The labyrinth is an iconic design that has been used for thousands of years in religious, spiritual, and artistic endeavors. Ancient examples can be found across a variety of cultures, woven into religious texts, art, and architecture. After a revival of interest in the late 20th century, the labyrinth is again being used as a tool for inspiration, meditation, and prayer. In this Lunch & Learn, author and educator Jay Stailey will share detailed information about the history of labyrinths, the multitude of designs, where to find labyrinths in the Houston area, and where the most unusual labyrinths can be found throughout the world.

Join Jay Stailey after the Lunch & Learn – on Friday, Apr 18, at 7pm – for a sunset labyrinth walk on one of Houston’s beautiful labyrinth spaces. Location: St.Paul’s Methodist Church – Bankston Green, 5501 Main St, 77004. While not required to attend, please RSVP for the labyrinth walk on the Community for Conscious Aging's website.

Jay Stailey is a retired public educator, author, storyteller, and certified labyrinth facilitator. He was drawn to the labyrinth as a preparation tool for retirement and continues to walk “the walk” over a decade later. He has collaborated with artists and organizations to create numerous labyrinths in the greater Houston Area and beyond, including the labyrinth at the Mt. Carmel Prayer Garden in Houston’s Fourth Ward, the labyrinth at the Villa de Matel spiritual center, and other temporary and permanent installations in nine countries, across four continents. He was a recent presenter at the Labyrinth Society Gathering in Asheville, providing a workshop about creating “Labyrinths in Unusual Places.”  He has been both a featured teller and the artistic director of the Texas Storytelling Festival, and has led Sacred Spaces Tours to Ireland, Italy, France, Peru, and Ecuador.

This livestreaming program can be taken from home or anywhere with an internet connection. If you register, you will be emailed viewing instructions either the evening before or the morning of the event. Please be sure to check “spam” and “junk” folders!

This class will be recorded. Recordings will be made available on the CCA website within two weeks after the program.

All times are CT. Please contact onlinelearning@junghouston.org with any questions.