- Wednesday, February 1, 2012
- Posted in dreadlocks
This video was recorded last week. I needed some time to marinate before I shared with the world beyond these four walls the steps I was about to take on my dread journey. When a transformation is about to begin and we are still moving through the vulnerable parts, other people’s opinions or attachments to our choices can cause need for more reflection. This is why I chose to do this more quietly. Which is the space I have been dwelling in for a while now; quiet, inward, meditation, listening. I am remembering the importance of living just to live in the present moment while practicing letting go of that need to be seen and validated in those moments. I am really honoring finding my self worth from within rather than from what others feel about me.
All this to say, I have been walking with this transformation for about a week now and it is in such alignment with this path I am on of not needing to create a big or bold statement with my choice. I am just moving slower these days. Quieter. Softer. Gentler. And as my hair has so often been an expression of where I am at in my life, this choice feels so good and true. I will share more details about the next phase of this transformation in my next blog post this week.
A couple of things…
- The sound is off with the movement of my lips. Not sure why. Ah well.
- Its really long. Like 19 minutes long and I cut out a lot. Was feeling chatty. ; )
- Pictures to follow very soon in the next post. For those of you that are unable to watch the video, my next post will get into more detail about this decision.
- Links for products and videos will be in next post as well.
- Lots of “ummm” goin’ on between thoughts. ; )
February 1, 2012
The reason I got dreads in the first place (one of them) was TOTALLY because of what other people thought about my hair – it was a huge emotional journey for me, as my hair has always been the one thing about me that people complimented me on, the one thing I could always get a good response from people. I had wanted dreads my whole life, but could never think of “sacrificing” my hair because what if my lovely hair then went away? What if people stopped saying it was pretty? And therefore, what if I then became “unpretty”? You know? So getting them was a huge step, but felt SO right when I did. Don’t know how long I’ll keep them for, but I hope it’s a good stretch!
ps – kitty!
pps – your face when you cut the first one was priceless!! he he he
February 1, 2012
Oh you are just the cutest! I love this video…I love your openness and in-tune-ness, and how you never ever said “oh, it’s just hair, it doesn’t really matter” – because it does matter, it’s all part of the journey.
Augh.
Awesome. And you’re right, it looks so pretty after you cut them all – you look so much lighter and free-er and happy! So excited to see after you’ve brushed them all out, please share another video once you’re done! xxx
February 1, 2012
Y.o.u. a.r.e. b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.
simply xo
February 1, 2012
Awww thanks for sharing with us all. I understand how important this is for you and I appreciate you taking the time out to do a video of you cutting your hair.
Have fun brushing out the dreads. I look forward to seeing an update video
February 1, 2012
with dreads, without dreads, bald, day-go, permed — i love you however your hair is, my love — go you! xxxxx
February 1, 2012
ha! that’s supposed to say “day glo” — like, super rad 80s day glo colour – rock on!
February 1, 2012
i knew this was coming, dear love. i have a smile on my face for you right now. welcome to a new curve within your own gentle, soulful, and radiant life. you are loved. xoxo
February 1, 2012
Thank you for allowing us in on your journey, beautiful…both you and journey.
February 1, 2012
i am reminded (sometimes beautifully sometimes painfully) but often at how life, and we in it, are simply vessels. our experiences, feelings, heartache, bliss, memories – all pass through us fluidly if we allow. and when we are brave enough to allow this – there is so much beauty to witness, experience, seek, and transition with. you are beautiful denise – and it isn’t your hair that makes you so (i know you know this), but rather your heart. blessings.
February 1, 2012
Okay, so…we have a mutual beloved friend (hi Sus) but I don’t know you personally beyond the four walls of your blog. However, last night I dreamt you were de-dreading your hair. It was sooo shiny! Then this post pops up. Yikes
You look shiny AND happy.
February 1, 2012
Thanks for sharing this with us. So inspiring of you to share such a huge part of your journey with this wonderful community of like-minded people. It was great to see you so happy and content about your decision!
February 1, 2012
wooooHOOOOO! I’m so happy for you! I love that you are so in tune with what you need and that you are not afraid to just do it. I’m excited for you–you are joyful. I wanted to be there to interact with you–feel your dreads, pick up the cut ones, sing and dance, hug you…
Thanks for sharing this. love you!
February 1, 2012
YAY! This video is so awesome! You look so happy and joyous over this beautiful life choice! I love your dreads but I think seeing your face light up at this transition was even better! LOVE LOVE LOVE! So happy for you! Can’t wait to hear more about your journey!
Blessings to you Denise!
