, I realized I had found my favorite spiritual discipline.

Since then, I have walked labyrinths in many places across the United States, as well as at Chartres Cathedral in France and in Glastonbury, England. I not only love walking labyrinths—I love introducing others to the practice. I had that opportunity on Thursday, March 5, 2026, when The Garden’s Spiritual Growth Team sponsored an Open Labyrinth Walk in the lower level of First Congregational Church at 7171 N. Pennsylvania. Twenty people came to slow down and walk in prayer and contemplation.

In the midst of that quiet, prayerful time, a little boy arrived with his parents and older sister. He brought his exuberance for life as he “walked” the labyrinth, encouraging the rest of us to smile and rejoice in the simple joy of being alive. Once wasn’t enough for him—he was the only person who “walked” the labyrinth multiple times.

During this Lenten season, there are two more opportunities to walk nearby labyrinths in community. On Wednesday, March 18, at 5 p.m., please meet me at the outdoor labyrinth at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian, located at the north end of their back parking lot. On Monday, March 30, at 6 p.m., meet me at St. Luke’s UMC, 100 W. 86th Street. If the weather is nice, we will walk their outdoor labyrinth in the northwest corner of the back parking lot. If not, enter Door #6 and turn right to find St. Luke’s indoor canvas labyrinth. While you are there, you can also walk their Stations of the Cross.

Lent is a time to deepen our spiritual lives. Labyrinth walking may become your favorite spiritual discipline too. Give it a try!