Lost in Thought: Mapping a Labyrinth in the Stacks for Well Being

Lost in Thought: Mapping a Labyrinth in the Stacks for Well Being

Stubbs, Jennifer

2026-05-14

eng

Presentation

University administrators push for performing more new innovations to attract and retain students. Student organizations and campus counseling offices collaborate to offer students tools or techniques to identify what works best for each student, navigating the confusing years and choices of emergent adulthood, nascent independence, and an intimidating flurry of choices. As a beneficiary of the mental well being available through the walking meditation of a labyrinth, I was heartened to attend LOEX 2023 where a librarian presented contemplative practices in higher education, including mapping a labyrinth in her building. Aware of the templates and techniques for designing a labyrinth, I attempted the process myself. Tiptoe through the tomes with me as I relay the unexpected obstacles, surprise limitations, and embrace the sense of calm after emerging from the final project. Building upon the success of colleagues’ Breathing Room initiative, De-Stress Week, and Anti-Procrastination Cafe, I applied my fail-forward, rapid prototyping of game design mindset to mapping a walking labyrinth for students in the library. Using facilities’ maps, templates for basic labyrinth layouts, and a ball of string, you, too, can model patience and mindfulness to enter the labyrinth with a question at heart, and walk out many minutes later with, if not an answer, at least a clearer mind and calmer heart.