What does labyrinth walking have to do with yoga?

Yogaś Chitta Vrtti Nirodha

Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. 

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.2

Earlier this month I went to walk the labyrinth at The First Presbyterian Church of Austin. I remember my mind was incredibly busy that day. My thoughts were just spinning around and jumping from topic to topic with zero direction. As I stepped into the labyrinth and began my journey towards the center, I patiently waited for my mind to settle. And I waited. And waited. And less patiently waited. Eventually I realized that the dull roar in my mind was just going to stay there. I couldn’t force it to quiet down. So I let it go. I paid attention to my steps and let the mental noise continue. As I got closer to the center, two questions and answers cut through like a fog horn:

What is the purpose of yoga?

 To address the needs of the body.

What is the purpose of walking the labyrinth?

 To address the needs of the soul.

This little Socratic method moment was super clear. But here’s the thing: they both address both. And they both address the mind. 

Here in the West, yoga has become primarily a form of exercise. It’s fairly obvious by a quick social media check-in or a glance through articles about yoga. My own experience in public classes these days also reveals a focus away from the spiritual and towards the physical. I’m not hearing much Omming anymore, the postures are usually said in English, the Sutras are not being taught, and rarely is there a Namaste at the end of class. Most of the questions I receive from students are about pose alignment, rather than spiritual alignment. 

I’m not saying I think this is a problem. It’s simply what’s happening. I love a good chatarunga conversation, don’t get me wrong! But it’s the thing behind the thing that makes me want to teach yoga. It’s the spirit, more than the body, that I love to consider and connect with. And yet, we do not have one without the other. (Until our final savasana, that is.) So I’m personally perfectly content when I engage in practices that work for harmony in body and soul. Yoga and labyrinth both do this.

But what about the mind?

A busy mind prevents hearing the soul. So if you want to hear your soul’s still, small voice, your inner clarity, you have to calm the mind. And a busy mind needs an active body. 

Yoga asana (the postural practice) and labyrinth walking both move the body, which focuses the mind, so you can access spirit. They are both physical practices. They are both spiritual practices. They are both mental practices. 

You might say I consider labyrinth a form of yoga, when you take it at its original meaning and definition. Yoga means yoke, or union, as between person and divine, practitioner and practice, intellect and spirit. In labyrinths we walk towards our center, we arrive in an inner sanctuary, and we walk back out, retracing our path as we assimilate outer and inner, material and spirit, wisdom and knowledge.

The Yoga Sutras define yoga as the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind, or the ability to place your attention in one direction for a sustained amount of time. Labyrinth walking absolutely calms the mind, fosters focus, expands awareness, and settles the soul.

To me, it is a yoga. 

Here's a few more yoga/labyrinth/practice things you might be interested in:

🌟 If you haven't tried the recording of Pilgrimage to the Heart: Yoga and Labyrinth, you can see for yourself how yoga and labyrinth go together. Trace a labyrinth for peace and calm HERE.

🌟 This is a powerful time to set an intention, and it's not too late to harness the energy of the New Moon + Solar Eclipse with last week's Chakra Savvy New Moon Intentions: Energetic Blocks and Doorways for the New Moon + Eclipse. Catch the replay HERE. (Next session is 10/21)

🌟 Chakras in Chacala Mexico Retreat, May 10-16, 2026. There are a few beds left for this 6 day escape to Mar de Jade. I'm planning to create our own labyrinth on the beach! There's a labyrinth walk for every chakra... 

And finally, I’m off today for Labyrinth Facilitator Training at Chartres Cathedral in France. I bring you with me, dear reader, as a companion on my path. The practice of yoga is a journey; the practice of meditation is a journey; labyrinth walking is a journey. Thank you for coming along!

May you find some time today to move your body with loving attention, calm the noise of your mind, and have a conversation with your soul.

Much love