February 1, 2012
i love this video, sort of the visual that goes with the words we’ve been speaking…i love you and the softness is already entering your life, evident in your voice and the way you are in this video. can’t wait for more. xo
February 1, 2012
i love that you’ve made this part of your spiritual journey! so beautiful and just what i needed this morning to help me re-focus. blessings to you in this process!
February 1, 2012
i love everything about this. and about you. you are incredible. and pretty stinkin cute too
February 1, 2012
I love what you said, “other people’s opinions or attachments to our choices can cause need for more reflection.” – I am learning this and learning to just be quiet about my choices when I’m feeling wavy or barely courageous enough to make the choice I need to. There is nothing worse than having an answer (the right answer for you) and then questioning it because you allowed someone to plant doubt.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so giddy! I love it! You’re so excited and cute about it. You go girl! Looking forward to following you on this journey <3
February 1, 2012
Thank you for sharing this part of your journey.
February 1, 2012
This is beautiful and inspiring. I have been playing with the idea of letting go of my dreads and also am drawn to brushing them out rather than cutting them right off. I like the idea of unfurling all the tangles and letting go of the dead hair. Dreads really are a journey and I thank you for sharing yours. Enjoy the softness.
February 1, 2012
What a treat to hear you voice again- so soothing and I just love your slowness and perspective. Good reminders for me.!
February 1, 2012
It is amazing to see how much color and how much happy energy came into your face at the last part of the video compared to the first part.
It is very apparent that your heart and spirit seem lighter after you cut the hair.
Very happy for you.
February 1, 2012
Awhh you look so happy! It seems like such the right decision for where you are right now, as you move into the next stage of your life. Beautiful video and beautiful you!
February 1, 2012
you are a goddess.
honoring your divine mystic wisdom within!
(when i released my dreads my husband and i combed them out- i only had half a head of them. it was painful but manageable. then in the course of the next few days i cut most of the hair off. ha ha. but my daughter was so excited to be able to play with my hair… and my husband was happy to do the same… and my scalp felt amaaaaaaazing)
blessings and love to you mama!
xoxo
February 1, 2012
I love how happy you are! You look beautiful.
February 2, 2012
I really enjoyed watching this, you seemed so happy and it was almost like watching someome meditate..good journey to you on your next step..
February 2, 2012
Tears…being with you for 19 minutes…oh how I miss you…deeply deeply miss you. You are so utterly beautiful, gentle, and precious. This feels like the perfect step into this soft place you mention. I love your dread and you are so gorgeous with them, but I have always loved your soft shiny hair as well, and I can see how snuggling your boys and being with yourself may be gentler without the dreads. I love you darling. always so impressed by you, you rock…xoxoxo t2t
February 2, 2012
You are almost giggly while you are doing this–and with such a nice big happy smile—i feel like that has been missing for a while—i have loved your dreads and what they have seemed to symbolize, but it just seems like the right time for you—you have to do what’s best for you!! happy combing!!!
February 2, 2012
Denise,
I so honor you in this place.
You are one of the most deeply beautiful human beings I’ve been privileged to know.
Love to you, dear one.
xo,
Christianne
February 2, 2012
That was awesome!!!!! thanks for sharing this!!!
February 2, 2012
I confess I got a little teary-eyed when you cut your favourite dread! I have dreadlocks too and they are such a big part of who I am spiritually and emotionally, so I completely understand the need to remove them when embarking down a new path. I know that the journey you are embarking on will bring you peace and you will be blessed! And, truly, you are beautiful regardless of your hairstyle!
February 2, 2012
Aaaah man… Love this. You are an amazing woman… I’m only starting my dread journey. One day I might feel like you. So appreciating you right now! xxx
February 2, 2012
This is really inspiring…..
especially the part where you talk about how your body responds to a decision you’ve made, to really listen to it…. speaks very strongly to me right now.
seeing your lightness and happiness, gosh I just want to be there with you playing in your living room!
Thank you
February 2, 2012
What a sweet, sweet video! I don’t even knooow you and it seems so obvious to me that you are doing the perfectly right thing. I can feel that lightness and see the difference it’s already made. Can’t wait to see your soft new ‘do!
February 2, 2012
That was amazing to watch! Thank you so much for sharing that piece of your life with us. I was shocked how attached I was to your dreads! I hope that doesn’t sound creepy but goodness gracious…those dreads had a fan club of their own. I could feel your energy change as soon as you started cutting and wowzers…it was so powerful we’re all resonating with it too! You have some mighty contagious energy girlfriend! Loooove you!
February 2, 2012
Thanks for sharing. I am lurker mostly on your blog but I look forward to each post. Thank you.
February 2, 2012
Holy sweet Goddess of soft, light and fresh! Love you. X
February 2, 2012
Wow! So powerful…thanks for sharing your journey…very excited for you!
