Conversation as sanctuary — join me?

“Disagreeing in public should not be a death sentence.”

I heard a fellow bridge builder say those words a few days ago and they haven’t left me since.

I am so profoundly sad and angry about Charlie Kirk’s assassination and everything it’s touched that I have not been able to write publicly at any length about it. When I try to explain what I think to the “audience” in my head — a crowd of people at war with themselves — it feels so useless. Like shouting into a storm.

What I have been able to do is respond to people’s texts and DM’s when they share their thoughts one-on-one, and reach out to people I find wise to see if they can chat.

Conversation has always been a kind of sanctuary for me. I can wrestle with ambiguities there. I can ask questions. Mess up. Learn… loads. Each one holds up a mirror. Helps me see what’s in here points to heart so I can get a better look at what’s out there points to world.

I might need to dwell in conversation for a while.

If you want, please join me.

I’m back on Instagram (@moniguzman). On Instagram Stories, I’m sharing bits from these conversations I’m having. I’m leaving other names anonymous so you can see all the way into what we’re saying. I can’t thank my conversation partners enough for what they illuminate, and I invite you to DM me your own thoughts and see where it takes us.

Meanwhile, the public conversations continue. I’m heading to more universities this fall, and exploring new ways to answer what feels like a call for more and better tools for a moment that desperately needs them.

Stay curious, all.