The Invisibility Project

Some things are a long time coming. And rightfully so. The weightier they are, the more time they require to get right. And even then---they lack.

Still. Some things ache for release. We need only unlatch the cage.

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S.O.S.

At 2:20 am on 04.15.1912, the world's most indestructible ship proved to that very same world that nothing is truly unbreakable.

Although the controversy and upheaval following the fatal false confidence of the Titanic is worthy of reflection, here the focus is on the prelude: the veiled nemesis that did the damage.

While my knowledge of icebergs is minimal, at least one fact is commonly known: the majority of its mass lies below the surface. What may appear diminutive from above can plunge leagues beyond sight into the depths of the ocean. In a lot of ways, these vast wonders are a metaphor for the self.

We let others see only a small part of ourselves.

The Invisibility Project (TIP for short) is one that came to mind some time ago, but never really found a place to make its voice heard. Not the most original I suppose, but sometimes you just have to run with an idea and see where it takes you.

Open books and bottled emotions. Verbalized or internalized, the acknowledgement is the same: we all reveal and keep things to ourselves. We overshare or we struggle to be vulnerable, even with those closet to us. Introverts, extroverts, and the ones in between. Much of life should be kept private. But sometimes we end up discarding our best means of connection by holding on to our pain and projecting "OK."

This project is intended to foster small sparks of interconnectedness---why do you doubt me, spellcheck?---by encouraging the sharing of more than just the tip of the iceberg. I would love to feature a bit of your story in this space. Anonymously or stamped with your name: Lyrics or a song that means something to you, for whatever reason. A quote, verse, poem, or entire book that got you through a hard time. The wise words of another that you'll always remember. A retelling of a challenging chronicle in your history whether through words, music, or art. Doesn't have to be earth-shattering.

In bare bones form, the logo I created for this project and for this blog in general represents an iceberg---very bare bones; I'm no graphic designer, although I'd love to be. Beneath the waves, the open triangle signals that there's far more than meets the eye.

In my own life, I've kept my cards close to my chest. Never have I been the type of person to wear my heart on my sleeve. And for most of my waking hours on this earth, I considered that a strength. Told myself that true vulnerability was weakness. Turns out walls without windows and doors don't invite callers. Turns out walls can crumble from within before they show any signs of outer wear.

Chances are, this house will be under "deconstruction" for years to come.

As I was reminded recently, the Architect of the world designed us for community. As exhilarating as it is to stand alone on the crest of some high point drinking in the beauty of the physical world, we're not meant to linger there forever.

Let's be real. Cyberspace may not be the best place to pour out your heart. But amidst a lot of facades, it's refreshing to witness some authenticity. If you'd like to contribute something, please let me know, via message or through the contact form. Even if you just want to say hi.

Hello my old heart How have you been? How is it, being locked away? Well don't you worry In there, you're safe And it's true, you'll never beat But you'll never break. Nothing lasts forever Some things aren't meant to be But you'll never find the answers Until you set your old heart free.

~ Hello My Old Heart, The Oh Hellos