Sit with this · 10 minutes
Walking the Long Way
A quiet exercise about the roads we avoid, the memories we route around, and whether today is a day for the short way or not.
Goes with the story Flowers on the Railing.
The Estate · theestate.world/reflect/walking-the-long-way
Before you start
This exercise touches on grief and avoidance. Go gently. If it brings up more than you can hold right now, stop, and use the support numbers at the bottom of the page. The long way is allowed.
Steps
- Sit somewhere you won’t be interrupted. Feet on the floor.
- Think of a place, a conversation, a date or a person you go the long way round to avoid. You don’t need to write it yet. Just let it come into view.
- Notice what happens in your body when you picture it. Shoulders? Stomach? Jaw? Don’t change anything. Just notice.
- Now ask yourself, slowly: Who else might be walking to this place while I walk away from it?
- Breathe out longer than you breathe in, three times.
Write
What is the road I still take the long way round to avoid?
How long have I been walking the long way — and what has it cost me?
If I took the short way just once, who might I find standing there?
Sit with this
Marcus didn’t have a speech. He just stood next to his mum, and let her decide what happened next. You don’t have to solve anything today. You only have to know which road you’ve been avoiding.
The Ripple
If there’s someone on the other end of that road, consider one small step towards them — a message, a visit, or simply not crossing the street. Only when you’re ready.
No printer?
Write here instead.
This stays on this page. Nothing is sent or saved.
Questions I Ask Myself
One story. One thought. One different direction.
Welcome, Neighbour.