A PROBLEM SOLVING TOOL:
The Labyrinth Meditation
 (If you don't have access to a labyrinth to walk, print a copy of this labyrinth and let your fingers follow the pattern.)
Take a moment to meditate on what sort of issues you would like to resolve in your life. Consider for a moment what problems-physical, spiritual, external, or emotional-you would like to find a resolution for at this time.
As you move towards the center, you will begin working out solutions for your problem.
Start by thinking about not only your problem, but what you think of it on an intellectual level. Explore how the problem has come to exist, from a non-emotional standpoint.
Move on to how the problem makes you feel. What emotions does it bring about in you? Do you find yourself unable to make rational decisions when you're dealing with your problem? What is it about this problem that brings about such an emotional response within you, and why does it affect you so much?
As you begin the third part of the journey, move on to how your problem affects you in your physical world. Are you running out of money because of a bad job? Do you have someone or something in your life that is hurting you? Have you become ill because of your problem?
Continue moving slowly towards the center, and examine how the problem has affected your spiritual needs. Do you feel as though you are at a loss in your spiritual path? Does it inhibit your growth as a spiritual person?
As you approach the center of the labyrinth, it is time to begin looking for solutions. If you have a deity, you can ask them to take the problem into their hands. You can ask the universe to help with a solution. You can ask for a vision to guide you -whatever choice works best with you and your faith. As you reach the center, ideas will begin to come to you that will help resolve your issue at hand. When these visions arrive, accept them without questioning or judgment -even if they don't make sense right now, you can analyze them later on. Meanwhile, accept that a solution has been given to you by a higher power.
Be at the center of the labyrinth. Ask yourself, "What is the first step? How may I make this solution come to be?" Take some time to just be there, and let your solution sink in. You have completed the first part of your journey -the reaching of a resolution.
The Return Path. As you move from the center, consider the solution you were given. Look at it in a non-judgmental way and think of it logically. Is it something you can make happen? Even if it seems difficult or hard to achieve, if you set yourself a goal, it is obtainable.
Continue your outward journey, and keep thinking about the answer to your problem. Thank your deity or other higher power for taking the time to pay attention to you and your needs, and for helping you reach this state of awareness.As you continue, consider once more your spiritual life. Will this solution allow you to grow or learn spiritually? Will you feel more whole spiritually after the solution has been implemented? What about physically? Will your body and health be affected in a positive way once you begin working towards this resolution? How does the solution make you feel on an emotional level, and how will it affect the negative emotions you felt about your problem in the first place?
As you approach the end of your journey, try to look at your solution from a logical, non-emotional perspective. If you work towards this solution, will it resolve your problem? While it may create more work for you, and be difficult to obtain, will the end result ultimately be worth the effort of making it happen?
Once you move out of your labyrinth's path, take a moment to once again thank the deities or higher power that assisted you. Think, as well, about how you feel as you emerge from the labyrinth. Do you feel lighter, as though you have truly found a way to resolve your issue? Take a deep breath, recognize the new power that you have, and get to work on making the necessary changes in your life
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