Dreadlock history and spirituality

and then the pot called the kettle black

 

What a great discussion! My motivations were similar to 3_times_3. I got my dreads primarily to assist me in learning patience. I've always been a very impulsive, erratic person and I wanted something that would require me to be in for the long haul!
I started a set of dreads about a year ago but removed them because of criticism from my family. I don't even live with them but when I went to visit, they were so rude it really consumed me. I ended up removing them, left it a while then started a new set. I've received the same criticism but the difference is that this time I don't give a shit! I love them, they're teaching me a lot and that's all that matters.

Also, I can't remember who said about the energy being trapped in the dreads, but I've heard that too and I think it sounds beautiful.

 

When I started I fell into that 'spiritual' trap. It seemed to be the right attitude for the hairstyle. Then the more I listened to everybody going on about their locks, I realized this 'spiritual' attitude was really just another ego trip in disguise. Just a different kind of vanity.

 

Dreads aren't spiritual to me at all, but if another person feels theirs are then who am i to say it's silly

 

this

in my mind, its just a hairstyle, and i dont think they hold any energy or power or anything. its just tangled up hair

BUT

i am also one of these people who is no longer vain and cares about having perfect straight hair or not wearing makeup or looking like shit when i'm climbing up waterfalls. its all just part of my charm

 

Smelly D Haz Charm...



Cheers Glen.

 

Essentially my locks are a constant reminder that not everything needs controlling. Quite often, things will look after themselves with some basic care and attention.

An older Navy guy said to me yesterday: "Young man, you could use a haircut"

My reply: "I don't think so, this one's been working just fine for the last 8 years and I got it from a friend for free, can't beat that!"

His final words on the subject: "No fucking thank you"

I think it's like any other kind of spirituality. It's not pleasant to just go waving it around in people's faces all the time, which is what I think that you're reacting to. But I hear what you're saying: talking about how you have let go of vanity is kind of a vain thing to do. You have to be careful about it, eh?

I definitely still care about how I look, but certainly not as much as the 'straight' community. It's also a connection for me to my Nordic and Celtic roots. My locks have taught me things, but I don't really expect other people to care... Except maybe in this thread :biggrinjester:

 

witnessed by very few

 

there is some hippy dippy shit in this thread

 

I've been on this journey for a very short time--I don't even have a full head of dreads yet; I'm doing some t&r with a lot of neglect and I'm only about halfway there (I braid my hair, which is definitely slowing the process somewhat, but my hair is swiftly sectioning itself off)--but this past month or so of letting my hair lock up has mostly been a huge relief for me. I've been fighting with my hair for 21 fucking years, it's a huge weight off my shoulders and a huge decrease in appearance anxiety and in money spent on maintenance to just let my hair do its thing for once. I look forward to seeing what else this process will do for me.