Greetings LocLifers,
As the beginning of summer approaches, through much reflection and anticipation I find myself inspired by the mere thought of the sun. Since a child I have understood the importance of appreciating the sun; for in the darkest times of the world the sun has remained an incandescent support to the natural elements of life. Its faithful presence supply’s a guiding light that can never be ignored. Imagine, if the sun no longer shined how would the earth survive? I often say to others “bask in the Sun”, as I’ve always felt it is the Creators’ way of aesthetically scintillating the individual wonders all living creatures have to offer. I was led to this conclusion around the age of eight when I began to internalize the lyrics of the titular spiritual This little light of mine. Somewhat of a call and response song, the background chorus boldly reiterates the luminous purpose we each have through the statement “I’m going to let it shine”. I interpreted this song to mean that inside each of us there is a light that burns bright for the entire world to see. Unfortunately, it took me a little longer to figure out that I had not yet allowed my light to shine.
Like so many I bought into the misconception that I would stand out if I could blend in. I subconsciously wanted to be accepted. I wanted to be beautiful. In elementary school it meant everything to me to look like the little girl on the front of the JUST FOR ME box. I can remember singing along with the theme song “I got style and beautiful hair”, only to later record over the white and pink tape with my favorite songs from the radio.
This same mentality continued throughout middle and high school. I graduated from JUST FOR ME to the more sophisticated Motions and Dark & Lovely relaxers. Assured that I would remain Dark & Lovely each time I would shellac my hair with the “beautifying” chemicals. I will admit it always felt good to hear “ooh girl your hair look good!” or my favorite “you got Indian in your family” lol. With compliments came confidence and I liked feeling good about myself. So like clockwork every six weeks I was off to get a touch-up in order for my hair to remain straight, silky, shiny, and smooth. And like most women I began to fill unfulfilled and no longer satisfied with just a perm. I never was a runner but I soon became an instant track star once I was introduced to hair tracks. I can remember thinking “Are you kidding, my hair can go from ear to shoulder length in a matter of hours-sign me up.” But even after the chemical restructuring and the hair additions I still remained unfulfilled and unsatisfied.
It was not until my sophomore year at North Carolina Central University, when I met several NATURALLY Beautiful, Brilliant, Confident, Dark and Lovely young women that changed my mind. Many of them were upper classmen but through various social circles and like minded goals I often found myself in conversations with many of these enlightened women on a journey to greater womanhood. Enlightened because they appeared to achieve what I had been searching for my whole life; confidence through Love of Self. They had allowed their light to shine by tapping into the inner core of themselves through the unification of mind, body, and spirituality. Truly becoming the women God had intended them to be. I soon realized that the lack of fulfillment and dissatisfaction I felt toward myself was not in the perm or tracks but my reasoning for getting the perm or tracks. Sure I could say my hair was easier to manage, or that I wanted it to “lye” down but the crux of the matter is I wanted to be considered beautiful.
I heard beauty is only skin deep, so then I guess that doesn’t include your hair. So sad how we have been conditioned to believe that we are only beautiful when we look like someone else. As of late, it seems that “Going Natural” is the new thing. The only problem with that oxymoronic statement is that you cannot go natural but be natural. “Natural” or “Being Natural” is not a fashion statement or a hairstyle but a lifestyle intended for those courageously willing to be themselves. Until we realize that we were born beautifully blessed, created to conquer all that stands in our way we will remain in a state of confusion like a dimly lit candle intended for guidance in the dark. Our vision becomes slighted as we can only see what we believe lies ahead instead of what is actually there. As the mothers of the earth, givers of life, and catalyst of the future we must correct the misconception of beauty and live like the Sun-Kissed women we are.
When I say bask in the sun I’m saying enjoy being you. As Marianne Williamson eloquently states “As we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same and as we are liberated from our own fears our presence automatically liberates others”. We can no longer be scared to be ourselves. We must become like the sun and be that guiding light whose incandescent support can never be ignored. So I ask you, will you let your light shine?
Salesha ‘LeLe’ Mason