Love & light,
Two
February 2, 2012
I can’t wait to hear about and see the transformation and release into light! The whole process is beautifully symbolic. Let them go!
February 2, 2012
Happy to see you happy!
You look wonderful either way — thanks for sharing your journey.
February 2, 2012
This was really healing for me to watch/ listen to. I didn’t expect it to be (since I am not intending to let go of my locks anytime soon). Your hair is your hair. My hair is my hair. Your grace in showing us that simple truth, in talking about the assumptions people make and the attachment we have to our own and other people’s hair, made me realize again that truth.
I didn’t lock my hair to join a cool mamas club (actually, I only found out that there were other cool mamas dreadlocking their hair after I’d locked mine!). I let my hair do their thing because it was my journey.
Blessings and blessings.
February 2, 2012
this was really beautiful & peaceful to watch. thank you for sharing your journey with us.
peace & blessings to you <3
February 2, 2012
love this. i’ve had my dreads for almost two years (wow, i had to stop & think & didn’t realize it had been that long). after reading karen maezen millers book, hand wash cold…, this winter i just felt this desire to shave my head. i’m tired of the idea of “needing” to be a certain way. i didn’t shave my head, & still have my dreads, but just the other night i said to my husband “i just want soft hair again.” some days i have this incredible ache just to even brush my hair. it’s so weird!!! only someone with dreads could understand it i guess.
anyway, i’m rambling. just wanted to say that i’m anxious to see your process & transformation. thanks for sharing!
February 3, 2012
Your energy is sublime – I am working more deeply on my spiritual growth right now than I ever have before. I am in a state of flux, transition. It is all so exciting and scary and wonderful and empowering. Seeing you on your dread journey made me feel directly connected with my own creative energy – it felt like a spark. Pow! I’ve been considering getting my own crown of beautiful dreads to carry with me on my journey, to be release someday. A marker of time and change. Thank you so very much…
February 3, 2012
So beautiful, you are.
I was just online to write a post (for tomorrow) about my one-year anniversary of dreads (I have 41 of them). Stephanie also did mine, and I feel like my journey is just beginning, as dreads for me were also married with my journey of infertility and becoming a mama and all that is connected with those things. I know I will want to brush mine out as well one day, maybe in a year or two. What you said about your husband and son, I could totally relate. My baby knows nothing other than my dreads and loves to play with them, but I know as he gets older, that will change. And my husband, well, I know he will enjoy running his hands through my hair again one day. But for now, my hair is very much about MY journey. I love love love how you’ve shared so honestly about yours. You will look beautiful, you DO look beautiful, no matter what your hair is doing.
xoxo
February 3, 2012
supporting you…holding the space…and celebrating with YOU from afar…
February 3, 2012
P*E*R*F*E*C*T*I*O*N*
I heard every word
it makes total sense to me…
what an honour it was to watch you
you are beautiful in every way
love and light
February 3, 2012
This video created a wide circle around me – so beautiful and meditative.
I appreciate your honest living.
Blessings
February 3, 2012
You are beautiful, inside & out. Can’t wait to see the “after” photos!
February 4, 2012
Its so nice when you feel ready for big change, hair is such a sacred thing to some folk… just lately I have had dreams where I cut my dreads off and am beyond distraught! Definitely a sign of attachment… wont be cutting mine anytime soon: )
I am so looking forward to seeing some pic’s of your new soft hair-do: ) hehee
Oh, and I just want to say also that your voice is so soothing and sweet, I love when you share a video xx
February 5, 2012
Hey sistah! Well, I met you when you were here in SD and got your locks and you referred me to Steph and I scheduled and chickened out… and here we are years later. You inspired my blog which is going so strong and you inspired my locks which are one month old today…so in many ways, I take your torch. You are unceasingly divine and true and I cherish your authenticity. Gratitude to you and your journey for all it teaches me and here’s to your fluffy, softy, silky, rub dat face in dem…new tresses! Celebrate! A
February 6, 2012
I sat in rapt attention while you lovingly shared this intimate moment regarding your journey into knowing yourself in a clearer way. My hair is turning gray and is getting thinner…part of my journey into wise womanhood as I am now 2 years post menopausal. I hit it early…just now 44. I think this year for many of us is about finally embracing what we truly are, how we truly feel and its all about doing it our own, unique special way. I am seeing it all over the internet…this need to stand in our own shadow and own all of it. At least it is for me. Thank you for sharing this aspect of your decision about your hair. Softness is so much stronger the many people realize.
