A finger labyrinth or lap labyrinth, is a labyrinth design, carved in wood, that you trace with your finger. It functions in much the same way as a full-size walking labyrinth, (to further relaxation, meditation and prayer) except that the user traces the path to the center using their finger rather than their feet. For many, this combination of movement (tracing the path) with introspection (eyes closed), is a more relaxing way to meditate or pray. For those whose meditation or devotional practice seems demanding or sporadic, finger labyrinths provide a unique way to bring renewed vitality and meaning to these activities. Since 1997, we have carved our finger labyrinths using 3 materials; sealed and clear-finished hardwood maple, compressed wood, (also known as MDF) and rugged and colorful plastic for those environments (schools, religious/spiritual organizations, hospitals, rehab centers etc.) where frequent sanitizing between uses is required.

Finished Maple:

Having a smoother finger path than the plain compressed wood, our sealed and clear finished hardwood maple designs are ideal for those environments where being able to lightly clean/sanitize (using gentle soap and water) between uses is important such as in a hospital, nursing home, elementary school etc. If heavier sanitizing is required, our plastic designs are a better choice. Many people also enjoy the natural wood grain that beautifully shows through in this material. If you’re looking for a beautiful, functional piece of art, this finished material is your best choice. On the back, they all have a notch for hanging and engraved suggestions for use.

Plastic:

Having smooth finger paths, this food-grade, colorful, durable and highly sanitizable material is perfect for locations that require cleaning or sanitizing between uses such as schools, churches, synagogues, hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, shops etc. They are also great for outdoor use and permanent indoor/outdoor display.

Compressed Wood:

MiniPaths in this material can be comfortably used as is or can be stained or painted with a water or oil base stain or paint; The choice is yours. Compressed wood is made from recycled wood products and therefore is a wonderful “green living” alternative to harvesting additional trees.

Notes on staining or painting compressed wood:

Think of compressed wood as raw wood material. It will therefore soak up stain like raw wood does and you may have to use a few coats beyond the first in order to get an even look. The stain will lessen to a degree the depth of the finger paths, so it’s important to keep that in mind. You may also choose to use an acrylic sealer either alone or atop stain or paint. This also needs to be done carefully to preserve comfortable finger depth. This would be helpful if you’re looking to sanitize the labyrinth between uses (such as in a sunday school or hospital situation). Another reason to seal it is if it’s going to be kept outside, such as attached to a post at the entrance to an outdoor walking labyrinth at a church, hospital, school or park. Sealing it will help protect it from the elements but not indefinitely.

Note: We recommend our plastic designs if the labyrinth is intended for outdoor use/display.

miniPaths® are small, hand-held labyrinths, mostly inlaid in plain recycled compressed wood (our single 6″ Chartres design, and our 4″ Ely design are in plastic) that are traced with a stylus. These are miniature replicas of our larger wood and plastic finger labyrinths.

A miniPath® functions in much the same way as a finger labyrinth, (to further relaxation, meditation & prayer) except you would use a stylus rather than a finger to move through the design (the paths are too narrow for a finger to use). They are designed to fit in a pocket, purse, briefcase or sit on a desktop. Whether at home, work, school, in a car, train or airplane, miniPaths® are ready to use anytime for greater relaxation, personal focus and guidance. Included with your miniPath® is a stylus, velour carrying pouch (which doubles as a non-sliding surface on which to rest the miniPath®), information card and directions.

(Unique & Versatile Two-Handed/Two-Person Finger Labyrinths)

Relax4Life developed, trademarked and holds a design and function patent on these unique patterns based originally on their counseling work with people experiencing life-affirming conditions.

Made in the USA using only American-made materials, Intuipaths offer the versatility and benefit of owning a double finger labyrinth design that can be used as either a one-person, two-handed labyrinth (helping to stimulate and balance both the right and left sides of the brain together) or as a two-person, single-handed labyrinth (to enhance the intuitive communication and connection between people.)

As a one-person, two-handed design, both sides of the brain begin to work as one and enhanced relaxation and creativity often results. There is also some indication that working with this pattern may assist functioning in conditions such as ADHD, Dyslexia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Stroke etc.). Relax4Life recently completed a national research study to determine the behavioral benefits of using an Intuipath with children diagnosed with ADHD.

To read about the study and see the findings, Click Here.

Using it as a two-person design offers a way for the usual barriers to effective communication (in both casual and formal settings) to break down while enhancing the intuitive connection between folks. This happens through improved mental relaxation and focus on the part of both participants.

On the back of each plastic design is a notch for hanging. On the back of each wood design is engraved suggestions for use as well as a notch for hanging.

Click here to read articles on the Intuipath® concept.

Click here to read a blog from a school consultant about the benefits of finger labyrinths and Intuipaths®.