Walking in Circles 2: Guest Blog by Alexander 'Twig' Champion
Going in Circles
Circumambulation is one of the most spiritual walking practices there is. Circles are probably the most spiritual shape, a symbol of the infinite, the emptiness but simultaneously the whole. Most major religions practice some form of circumambulation for its spiritual significance. Circles are also the most natural shape, planets, eggs, water-droplets, etc. all fall naturally into round shapes. Not to mention life cycles.
If walking, as I have always maintained, is the best form of travel for observation, then walking again and again round an object is even more significant. Circling an object creates a bond with it, and with each pass a new detail is noticed.
In my own circumambulations I find I enter a meditative and therapeutic mindset but am also hyper aware of my surroundings. going round and round I notice every detail and also here more, tuning into this place and time. I circle into a mindset that is spiritual, meditative, and induces inspiration.
The object you move around must be something revered or something you wish to investigate. Moving around it you pay homage, reverence, show a willingness to learn it intimately.
For a truly significant experience with the human soul, find an object of some importance to you and then circle to gain a connection to it that is both intimate and spiritual.
Alexander ‘Twig’ Champion
Published in ‘Ways of Walking’ by Triarchy Press