I got a new talking piece last night. It came with a wonderful explanation.
- My newest talking piece
As it was presented to me, the giver said: “It has all kinds of colors, a variety, like people, so it shows everyone is included. You can bring things back together with stitching.” He ran his finger along the seam of the bright red threads. I took the ball. He went on to say “life can throw you a curve ball, but you can still hit a home run”. I smiled and said “that’s great!” “oh yeah, and it’s round” he added.
I love talking pieces that are given to me as gifts. The story comes with the piece. It’s so much better than saying “I picked this up at Wal-mart”. Now I can carry forward the givers take on this talking piece.
As I type this I keep picking it up and rolling it in my hand. I love the tie-dye and I love the fact it is a baseball. I’ve used an old beat up softball as a talking piece, but I’ve never had a baseball. I immediately decided it would be one of the pieces for my next college class.
I knew the person giving me the talking piece “got” restorative justice. He noted inclusiveness, repairing harm and bringing the good from the bad. All in that talking piece description. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to share Restorative Justice philosophy with so many people. I like having it come right back to me like a boomerang.