Warrior of the Light

Warrior of the Light

Merriam-Webster dictionary broadly defines a warrior as a person engaged in some struggle or conflict. Someone who is a hero, victor, protector, defender, or champion.

We typically don’t consider a warrior as someone who is a peacemaker. A peacemaker tends to be an antonym for warrior. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines peacemaker as one who makes peace especially by reconciling parties of variance.

I was attending the Leadership Educators Institute last weekend in Orlando, Florida. I was inspired by the experience as an attendee and served as a sponge for a couple days. It has been a while since I have gone to a conference and not have the responsibility of presenting. I was reminded to take time to step back and critically self reflect and critique my own work.

I have some learning and unlearning to do.

I have to consider what do I need to unlearn and what do I need to learn more about. What do I need to do to assist others in their unlearning and what do I need to do to intentionally listen and learn from others?

As I wrap up any semester (grades due soon!), I typically find myself considering what went well and what needs to be changed. What did I learn? What do I need to unlearn to enhance the learning of my students?

For today’s post, I want us to reflect on a few questions. Perhaps you are a teacher, a student or anyone who is closing the door on 2018. Consider the following or maybe one question that resonates with you.

How do we create opportunities to coexist in harmony in the midst of difference?

How do we value what is outside of our own experiences?

How do we approach dialogue that is not happening?

How do we understand complex issues?

How do we move the focus from how we teach to how we learn?

How do we role model vulnerability?

How do we acknowledge that there may not be a solution today, that things may sometimes be unresolved?

How do we deal with power structures?

How do we acknowledge the power of our own light and make decisions to control or to empower others?

Paulo Coelho in his prologue for, Warrior of the Light, the main character is speaking with a woman who is covered in a veil (she is mysterious). Here is an excerpt:

“What is a Warrior of the Light?” The boy asked. “You already know that,” she replied with a smile. “He is someone capable of understanding the miracle of life, of fighting to the last for something he believes in —and of hearing the bells that the waves set ringing on the seabed.”

He had never thought of himself as a Warrior of the Light. The woman seemed to read his thoughts, “Everyone is capable of these things. And, though no one thinks of himself as a Warrior of the Light, we all are.”

He looked at the blank pages in the notebook. The woman smiled again. “Write about the Warrior,” she said.

As we approach a new year, why not see yourself as a Warrior of the Light.

Learn, Unlearn...Be a Warrior of the Light!