What does the word “Labyrinth” mean to you? And I’m not talking about the freaky 80s movie with David Bowie!
A labyrinth is very different from a maze. A maze is meant to disorient and confuse as you move from the entrance to the exit. In a labyrinth, the entrance and exit are the same opening. The twists and turns guide you to the middle. There are no wrong turns, no dead ends, only one path that leads to the center point.
The experience of giving birth is like stepping into a labyrinth. You can read all the books, know all the terminology, but when you step across the threshold of labor, you step onto the path.
You will make it to the center (giving birth) as you stay on the path and keep moving forward. That’s all you have to do. The path will lead you there. You don’t need to think about the entirety of the labyrinth, but trust that the path will get you to the center.
Be intentional about staying present and just keep moving forward one step at a time. As you do, you will arrive at the center and birth your beautiful baby.
If you’re asking, but then I’m in the middle and how do I get back out? We’ll tackle that more in-depth another time. Your journey back out is what I call the 4th Trimester. The same rules apply to getting back out. Keep moving one step at a time knowing you’ll reach the opening out of the labyrinth.
We all experience labyrinths throughout our lives. Birth is just one. What’s a labyrinth you’re navigating currently?