the beauty of bald.
July 20, 2011 | Filed Under Health, My life changed when..., Thoughts | 6 Comments
Approximately six years ago, I relaxed my hair for the last time. It was the day before my graduation and wearing my hair natural had been on my mind for several months, as I could no longer justify putting a dangerous chemical directly on my head to straighten my hair for aesthetic purposes while actively seeking to eat organic foods; it was a silly contradiction and I immediately understood it as such.
Almost a year later, I cut off the relaxed ends and wound up wearing a teeny weeny afro that I initially hated. Nothing was wrong with it per se, I just thought my curls would be looser, bigger, more flowing. I wanted my hair to be longer than it was. There were times I’d look in the mirror and cry: what had I done? Why did I do this? Yet, there was such a strong knowing that I was at the point of no return; my last relaxer was the last relaxer. “I’m undergoing a paradigm shift,” I’d tell myself when I needed comforting.
When you begin to wear your hair the way it grows out of your head after years of manipulating it to specifically do otherwise, you’re suddenly confronted with your ideas about beauty in general, your individual beauty, and your people’s beauty.
Many women consider it to be a quasi spiritual experience, and, honestly, that’s no exaggeration. It’s a reawakening. To yourself. To your beauty. To your ancestry. To healthy self-esteem.
#notetoself move my body.
June 10, 2011 | Filed Under #notetoself, Health, Inspiring, Plain cool, Watch this | Leave a Comment
i happened upon this video today, initially appreciating it for the music, and as soon as i paid attention to the visuals, it put me in awe of the human body.
this is the importance of practice.
discipline.
flexibility.
strength.
Apparently this is the Fraggle Rock Crew from Seattle.
smiles lead to happiness
June 8, 2010 | Filed Under Consider this, Health, Inspiring, Watch this | 3 Comments
Source: The Science of Happiness
Goodness in the blogosphere
May 4, 2010 | Filed Under Goodness in the blogosphere, Great ideas, Health, Read this | 3 Comments
I haven’t done this in a while. Spreading the goodness!
- Map It or Scrap It: The Real Secret to Success
- Obesity is contagious?
- Find inner peace and gain world peace
- The Daily Love
- Set an intention
- Your resurrection begins with you
- 8 ways to join the local food movement
- How to fall in love with life again
Food, Inc.
April 22, 2010 | Filed Under Consider this, Do your research!, Health, Inspiring, Learn something, Moment of Truth, Pay attention, Rewritable words, Watch this, Website | 1 Comment
I was all over Twitter with it, but everyone doesn’t use Twitter, so I decided to share some of the information, reminders and thoughts I had while watching Food, Inc., on PBS. Food, Inc. is an incredibly eye-opening film everyone who eats should see. PBS believes this so strongly that it’s airing the film on national television and streaming it in its entirety online from April 22 – April 29. Check your local listings for television viewing.
- Even if you don’t eat at a fast food restaurant, you’re still eating food made for/within that system. [If you haven't already, read Fast Food Nation.]
- “Chickens never see sunlight. They’re pretty much in the dark all the time.”
- “This isn’t farming, this is just mass production.”
- “It doesn’t matter if the chickens get sick, all of the chickens will be sent for processing.”
- Learn about the industrial food system.
- 30% of the land in the US is used to produce corn.
- Farm-raised fish is eating corn.
- Average American eats over 200 lbs. of meat a year. Ugh. Do you know how long it takes for meat to leave your body??
- Reminder: there’s manure in your meat! Bon appetit!
30-day fitness challenge
March 19, 2010 | Filed Under Challenge, Health | 2 Comments
As summer was ending last year, I was in the best shape of my life. My stamina was high, I was flexible, I felt great. Then I moved and my routine didn’t just change–it flat-lined. I’ve been exercising here and there but not as often as I like to. For me working out is so really enjoyable…when you’re already fit. :-/ There’s such a difference between pushing yourself harder and just trying to keep pace.
I attempted suicides with my fifteen year old brother today. We were supposed to do two rounds. He quit before the first ended and I stopped after completing the first. The verdict: I need to get back in shape.
Am I alone?
Didn’t think so. I’m proposing a thirty day do-something-everyday fitness challenge to help everyone who’s fallen off get back on course. By the end of 30 days, that “I have to move” feeling should be well and active. Sometimes, we all need a little accountability, so if you’d like to join me, let me know. Shoot me a message here letting me know what you’re committing to. Me? Forty-five minutes of daily activity. You don’t necessarily need a gym or equipment., although it’s helpful. Â It’s almost spring, the weather’s not so bad, and there’s always lots you can do indoors.
I’m starting Sunday, the 21st (equinox!). Perhaps you’ll join me. 
Happiness and self-love
February 17, 2010 | Filed Under Consider this, Health, Moment of Truth, Pay attention | 2 Comments
Last week, I served as a facilitator for an all-girl middle school retreat and presented a workshop on joy. It was such an awesome experience that really lightened my heart. I felt like I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.
Considering my audience, I decided to create a workshop on happiness. Middle school was one of the most hellish phases of my life, with far-reaching ramifications that extended far beyond the secondary education phase. Well, it turns out middle school just might be hellish for a lot of folks. I wanted to share some of what I’ve learned with them in hopes of it being impactful, sticking, and prevent some of the self-esteem battering so many of us experience at that age.
Middle schoolers aren’t the only ones struggling to be happy, though, so I figured I’d post something about it.
“I love my body.”
February 8, 2010 | Filed Under Health, Thoughts | 3 Comments
In a country where at least 67% of the population is overweight or obese, body dissatisfaction is extremely common and indeed fuels the $50 billion weight-loss industry. Additionally, since eating disorders and body dissatisfaction are no longer only associated with women, it’s not often we hear, or maybe even say, the phrase “I love my body.”
New neural pathways = new ways of experiencing life?
January 23, 2010 | Filed Under Consider this, Do your research!, Health, Inspiring, Moment of Truth, Pay attention, Plain cool, Watch this | 1 Comment
The concept of neuroplasticity was introduced to me a few years ago while watching What the Bleep Do We Know!? and has been popping up in my world recently. It’s quite fascinating and explains why change can be difficult, but very possible. Understand your biology and be inspired.
Improving the lives of the little ones
October 9, 2009 | Filed Under Great ideas, Health, Read this, Rewritable words, Website | 1 Comment
Ahhh…the simple things in life. Two weeks ago, I walked into a grocery store greeted by the unexpected: Children’s Health Magazine. My bright eyes widened as my lips parted into a blinding smile. “YES!”
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