Are you sitting comfortably?

Are you sitting comfortably?

I’d like to book some of your time. Yes; me.

When do you next have 3 hours to spare? Not for a while? Is 90 minutes easier?

Okay. We’re on.

Ah. Small hitch in writing this is as there might be a pause of days – weeks even! – until the appointed hour, at which point one would divulge to you what was in prospect. Can we wait this long?

Hey; forget mystery. Let me tell you what to expect when the time comes, when you should be ready to venture outside.

BONG!! It is the appointed hour.

Take out a map of your locality. I unfortunately must assume you are likely to be from that demographic which is on the map, so to speak. But as you are on the internet it would be a paradox if you led an unmapped life. Call me a magician but if you are reading this I divine that you live in a context of marked roads and ‘professionally’ constructed buildings; am I right? Yes; this does speak volumes of our great digital divide.

I digress. Back on track now.

So you have the map in front of you. You should be able to locate where you are situated and the map needs to show all the areas within 30 minutes’ travelling distance of this.

Now I would like you to rapidly identify an area within the map (and within the radius above) which is relatively unknown to you or which you would not in usual circumstances choose to visit; it must be one where you can walk about freely. A small note: you should under no circumstances venture into an area known for being risky. Ah – perhaps this is another moment of cognizance of difference, perhaps even of inequality.

You must now leave and get to the chosen place.

So then you are in ‘the place of appointment’.

Take time to catch your breath. Be aware of your breathing. Tune in to the different sounds that are around, any smells, particular colours and textures that may be apparent. Begin to notice any people who happen to be about. Try to slowly imbibe the sensations. There is no hurry (but that you have to get back in time; in time for what?!).

When you feel you have begun to absorb in a deeper way, you may begin to move about – but without a sense of itinerary or purpose. Follow your instincts.

You will now be aware I am sure that I wish you to be in a ruminative, meditative  state, a liminal one even. I will not be prescriptive, proscriptive or directive any more. Continue, unconsciously running down the clock.

Your time is over – so you will return to where you came from.

Have a good day; you will be refreshed – it may even take time for you to know this. Thank you for allowing me to book your precious time.