TIME SET FOR A HEADSET

As Bharatanatyam dancers, owning this piece of jewellery is a dream for some, an achievement for some, a far fetched reality for some and a prized possession for some. Across age, experience and fetish lies this piece of jewellery's travel itinerary. 

My first association with this beauty was when my teacher called me and gave a set of extra jewellery that she had. As a 10-year-old it was undoubtedly me in a candy store. I would prefer a sports shop though :D

My second encounter was when my teacher, who is a total empath and a giver, sensed that I couldn't buy one and gifted me, what is called an 'original temple headset. A senior student of hers had an extra set of the Headset, Suryan and Chandran-The sun and The moon (other parts that come with the headset)and gave it to her to be given to me. I used to be amused that Days and Nights and their representatives are on my head. Oh, Lord! A big responsibility at this age!

Foraying into full-time dancing, I realised that most of my savings went into procuring jewellery and make-up for dance. No regrets back then! I finally bought a headset that I still own which I will eventually pass on just like how my teacher did. I Spent 16,000 rupees in doing that and paid it in instalments to a kind seller from a small town in Tamizh Naadu.

We all have stories that we cling to just like we do to memories associated with them. Some share, some bury.  

As I sat down one afternoon, a few days ago, I wondered what is a headset's philosophical presence in this colourful world it exists in?

The image above that I illustrated came as a thought to me. On the one hand, the self-luminous sun is the ray of hope and joy to the young and energetic. When young, our actions, reactions, sensitivities, goals matter so much and we record everything, perhaps mindlessly even. But that's just us. No complaints.  However, we never stare straight into the sun. We never look inside for we are subconsciously afraid that we may be blinded. 

Contrast this with the moon which is so beautiful on the other side. The greys are almost leaving way for the clarity of white to take over. Our eyes instinctively open wide to look inside and we are left with awe and wonder.

As they say, experience in any field is like a bottle of wine. It takes time to enjoy it but it is worth the wait. The headset to me is a time-check between two worlds that each of us will eventually be a part of. Worlds that are connected by a strong learning curve.  Just like the curve of the headset itself. Firmly tied yet bends as it sits just right on the head. 

A division of sorts. Division of ideas, thoughts and actions.

Well, yeah.  The headset is indeed more than what meets the eye (and perhaps the head too!)

Image Source : Pinterest