new thread
I am interested in people's thoughts about what long hair means to them? How does it chnage a way someone feels about themselves - if it does so. Growing my hair is a real exciting journey and I think it does change the way one thinks about one's slef. What do you think?
Having Long Hair means everything to me, but, (in my case) has no effect about the way in which I feel about myself. (Probably because most of my life I have always had it.)
* Awareness of self that doesn't seek or require approval from others to want look different
* The ultimate demonstration of patience
For me, letting my hair grow was originally rather vanity-based. . .I had curly hair which looked good, and I wanted to grow it long. A bit more than 2 years ago I stopped combing/brushing my hair and have since allowed the dreadlocks to form naturally. Allowing my hair to know was a symbolic act of "letting go" of preconceived notions about how my hair "should" look, and allowed me to be more in touch with the flow of the Tao.
That "Ball" Guy
www.thatballguy.com
It's just hair. It doesn't define me, it doesn't have any "mystical" significance, it doesn't change my self-image and it doesn't make me feel closer to any wrestler/musician/fantasy character/screen idol/fill-in-the-blank icon.
I am blessed with a full head of thick healthy hair (unlike many men my age). I grow it out because I can. But it is, afterall, only hair.
I think of my hair growth and keeping my hair in good condition as a great act of discipline, commitment and patience - although a lot people without long hair think the opposite. Hair like mine isn't often seen around where I live and I'm proud of myself to have achieved a good thing that most people would otherwise instantly close their minds to.
Neil
That and I like the way it looks and feels. :)
This question was asked in another community. This was basically my reply:
I think long hair is not necessarily feminine and that 'beauty' doesn't strictly have to be the province of women. Almost all the men in Lord of the Rings are shown with long hair - I think few would consider such warrior men as feminine.
I believe hair is nature's gift to each human to enjoy and explore. I think it's a pity so many don't seem to have much appreciation for it.
On a personal level I have many reasons:
* identity - I have never felt like myself with short hair. Like never before I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin with long hair. This is me.
* aesthetically I think I look better with long hair
* I love being different
* I reject societal demands to conform to set stereotypes
* I love how it feels
* curiosity
* longhair communities and a kinship with longhairs in general
* its connection to past times be they just simpler times or the 'magical' medieval/fantasy elements
* I like only visiting a stylist once per year for a trim
* I like it when people stare
* it's a journey, one in which patience is rewarded and definite goals can be reached
* it's the natural state of humans
* it's keeps me warm in winter and can cool me when wet in summer
* the way sunshine brings out a glistening array of subtle colors
* the way it marks the passage of time
The only thing i can add to this is that for me it has made me learn to be more tolerant of others who are different from me.
I don't really attach a great deal of significance to it. Having long hair is a good look for me but it doesn't define me.
feeling right....fitting in....not with other people but with myself
metal!!! rockin
freedom
and a statement "sticking it to the man" so to speak :P