February 6, 2012
i love you. and all the ways you honour you. snuggle love xoxoxo
February 7, 2012
you are such a unique soul and your hair just a blanket.
it is the beauty inside the woman that makes her and for you dreads or no dreads, you are just beautiful. i loved your soft, shiny hair and i loved your dreads! how exciting to see what is next. beauty is YOU!
xo
February 8, 2012
You are gorgeous, inside and out, and your hair will always reflect that, no matter how you wear it. Congratulations, change is hard even when it’s good.
February 8, 2012
I feel called to share with you first that my husband and I have spent the last five days creating my new head of (very fuzzy) dreads. I think posting my desire here a few days ago clearly sent my intention out into the universe. I was so inspired by your courage that I was compelled to release the fear that was holding me back and to embrace my own dread journey. Many thanks ~ Blessings
February 8, 2012
Hey, I just wanted you to know that I’m sat here in the Uk and you’ve been popping in my head so much since you shared the above post. And even though it wasn’t a surprise (I honestly felt this was coming), I still find myself wondering how you are.
I hope you’re finding it all very wonderful. Like an emerging butterfly.
Sending you much love. X
February 8, 2012
Beautiful beautiful beautiful and BRAVE
I love your “middle way”– something that is my theme for the year.
Hoping you are filled with LIGHTNESS!
-Kate
February 9, 2012
what a charming video – you are so sweet!
February 9, 2012
you are so brave! i really love what you’re doing. i love that you have seen your hair as a journey thru your life. i also love how you’re trying to simplify your life by cutting your dreads. lastly, you have shown everyone to not forget something: it’s just hair, it will always grow back
xoxo
February 10, 2012
((((((Denise))))) I loved when you got your dreads, I loved that you had the courage of your convictions but your hair is not what draws me to your blog, that would be your soulful spirit. And just watching the joy exude from within you in this video spreads joy throughout my spirit at this very moment. I am so proud of you for doing this your way, in your time. When you are all done please make a post and allow us all to do a spiritual joyful dance of freedom with you. You are spiritually beautiful inside and out.
February 11, 2012
I. just. love. you!!!!! I have been reading your blog since 2006, and sometimes I go long periods of time without checking in… I find whenever I’m called to your space, there is a message here that is so healing, and completely perfect for me… I didn’t have dreads (although i have before), but this past fall I felt this incredible weight on me from everywhere, and one day in the shower, I reached over to the counter, got my scissors and cut 10 inches off my hair!!! I have thick hair, so I basically sawed it off… it looked hilarious, but I immediately felt giddy and light and just ready to take on the journey I’m facing with new lightness… it’s really interesting and quite funny how hair can hold so many emotions. Just today, I felt I was needing a change, something to spark me, so I looked in my cabinet, saw 2 boxes of hair color (i haven’t colored my hair in YEARS) and just did it! I feel so refreshed! Then I style it all pretty, get dressed, come down stairs to have some me time on the computer and wonder what our BOHO is up to…
you just make me smile in so many wonderful ways!
sorry to be a dork, but I’m feeling silly and dorky today, and I’m going with it! LOL!
February 12, 2012
You look amazing. Thanks for sharing this. It’s reminding me to think of where I have to be gentle in my own life and really listen to inner voice.
March 1, 2012
I’ve come to your blog every now and then, you have such a great energy about you and I really like seeing strong women who embrace themselves, so I think that’s why I stop by here once in a while. What a beautiful video that was. Thank you for sharing that. To me that video was about so much more than just cutting your dreads. It was about listening to our bodies, doing what is best for us at different times in our lives. Also that we change, with every different path we take we are altered a little bit and need different things at different times in our lives. Very inspiring.
I’ve been on my own hair journey… not by choice. I’m a cancer survivor, and I lost my hair 2 1/2 years ago. I have to say that losing my hair was the hardest part about having cancer. It was such a huge part of my life. And like that it was gone. It was hard to embrace, and I’ve been {not so} patiently waiting everyday for it to grow long again. I’m grateful that it came back it’s same vibrant blonde that it was before. It’s thicker now than it’s ever been, and it’s strong. It’s now to my shoulders and I can wear my beloved ponytail again. Watching you talk about your hair journey made me think a lot about mine. I really appreciate your openness, thank you for sharing.
March 6, 2012
I just had a party with close friends and family 2 and a half weeks ago to put dreads in my hair. (I have exactly 38 dreadies of thick thick hair too). People have asked me why I would dread my hair a lot, and I only know that I feel a lot more like me but on the outside now, stronger, more defined.
Watching this video has helped me to realize how much more in tune with my surroundings, self, and decisions I could be. Thank you for inspiring me to look within. You exude such spiritual calmness. Thank you for sharing the end of one journey and the beginning of a new journey with us. You are lovely.