As we celebrate the founding of our country on the Fourth of July, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church invites all to consider reflecting on their blessings by walking a labyrinth. The grass labyrinth at St. Alban’s, located at 21405 82nd Place W., is around the back of the church and is always open.

A labyrinth walking is a form of meditation that has been practiced by nearly every religious tradition since ancient times. Church member Maryellen Young describes it as “a pattern with a purpose. Walking a labyrinth is a gift we give to ourselves because it offers us a chance to take time out from our busy lives, to leave schedules and stress behind. The labyrinth walk is popular with a growing number of people because of its simplicity and the ability to approach its paths on your own terms.

“Different from a maze (which has dead ends and false passages), the labyrinth has a single path that leads unerringly to the center,” Young said. “It shows us that no time or effort is ever wasted; if we stay the course, every step however circuitous, however many turns, however distant it seems, takes us closer to our goal. ”

A brochure is available at the church that provides more information about walking a labyrinth. Visitors are asked to sign the guest book so the church knows the labyrinth is being used and appreciated.