Most rainbows look like they are coming to earth far away. A few years ago I saw one in Spring Green, WI, that seemed to be landing just behind the hill right in front of me. Last week (1/11/12) I saw a double rainbow in downtown Asheville; the inner, brightest one looked like it was coming down to earth just yards from me, as though I could step right into it. I feel like, since being “released” from my job, I have stepped into the labyrinth of joy which is leading me directly into that rainbow. I am aware of increased energy, and others are commenting on it: “You’re more animated,” “You seem happier,” “There’s something different about you—definitely in a good way.” I don’t know what’s next; only what is NOW, and NOW is pretty wonderful.

I’ve been taking Trip outside on a leash (he’s too small and impulsive to let him go alone), and he acts like a Jack Russell terrier—leaping and straining against the leash, and pulling me along to a path in the underbrush where I have seen rabbits run. A far cry from the meditative walk I used to take in the labyrinth with other cats, primarily Willow. (See picture.) But I absolutely love Trip’s enthusiasm and energy, and use it as a reminder to engage that energy in myself whenever possible.

At a full moon meditation a few nights ago, I got the message to stay in the ecstatic state I was in directly after being released from my job for as long as possible. Part of what helps me find my way back to that space is gratitude. Sunday (which used to be a primary workday for me) I was in gratitude all day, as I was able to participate in events, both scheduled and non-scheduled which, if I had still been working, would have been impossible for me to experience, from an artist reception to a Playback Theatre event, from dinner alone at a favorite barbecue joint, to the full moon meditation. Even though I would have been off of work in time for the meditation group, I probably would not have gone, as the work (and workplace) sapped my energy physically, mentally, and spiritually. I am so grateful to have this time to rest, recuperate, and rejuvenate as I walk through my life’s labyrinth on the way to whatever else lies on my path.

What promises to be “The Labyrinthine Trip of 2012″ actually began somewhere around Thanksgiving of 2011, when Clive, the cat, disappeared, leaving a huge space in my life. Another huge space was created when, on December 26th, I was released from my part-time job at a fabric store. Although I had thought I needed that job (for its salary, and its employee discounts, which fed that part of my life where I’m a fiber artist), in the moments immediately following my release, and ever since, I have felt quite ecstatic and grateful. I immediately took some time to rest and relax, and then think about how I wanted to fill that space which had been created. I’m still working on that, and will be using this blog to write about how this part of my journey develops. The next major development came on New Year’s Eve day, when two friends, separately, emailed me about discounted adoptions at the local humane society. I discovered I had only 2 hours left to take advantage of this and, although I thought that after nearly 2 full days most, if not all, of the cats would already be adopted, I took a shower and drove over. I began by looking for Clive look-alikes, and there were a couple, but both were too stressed out to be able to take them out of their cages. It wasn’t until my 3rd time through that I finally became aware of a 4 month old black male (my favorite type of cat) who was the spitting image of a former cat companion at that age. And his name was Trip! How could I not take him home with me, where he has brought in an energy I haven’t experienced in over 20 years—the kind of playful enthusiasm usually only exhibited by the youthful members of any species. He purrs incessantly, plays constantly, and brings one of his toys over to me when he wants interactive play. To put it succinctly, he is a trip, and I expect I am in for quite a ride this year, with Trip as one of my guides.

The labyrinth is not only my favorite tool for meditation, but it is a basic metaphor for all of the work I do—as a coach, fiber artist, and writer. The labyrinth brings us in to our center where we find our light, wisdom, joy, and the leads us back out again. Whether you walk it, trace it with your finger or eyes, or simply lay one across you, the energy of this ancient pattern is palpable. Let it help you live your life from the inside out.
Follow_The_Light_clip (Find more of Daniel Barber’s music at: http://www.danielbmusic.com/)

On the drive into town this morning I heard a the Bach Cello Suite #1 in G by Yo Yo Ma, and I was reminded of the first time I ever heard him play this piece. It was part of a program which aired on PBS called The Music Garden, about an imagined music garden in the middle of Boston where, instead of Muzak, ou would encounter various pieces of classical music, each evoking or heightening a different mood, as you strolled through the garden. It reminds me of the beauty of the labyrinth.

Yo Yo Ma playing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZn_VBgkPNY
A link to the makers of the film: http://www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/mgd.html

From Betty Pease, recipient of a draping lap labyrinth from her son and daughter-in-law:

“Thank you for your gift. I didn’t know what it was. I put it on my lap and started working with it, and was so relaxed—I was amazed!”

From Steve Burt, who received a draping lap labyrinth after a motorcycle accident:

“Just to say, what a great comfort your quilt has been during my convalencence! During my time in the nursing home, especially, it was a ray of sunshine, showing the path back to my life.”

From Christine M., an experienced meditator:

“Sitting on the cloth labyrinth took my meditation practice to a whole new depth.”

From Cindy B.:

“Laurel’s guidance and cloth lap labyrinths allowed me to experience an inner connection I’ve never gotten with walking labyrinths.”

From Suzannah Tebbe-Davis, somatic therapist:

“My clients have expressed their awe and delight with the healing energy that emanates from Laurel’s healing quilt. Her compassion, talent and love, coupled with the power of the chakra symbols and labyrinths, radiate from this amazing quilt.”

Everyone wanted their picture taken with my Thanksgiving Labyrinth Quilt.

If you wish to see my work or hear me speak, check back regularly for upcoming events.

As of this post (11/4/10), my fiber art work can be seen at the following location(s):

• Bravo! office, 5th floor, BB&T building, downtown Asheville
• Strength from All My Roots—An Exhibition of Textile Arts  Honoring the Legacy of Pauli Murray. I’ve got two pieces, a liturgical stole and one of my quilted wall labyrinths (everybody’s favorite, it turns out) in this show in Durham It’s going on now, through November 30th, 10-am-4pm, at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 403 E. Main St., Durham, with a reception on Friday, November 19th, from 6-9pm. Alas, I probably will not make the reception.

Sometime in early 2011, my work will be featured in Quilt Life magazine; stay tuned for more info.

HAPPENINGS

THE TRANSFORMATION GAME

One game is currently available:

Friday evening/Saturday, January 7/8.

I am offering these games along with Bonnie Cooper, LCSW, relationship coach and certified imago relationship therapist. Although the underlying focus of these games is to rediscover joy in oneself and one’s relationships (be they with others, oneself, or God/Spirit), the Game can be played with any intention. Please email (InnerLandscaping@aol.com) or call (828-215-7424) for more information and registration.

DREAMING THE NIGHT AWAKE:
Watch for information about the re-booting of the ongoing, monthly Asheville dream group.

Please contact me at innerlandscaping@aol.com for more information about any of these events.

Today in secular terms is Groundhog Day, but in Celtic tradition it is known as Imbolq, the special day mid-way between winter solstice and spring equinox. Six weeks after the shortest day of the year, we can now see clearly that the sun is returning. One of the traditional “tasks” for this day is to completely sweep out the hearth, the heart of the home, and lay in a completely new fire. One might also do this with the human heart, and so I dedicated my morning’s labyrinth walk to this task—sweeping out the old ashes and preparing a completely clean heart-space for what is to come. 

This morning as I walked my labyrinth with small, measured steps, I was reminded of the movie, What About Bob, where Bob’s therapist advises making changes with baby steps. In fact, it has been said that you need only take one small step towards spirit, for it to meet you—more than half way. And so, with my new grand adventure underway, I am reminded by my labyrinth walk that all it takes for the rest of my life to show up is for me to take one baby step at a time.