Basics of Using Labyrinths for Mindfulness Practice

Topic: Self-Awareness, Mindfulness, Meditation, Spiritual

Supplies Needed: Printed Labyrinths

Prep Time: Some Prep

Activity: Discussion Activity

Age Range: Any Age

Finger Labyrinths as Described Here:

A finger labyrinth is similar to a full sized labyrinth you would walk except it is on a much smaller and more portable scale. The user traces the path to the center using your finger rather than with their feet. There are many different kinds of labyrinths differing in size and complexity.

Finger Labyrinths are known to help children relax, feel better when they are sad or scared, deal with situations when they feel ashamed or embarrassed and help them to concentrate.

How to do a Finger Labyrinth Meditation?

  1. Take deep breaths to begin to relax and focus on the entrance to the labyrinth.
  2. Place your pointer finger from your non-dominate hand on the entrance of the labyrinth. If you find this too awkward at first, use your dominate hand. However, over time, keep trying your non-dominate hand. This helps keep the mind focused on the meditation due to the challenge it presents.
  3. Slowly trace the pattern of the labyrinth with your finger allowing your mind to clear from extra thought and focus solely on following the path of the labyrinth.
  4. “Walk” to the centre of the labyrinth and rest momentarily, taking deep breaths observing how you are feeling.
  5. Retrace your path out of the labyrinth.
  6. Sit back, breathe deeply and relax. Observe how you are feeling again.

Note: The same steps apply for a Walking Labyrinth, except you slowly walk the path.

Free Printable Finger Labyriths:

Other Activities:

  • Instructions on making your own Finger Labyrinth using Play Dough
  • Make a 3-D Finger Labyrinth
  • Challenge the children to create their own Finger Labyrinths by drawing or using small objects on a flat surface or drawing one in sand/salt/rice.
  • Create Walking Labyrinths using jumping ropes, construction bricks, cones, bean bags, chalk etc. outside or in the hall for children to walk.
  • Challenge children to create their own Walking Labyrinths using jumping ropes, construction bricks, cones, bean bags, etc. outside or in the hall for children to walk.

Downloads & Printables

  • Click Here for a PDF Download of a Classical Labyrinth
  • Click Here for a PDF Download of the More Complicated Chartres Labyrinth
  • Click Here for a Comprehensive List with Many Options! (Try the double labyrinths using both hands slowly, at the same time…)

 

Thoughts & Suggestions

This site offers virtual Labyrinth walk-throughs as well as screensavers.

Try having each person draw their own design, they can be any shape!

Try getting outside and using sidewalk chalk to design full-size labyrinths to walk through!

 

Mindfulness in the Classroom- Finger Labyrinth Meditation
Labyrinths have been around for over 4,000 years with labyrinth stone wall carvings, clay tablets and coins dating back to the Bronze Age. Labyrinths have been featured in Greek and Roman mytholo…