Make sure to put your phone away,

in your pocket, handbag, or better yet,

leave it at home on the kitchen counter

next to a stack of unopened mail.

Walk two blocks while staring only at your feet,

then another two while gazing straight ahead.

Make sure not to take note

of any of the places that you pass.

Let buildings melt into mountainous landscapes

and allow people to transform into trees.

Try to get lost in thought.

Walk longer than you want to,

even when your big toe starts to hurt

and you think you might get a blister.

When you think about giving up

and going home, take a left at the next street.

When you think about your father’s death,

take a right.

When your thoughts wander

towards any particular moment of regret,

count backwards from 100

in time with every step you take,

and when you reach 1, stop what you’re doing

and grab the handle of the nearest door

and walk on through.