Maze of the Week #132 - Minotaur

Maze of the Week #132 features the face of a Minotaur. So it could also be a bull since you don’t see the body. It can be either - you decide. I made this to celebrate the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain which takes place on July 7-14.

Here was my preview image.

Here is the first version of the maze. A brown minotaur with a purple glow.

Minotaur Maze

And the alternative version in red and the addition of a nose ring.

Red Minotaur Maze

Downloads are available in the comic book style maze section. Come back tomorrow to see what the comic book cover looks like !

Next weeks Maze Preview: Back to the water

Maze Preview

5 Labyrinths to Visit in Nebraska

Nebraska might not have as many labyrinths as other states, but they do have some nice ones! I have selected 5 of the best (there are about 20) that are accessible to the public from around the state, focusing on large population areas. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.


Why visit a Labyrinth ?

Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…


5 Labyrinths to Visit in nebraska


1. Sheridan Lutheran Church Labyrinth

This 7 circuit labyrinth is in the St Paul style. The church’s labyrinth webpage includes a labyrinth brochure, tips for walking with children and an over 7 minute audio introduction for the labyrinth. Great stuff !

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

Address:
6955 Old Cheney Road
Lincoln, Nebraska 68516
United States

2. First Central Congregational Church Labyrinth

This is a painted concrete full sized Chartres replica labyrinth. It is located on the church patio with lighting available after dark. The labyrinth is painted blue and you can read about the re-paint in this article which has a link to the church Facebook page that has a time lapse video of the labyrinth work.

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Address:

421 South 36th Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68131-3899
United States



3. First Presbyterian Church Labyrinth

This contemporary concrete rectangular labyrinth is made from concrete and features a cross in the design. It is on the 8th street side of the church right off the sidewalk. It has 2 entrances/exits. You can see it on this street view.

Location: St. Paul, Nebraska

Address:

816 Indian Street
St. Paul, Nebraska 68873
United States


4. First United Methodist Church Labyrinth

 

A large 81 foot diameter Chartres replica 11 circuit labyrinth. On Google Maps it is called the Alpha Omega Labyrinth. It is made from crushed rocks with a brick outline.

Location: North Platte, Nebraska

Address:
651 S Sherman Ave
North Platte, Nebraska 69101
United States

5. Yanney Heritage Park Labyrinth

A Chartres replica labyrinth located in the city park. You can plan your trip on the park website, and from the drone footage above this seems like a great day !

Location: Kearney, Nebraska

Address:

West 11th Street
Kearney, Nebraska 68845
United States


5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH

  1. Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.

  2. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.

  3. Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.

  4. Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.

  5. Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.


5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING

I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.

  1. Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN

  2. Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN

  3. Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN

  4. Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN

  5. Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN

If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:

  1. Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.

  2. Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress

  3. Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation


I am a maze artist but I have never made any mazes from Nebraska. If you have suggestions - drop me a note. Otherwise here are some mazes of famous buildings:

Taj Mahal Maze

The Louvre Maze

Templo de Sangre de Cristo Maze

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Maze

How to Use a Labyrinth for Relaxation and Meditation

Using a labyrinth for relaxation and meditation can be a great way to calm the mind and reduce stress. Here are 3 ways to use a labyrinth for relaxation and meditation:

Merciful Love Labyrinth - Drew Tarvin - flickr

1. Walking meditation

Walking a labyrinth is a form of meditation that involves following a winding path from the outer edge to the center. As you walk, you can focus on your breath, your steps, or a mantra to quiet your mind and reduce stress. Walking a labyrinth can help you recover balance in life, enhance creativity, and encourage self-reflection and stress reduction[1][4].

2. Finger labyrinth meditation

A finger labyrinth is a smaller version of a full-sized labyrinth that can be traced with your finger. Finger labyrinths are portable and can be used anywhere, making them a great tool for relaxation and meditation. To use a finger labyrinth, take deep breaths to calm your mind, then trace the path to the center using your finger. 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[6].

3. Visualization meditation

Visualization meditation involves imagining yourself walking a labyrinth in your mind's eye. This can be done by closing your eyes and picturing the labyrinth in your mind. As you visualize yourself walking the path, you can focus on your breath, your steps, or a mantra to quiet your mind and reduce stress. Visualization meditation can be done anywhere and is a great tool for relaxation and stress reduction[3].

Summary

Using a labyrinth for relaxation and meditation can provide many benefits, including reducing stress, increasing mindfulness, and promoting emotional and spiritual well-being. Whether you choose to walk a labyrinth, use a finger labyrinth, or practice visualization meditation, incorporating a labyrinth into your relaxation and meditation practice can be a great way to find peace and calm in your daily life[1][4][6].


If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:

  1. Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.

  2. Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress

  3. Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation


5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING

I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.

  1. Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN

  2. Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN

  3. Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN

  4. Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN

  5. Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN


Citations:

[1] https://www.binghamton.edu/bhealthy/labyrinth.html

[2] https://youtube.com/watch?v=HmzbxzVFGHA

[3] https://www.mindspanse.com/post/2018/04/23/walking-the-labyrinth-meditation

[4] https://www.verywellfit.com/walking-the-labyrinth-3435825

[5] https://www.amazon.com/Labyrinth-Meditations-Exercises-Mindfulness-Centering/dp/145493770X

[6] https://educationsvoice.wordpress.com/2016/03/26/mindfulness-in-the-classroom-finger-labyrinth-meditation/

Source: Photo from Merciful Love Labyrinth-Drew ...