The Locket, The Ring and The Compact (175)

The Locket

A keepsake dear to our heart. Sometimes split in two, giving a piece of ourselves to a dear friend or family member. If we open it, often there is a lock of hair, a tattered photo, or a word of kindness. We wear them close to the vest, like a protector of our spirit and hope. Out for others to revere, or against our bare skin- we all have lockets, pendants of faith and memory.

These days though, the chain seems to be weakening. What was once sturdy and fortified now feels fragile and fatigued. Yet, we are still holding tight to the chain. The thread that connects us to a time when things felt balanced somehow. Now there is a necessary unraveling, a vibration of change. Will the locket stay closed and hidden, or will it become an ornament of transformation?

The Ring

"The one ring to rule them all" not one I would want to wear. Tumultuous and malignant. It binds to the fingers of those who do not wish to see the truth. They want to remain blind and eager to follow a leader, who only seeks to conquer and destroy liberties. This ring is powerful, it causes division, derision, and demonization. It is easy for the masses to destroy one another- the ring just needs to whisper words of judgment and hate.

How do we get the ring back to the fires of Mordor? We must find our companions and set out to destroy the ring. Remove the veil of desired supremacy. The only way we can do this is to keep the conversation going. Keep bringing to the forefront- acts of those who wish to do harm. Keep calling out those who spread derision and divisiveness. We need to be the voice of reason.

The ring can be destroyed, but it will take quite a journey to reach the fire in which we can change minds, broaden points of view, and unite in a common cause- transparency, transformation, and equity.

The Compact

A mirror. Once an adorned, jeweled case, proudly displayed. Now falls to the bottom of a purse, in most cases, plastic and powdery. But the purpose is the same. A reflection piece so one can beautify. Lipstick, blush, or mascara- this round or square contraption holds the window to the soul. It is funny how our phones can now be a mirror too- updating the idea of a compact.

The compact is used to remove blemishes, shine up our curved lips and lengthen our eye lashes. Especially in a time like this- it helps embellish, liven, and accentuate our identities. It helps us find our voice because it lets us see our perfect image of ourselves. But, if we do not use them to magnify for ourselves, our biases, and hidden judgments- what good are they?

Mirrors and masquerades are perfect for costumes- but for real life, compacts should be the reflection of ourselves that lead us to change. They are personal items, so we need to us them for personal growth opportunities.

The Locket, The Ring, The Compact

I do not know if you ever watched Warehouse 13 on SCIFY, but I am re-watching it now on IMbD, on Amazon. It is a fun show. Artifacts that cause disruption and dismay. Agents set out to gather them up and keep people safe. The artifacts are real world objects often linked to people in the past. Anyway, the episode I watched yesterday was about H.G. Wells.

She escaped and removed a few of her belongings in the process. Her locket, ring and compact. They are not sure why yet. But this got me to thinking, nowadays, what these objects represent. Why would someone want to hide these away, or use them in some way? Thus, a blog post.

I hope your metaphorical locket, ring and compact are used for good. No need for Mordor in your future. That your ring expresses connection and love, which I am sure it does. Most rings are tokens of joy and love. Our rings are our bond to those who surround us with kindness and respect.

I hope that we all use our lockets to recognize the need for change and transformation and our compacts for reflection and growth. These three innocuous objects, are of course metaphorical- but think about it, we all have them.

I know as educators, we are looking for ways to transform education. These three items can do that. Especially if we use them together to: remember, express, bond and reflect our positive spirits with those around us.

We have a long road in front of us- but we all have our companions and I know we will make the journey together. It was a difficult road for Frodo and his friends, as it will be for us as educators and as humans- but they made it through the dangerous landscape with fortitude, strength, optimism and trust.

Together, lets keep the conversation positive and transformational and I know we will make some amazing changes. Conversation, action, unity, growth and change.