Why is our logo a heart labyrinth?
The labyrinth is an archetypal symbol for pilgrimage or journey. Walking a labyrinth path generally helps us to center ourselves, to access the right, intuitive side of our brains, and to open our hearts. Labyrinths have been found in ancient cultures all over the world. In the middle ages several new geometric patterns were designed and placed on the floors of many Gothic cathedrals in Europe, including Chartres Cathedral. Unlike a maze which is a puzzle to be solved with dead ends and the intent to hide the way, the labyrinth with no dead ends and only one path leading to the center, is designed to help us find our way. What is required is that we trust the path and put one foot in front of the other. To find out more about labyrinths see www.labyrinthguild.org.
We at Chaplains on the Way see ourselves as companions for others. We accompany others on life's journey, especially in times of struggle or special need. We literally walk the streets with people and our goal is to help all whom we encounter to find healing for themselves and to find the resources they need, including other providers, to help them on their way.
We also walk metaphorically with people to help them find their way spiritually, to find hope and meaning in life, drawing on their inner resources and faith traditions. As on the labyrinth we trust the path before us and walk with others one step at a time. Most important in this journeying is an open heart and an open mind. At the core we see our role as giving and receiving love, to and from the people with whom we are privileged to walk. Usually we walk with those who feel excluded from caring circles in our society.
The labyrinth symbolizes our work and also supports our work. We walk the labyrinth ourselves as a spiritual discipline and we invite others to walk it with us. We have taken the labyrinth to health care facilities, churches, and programs, such as Waltham Community Day Center.
Labyrinth pattern at Chartres Cathedral