Carmel is more than a place

"Mary's spiritual maternity helps Carmelites learn from her how to ponder, to meditate, to think on Christ in their hearts. The Brown Scapular, part of their habit, is a symbol of her intercession - a sign that she covers them in her prayers. They wear this sacramental as a sign that they have said "yes" to the prayerful presence of Christ's mother in their lives. The color "brown" speaks to the ascetical efforts and countless trials that learning how to pray demands. In fact, Mary makes pilgrimage with those who dedicate themselves to deep prayer in all their struggles and difficulties. She is a faithful mother who works tirelessly that a Carmelite's faith in Christ might come to full maturity."
-from the blog, Beginning to Pray