A Testimony - I Am Not My Hair

I have been so blessed of late. This natural awakening journey continues - now accompanied by a spiritual reawakening. It's the most difficult of times. Yet, the beginning of the best of times.

I had "my session" with my consultant and friend, Gigi this past Friday. I don't have hair appointments, I have hair "sessions" - we share, listen, encourage and brainstorm....or sometimes she'll sense that I just want to "be," all the while getting my locks retightened. She has the most calming and beautiful spirit - not acquired - but gifted.

She 's been a big part of this journey I'm on. I was anxious to hear about the New York trip, all the while so, so jeolous that I didn't get a chance to go. Before we could go there, she asked what had happened in the four weeks since I'd shown up for my last "session" tense, worried and very uncertain. I shared,

Attended church and rededicated to my spiritual commitment . That same week:

Got a great new job with a local prestigious university with lots of paid time off and the opportunity to finally complete my education and have it paid for in full!

New job solves two problems that had me so, so stressed - one being an anal and mean boss. Anal I can take, 'cause that's what I'm there for - to balance that out but, mean - I won't take. I loved the shocked look on his face when I graciouly resigned, only stating my desire to complete my education and have it paid for. My departure alone hurts him more than any harsh words I could say. But I have often thought them!

I convinced my mother to come and live with me, no small feat for a woman who doesn't like change and has been on the same job for 32 years. She works hard, too hard and stands on her feet all day. I want to be able to help her get some rest and work on our relationship.

Gigi, said to me, "Now I don't feel bad that you couldn't join us in New York. You had to be here for your blessings." Deep!

And my blessings continue. A co-worker gave me India Arie's new Testimony Vol 1, Life & Relationships. I don't know how she got in my head and my heart and pulled out her lyrics, but boy! That sister is ministering to my most intimate and naked soul - just what I needed, when I needed it.

A friend's gift - India's healing words - Gigi's wisdom - God's grace - How abundantly blessed I am!

Sistuh's please, please check out India's cd....it is da bomb! Check out the lyrics to her single, "I am not my hair."

I Am Not My Hair

Little girl with a press-n-curl
Age 8 I got a Jerri Curl
13, got a relaxer
I was the source of so much laughter

At 15 it all broke off
18 then I went all natural
February 2002 went on and did what I had to do
‘Cause it was time I changed my life
To become the woman that I am inside

’97 Dreadlocks all gone
Looked in the mirror for the first time
And saw that…hey

I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am the soul that lives within

Good hair means curls & waves
Bad hair means you look like a slave
At the turn of the century
It’s time for us to redefine who we be

You can shave it off like a South African Beauty
Got it on lock like Bob Marley
You can rock it straight like Oprah Wenfry
Cause it’s not what’s on your head
It’s whats underneath it
Then say hey

I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am the soul that lives within.

Does the way I wear my hair
Make me a better person?
Does the way I wear my hair
Make me a better friend?
Does the way I wear my hair
Determine my integrity
I am expressin’ my creativity

I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am the soul that lives within.

India Arie

Testimony Vol 1:Life & Relationships

Dedicated to all of my beautiful Sisterlocks Sistuhs!

13 Months

Now that I'm getting some length I'm trying new things. I was getting ready to go out to a new dinner club downtown so I tried an updo. I'm still not that good at styling yet, plus I need some more length.

My hairline gray hairs are becoming more conspicuous. I don't have a problem with them. But I so love my color. We shall see.

I interviewed for a new job two weeks ago and I never once thought about my Sisterlocks, my hair, appropriateness or any of those things. I curled it and wore it in my usual style. Through two interviews and a job offer, it was never an issue. I am so confident in communicating my skills and abilities that my hair becomes just a natural extension of me. It's a total package of BlaqKofi, Sisterlocks and all. Take it or leave it.

I get so many compliments on my hair. I am grateful for the knowledge that directed my steps down this natural path of self awareness and acceptance. I can in turn share this knowedge through my blog and with those who inquire - "are those dreads?" Perhaps not all inquiring minds race off to schedule a consultation, but I am living breathing proof of natural options even more beautiful and carefree than anything the creamy crack can produce. Dr. Cornwell - thank you once again as my journey continues...