Turning Stone
Each of us is a living representative of our personal family lineage - the leading edge, not only of a particular set of DNA instructions moving through time, but also a set of cultural beliefs, an emotional style, and a way of relating to the world that is handed down from generation to generation. Our family lineage is one of millions of currents creating the greater cultural stream. However, within each generation there are certain individuals whose task is to change the course of their family lineage. These individuals are Turning Stones, a term borrowed from Japanese gardening for a stone (Meguri Ishi [insert kanji]) that causes a river stream to abruptly change direction. Importantly, a person does not choose to be a Turning Stone, but rather is tasked with it by the circumstances of their birth.
Turning Stones have the following 4 primary characteristics:
- They are very sensitive.
- They are very bright.
- They are more acutely aware of and effected by their family lineage.
- They are the apple that rolled furthest from the tree.
It is precisely these qualities of sensitivity, intelligence, empathy, and independence that enables one to be an effective Turning Stone. To the extent that an individual succeeds in changing the course of their family lineage (through their own self-transformation), they can have a very significant and fulfilling life. However, should they fail, the torrential weight of their lineage influences can be crushing.
As adults Turning Stones tend to recapitulate the role they played within their family of origin. Accordingly, they may be shy and reclusive, living on the fringes of the mainstream, forever feeling like a round peg trying to fit into a square hole. Being sensitive and bright, they are acutely aware of the problems of the world and feel an urgency to respond, yet may lack the personal ambition, emotional toughness and social skills to act effectively. As a result, the Turning Stone is prone to anxiety, depression, isolation, and feelings of powerlessness.
However, Turning Stones who succeed in transforming themselves and their lineage, can go on to change the world. They are often the pioneers, the uncommon leaders who have the insight and courage to break new ground. What distinguishes these leaders as Turning Stones is that while successfully participating in mainstream life, they are not of it. Inwardly, they continue to live unconventional lives and for this reason often cherish their privacy. Moreover, it is precisely their ability to stand apart that gives them the ability to clearly see the limiting assumptions of conventional life.
Historical Context
The Turning Stone archetype extends beyond the individual to encompass entire generations and epochs in history. For example, the 1960’s was a Turning Stone generation and the Arab Spring will similarly, be remembered as a Turning Stone period in the Middle East. The Axial Age (German: Achsenzeit) a term coined by the philosopher Karl Jaspers, extended from 800 - 200 BCE. It was during this pivotal age that urban life first emerged on the planet, bringing diverse views and beliefs into sharp juxtaposition. As a result of this cultural intermingling and confrontation new religious and philosophical paradigms came into existence, establishing the foundations of Judaism, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Today, we are on the cusp of a second Axial Age fomented by the emergence of globalization that once again is bringing divergent cultures into intimate contact. We are entering the “Age of the Turning Stone. “
The Turning Stone Project
The Turning Stone Project is the brainchild of Jia Gottlieb, a physician, who has helped hundreds of Turning Stone patients overcome the negative health consequences of being a “black sheep” and achieve their fullest potential. The project is expressly designed to provide Turning Stones with the support and skills they need to transform their lives and their world through forums, workshops and trainings.
At this critical juncture in human history the old paradigms are exhausted and at the end of their serviceable life. The unique sensibilities and talents of the Turning Stone are needed more than ever to forge new directions. It is time for radical change. It is the time for Turning Stones to step forward and fulfill their destiny.