On the Traveling and Turns of Being and Becoming a Narrative Inquirer

Abstract

I am a narrative inquirer still in the making. My journey of being and becoming a narrative inquirer, so far, has involved a series of personal and professional turns. In this chapter I draw on two painful experiences of shortcoming and the apparent paradox that every time we perform a turn, we are looking backwards in order to move forward. Turning points are openings to learning and to surprise. For me, narrative inquiry involves a commitment to navigate unknown waters, and a willingness to inquire into the unknown and sometimes silenced in my own and others’ lives. Dwelling with my own shortcomings, such as my experiences alongside Risten and Maria,1 is crucial in my process of being and becoming a narrative inquirer.