Like you, I have been thinking a lot about Charlie Kirk’s murder, not because of his political views, but rather because he was a soul on an earthly journey, just like the rest of us, and no one should be killed because of their political views – or any views.
And today we are awash in a Macbeth-like cauldron of misinformation and finger pointing which detracts from the truth as well as the hope of any solutions to all of this.
So today I invite you to contact a friend who shares totally opposing political views from your own, and seek out a respectful, deep listening conversation, remembering Steven Covey’s advice to “Seek to understand first, before making yourself understood”. Thus you will be modeling the change we desperately need in the world.
Gratitude Lance for reminding us of a wiser way to be together in our world. “Relating with respect ” is an authentic path forward… free from our protective armour of blame and judgement.
And I might have added “curiosity”. And yet another idea is this quote from Shunryu Suzuki: ““In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few”
I appreciate your invitation, Lance, but I fear that most people won’t heed the call. Many have woven their views into their identities. I suppose that’s partly how someone could get the completely wrong impression that murder kills a person’s ideas, which we know it doesn’t, it only kills the man. I disagreed with pretty much everything Mr. Kirk stood for but his children deserved to grow up with their father and violence is never the answer.
Lisa you are so right. But all of us have a duty to follow the inspiring example of Erika Kirk who publicly forgave her husband’s killer just 11 days after he was murdered. I take inspiration from that – a remarkable example of how we should all lead our lives.