Thursday, September 6, 2012

Free your Mind...Naturally.

Dear Natural Sisters,

There are many women, now, that have chosen and are choosing to "go natural" for many reasons.  Many have decided that they no longer want to chemically straighten their hair.
Others have embraced the natural texture of their hair and are now enthused about living as a natural woman.

Regardless of the reason, there has also been talk that this is now a "natural hair movement."  I disagree.

I am not part of a "natural hair movement", nor do I want to be.  
I am a woman who has recognized that my life is a journey!  
I did not simply move from relaxed to natural to be part of a trend or something temporary (as movements usually are).  
I did it because it was necessary for me to embrace my true self in order to keep traveling this journey of life. This discovery of my true self is happening through my hair and in my heart.  Being natural is teaching me who I really am and to walk in FREEDOM based on that.
The choices I make in my life, whether about my hairstyle, my dress, who I love, where I go to church, what I eat, are made with the knowledge that I am FREE and that I no longer have to live in fear worried about what others think of me.

Many of us naturals have become elitist and have isolated ourselves.  We have begun to stereotype each other based on curl patterns, hair types, product choices and so many other things.  We jump on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media and talk about "hair envy" and make judgments about people who aren't natural.  We have made relaxed women out to be strangers to this sisterhood that we are all part of.

It doesn't matter if your hair is straight or curly, the truth is that if you're not FREE (mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically) and/or you don't know who you are, you are missing it.  You will continue to allow yourself to become the subject of an experiment.  

So, here's my challenge to you.  We need to live our lives as authentically, as possible.  We need to allow people the power of choice without judgment.  We need to wear our hair as a statement but also as confident, real women who made this choice in or for freedom.  If we do that, we are drawing people (natural and relaxed) to not only our hair, but our hearts and spirits and the love that resides within!  

I'd love to hear from you!  Feel free to email me: margaret@spirituallynatural.com or leave comments on my website:  www.margaretabrunson.com.

Embracing New Growth...spirit, mind & follicle,
Margaret A. Brunson