Thursday, November 25, 2010

It Has Begun ~ My Natural Hair Journey

My last perm was March 2010.  I had no idea of the journey I was about to embark.  I had decided that I was going to do something healthy for my hair. The plan was to get kinky twist and go from there.  At the time I figured I would just be rockin' some varation of braided hair.  I was on my journey to a healthier me with exercise and nutrition (another story to be told) and frankly the hair was just getting in the way.  Bottomline exercise specifically running was consisently sweating out my perm.  I had asked other runners (African American) what they did and the answer was some variation on braids or natural hair.  I figured braids was the next step.  I never even thought about a natural hair option.  I mean I never thought forget that, you gotta be kidding, I absolutely gave it no thought whatsoever.  So how did I get here?  I started by enduring the trials and tribulations of letting my perm grow out.  If you have been through the process you know that this transition was a real pain.  I had forgotten what to do other then blow dry it straight and then I had an epiphany.  I remembered the straightening comb.  So after I painstakingly waited my hair had grown out enough to get my kinky twist.  I held this style until September when I made the decision to go all in. Yup I took out the twist and cut off what was straight; not quite a big chop but big enough.  Whoa,  I had not seen my hair in it's natural state in a loooooonnnnnng time!  I happened upon a link provided by a friend on Facebook and it inspired me to begin the journey.  There was so much information to absorb.  So many YouTube videos, Facebook pages, websites, etc.  all dedicated to the pursuit of beautiful, wonderful, kinky, curly, natural God given HAIR.  I did not know I would spend so much time getting to the root of it all.  I am proud to be embracing my natural self but it is by no means easy.  Some days are good, some are great and some are
down right D I S A S T E R O U S.  I have tried so many techniques but I have not found just the right formula to get my curls to POP. This journey is not for the faint of heart but I am gonna get it!  I am so thankful for the supportive community I have found.  These woman freely give their time by posting videos and sharing information in pursuit of defined curls.  I cannot possibly have the worse hair on the planet so I know my formula is out there; somewhere. Until then I will stay focused on the goal and keep it movin'.    

30 Day Yoga & Meditation Challenge

Yoga just makes me feel good!  I am better prepared to face the day when I start it with yoga and meditation.  To this end I asked a good friend of mine to be my accountability partner in a 30 day challenge.  The plan is to practice at least ten minutes of yoga and to meditate for at least 10 minutes daily.  Our ultimate goal is to use this challenge as a spring board to increase our daily practice and increase our ability to face life's daily obstacles with a mind that is centered and armed to make proactive, positive choices.

Inhale, and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale, and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God. ~Krishnamacharya

Namaste

10/24/10 done
10/25/10 done
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11/22/10 done Feels great to have 30 consecutive days DONE! But I am gonna Keep It Movin'