By the time we reach a certain age, we stayed away from Dead End streets.. Early on we travelled that street in ignorance. Then we avoided that street and continued our journey seeking a way through. For many of us that journey was both too puzzling and  too painful. So we developed a habit which then became a cul- de -sac.

We travelled at first thinking we were making progress; then, the habit provided a limited amount of payback but enough still to keep us on that circular path. Ending up again right where we started. Soon this cul- de- sac journey becomes both unsatisfying and un- comfortable. We then resumed the search for a through street.

This journey has obstacles: grief, regret, pain, fear and no compass to guide us through. An Empty Chair conversation with the person whose behavior provoked that journey down the Dead End street and around the cul-de-sac will enable us to see the path through that seemingly impassible way out. Through the dark tunnel, past the  chaos and into the light of acceptance and possibility.