Turning Point: Are You Ready?

Noticing that we are not happy is when a Turning Point begins.  Awareness exposes us to outcomes we could not see while we were angry, frustrated, confused, isolated...

As mentioned in last week's post (Turning Point: Are You Happy?), the stances of Noticing, Non-violence, and Non-Defended Learning allow us to Turn Together by unlocking our hearts and minds to curiosity, questions, and understanding.

What symbol have you used to show your love for another?
(Photo:  Love Lock on Rotterdam Bridge
 - Larry Gardepie, 2025)

Turning Points allow us to see differing viewpoints and distant horizons.  Yes, we may not agree on what we see, but the challenge is to stay in relationship and describe what we see and the meanings we have attached.

The actual turning point is the ability to turn away from anger, hatred, and violence -- the second stance of Non-violence! -- and experience the Need for Connection.

How many "mountains" do you see in any situation?
(Photo: Waterway outside Paamiut, Greenland
- Larry Gardepie, 2025)

When we share our thought processes -- that is, how we came to specific understandings and conclusions -- we start our journey to Self- and Other-Discovery.  Abandoning "defending my position at all costs" and turning towards listening to another facet of reality allows us to look back and see the decisions we made based on the information available at that time.

Together, with new information, we have a choice on how to move forward.

Do you see the wake of your decisions?
(Photo: Ship's Wake in Prince Christian Sound,
Greenland - Larry Gardepie, 2025)

These reflections are being written before Charlie Kirk's memorial service.  I must admit, I am worried about the messages that may be given.  Loss is accompanied by anger, sorrow, and pain.  But my fear is that some people may use the occasion to call for vengeance and blame, pointing to perceived enemies.

This is where my concerns and filters get in the way.

• Can I listen without judgment?
• Will I agree or disagree?
• How can I stay in relationship? 

All of us have questions we must answer over the coming days as our nation struggles between ideologies.

Maybe the eulogies won't be what I fear, but am I at a turning point -- am I ready -- to admit that my assumptions are wrong?

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting