Back Roads

I am pretty sure it drives my spouse crazy. On Google maps, when I am searching a route- I will check the "avoid highways" box and wait for a route to pop up. While my spouse would definitely choose the quickest, most direct path between two places, 9 times out of 10 I will take the long route. What may seem like an avoidance of busy highways or chaotic intersections (and full confessions, sometimes it is that) I have found this long route taking to actually be a bit of a spiritual practice.

Take for instance my drive into the office. On weeks that I am onsite at our main offices, I stay with my parents who are about 40 minutes (by my way) from the office. I could fully hop on a major highway and be there much quicker but I have found a route that feeds my senses and my soul before arriving for the day. There are highways involved, but there are also drives past the big Twin Cities lakes, through a revitalizing uptown, past a couple neighborhood school bus stops, and into bumper to bumper traffic on a main thoroughfare. I have come to love getting off the freeway and entering fully into the city. I notice the ice on the lakes and the parade of dogs walking their owners in the early morning sun. I have invented stories about the unhoused gentleman who is often pushing his shopping cart when I go by. I have waved at the little boy who clings to his dad's hand as they wait for the bus between the tall apartment buildings. I have enjoyed sitting in traffic, waiting for the light to change and noticing the store fronts, murals on buildings, and graffiti. By the time I arrive at the office, I feel as though I have collected the energy and beauty of the city and I belong to the community- even though I live miles and miles away.

My job currently has me on the road quite often. Driving to the cities for work, driving to churches in small communities and in bustling downtowns, meeting in local coffee shops and in musty church classrooms. Sometimes I have to take the direct route- join the 75-80 mile per hour race to make it in time. But other times, I will allow myself 10 extra minutes and choose the route that takes me through tiny towns, past beautiful farms and country churches. It's on these routes where I notice the bald eagle perched in a tree. I see the deer standing in an empty field. I notice the boarded up downtown, but marvel at the bustling cafe and bar. I am present.

As we continue to careen as a country towards disaster, I wonder what would happen if more of us opted for the back roads. What would happen if the pulse and the energy of a neighborhood so different from our own became part of us just because it became a simple route in our day? I wonder what would happen if we all slowed down enough to notice the similarities found in kids at bus stops, boarded up buildings, and thriving coffee shops. And if the differences would be seen as unique and curious instead of threatening and scary. I wonder what would happen if we pulled ourselves off from the frantic pace of the interstate- focused so fully on who cut us off, which lane is going faster, making sure we find our exit and instead opted for the slower, the meandering, the back roads rooted in community?

What I can say for sure is taking the back roads has led me to places and people I would have never encountered. It has added joy to my days rather than stress. Do I have to plan a little more carefully? Yup. Do I have to allow a little more time for the uncertainty I might come across? You bet. Will I change my ways anytime soon? Highly unlikely. Taking the back roads has nurtured my spiritual practice of being present. Of connecting with community. Of seeing the other. Of enjoying the journey. Of unexpected joy. Try it sometime- let google maps take you where you too can avoid the highways. See what speaks to your soul. Notice how you feel when you arrive. Take joy in the journey. Maybe Lucy the Subie and I will see you out there. - Drive safe...