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In Yogic practice there is a technique whereby the yogi lays down with his/her long hair spread out to the East. He/she then enters into Samadhi and receives "information{ bad choice of words}" from Mother Earth???. Great Yoga saints with long hair that I can think of include Paramahhansa Yogananda ( he kept his hair in the west), Vivekananda {he also kept his hair in the west but under a turban}. The founder of TM kept his hair long. And beautiful saint who I last heard was living in an Ashram in Southern Virginia Satchidananda. In most images Jesus wears long hair. Many Native American spiritual teachers wear long hair.
In contradistinction Buddhist monks and nuns shave their hair so as not to be bothered with daily groming of one's hair so they can concentrate on more important things, Cosmic Consciousness.
I'm 52 an accountant { a fairly conservative profession, not known for it's tolerance of "outlyers"}. I've been growing my hair for about 6 months. At my age I guess it does not grow very fast. It's out to about 6 inches. An inch a month. I guess that's ok. Until I can pony tail it I'm using hair gel to keep it under control at work and cut the back just above the coller line. When the hair from the front of my head gets to my coller no more cutting. Then I'm hopping a pony tail will be possible in not too long of a period.
I honestly can't say why I am doing this. I guess I am saddened by how monolithic our society has become about what is acceptable men's style. And I want to join my Spiritual Master in having long hair { although it absolutely not a requirement.
Love and Peace to all my brothers
shanti
Namaste, Shanti.
Welcome to the Forum. Your program of cutting just the back to keep it looking neat enough until you get the full ponytail seems reasonable to me, though I've never had hair long enough (yet) to know it it will turn out great that way.
Welcome to the ranks of those looking to grow. (Both Inwardly and outwardly, for most of us it seems!)
Shawn (Mr.Crow)
Hi Shanti,
Welcome!
You commented that you felt your hair was growing rather slowly; but the amount per month you stated is easily DOUBLE that of the average person!!
I am approximately the same age as what you stated; but my hair grows slightly LESS than 1/2 inch per month, --- in a year's time, I always have about 5 added inches than the previous year's length. My last short haircut was in June of 2000. I've only had occasional trims since then (for cutting off split ends), and it is now just touching the top of my beltline (I'm 5' 11"). By my 7-year hair anniversay in June of '07, I predict my hair will be solidly at "belt-length", --- although hair does tend to slow down a bit as it nears its natural terminal length.
Anyway, I like what you said, and thank you for posting your comments, --- and again, WELCOME!!
- Ken in San Francisco
I really like what you have said. The idea of trimming until the front and side hair is all to the same length is what is working okay for me. I know it is a bit slower to do it that way but everyone must take their own path. (Ive been a bit fed up recently by the "awkward stage" - but support here gets me through it. I am 56 and you are right about how fixed people are in their ideas - but be hang in there.
Namaste Shanti - I have studied kundalini yoga and lived in an ashram for a short period back in the 80's. At that time I wore a turban; one for work and one around the house (less formal.) My brothers there all had incredibly long hair. As you know they tie it in a resi (sp?) knot on the top of the head before putting on the turban. I later lived in Encinitas Ca. very near (within a block) from SRF, Self Realization Fellowship. They follow Paramahansa Yogananda. I am 50 and growing my hair for the 3rd. time and am at about 16 mo's. Best of success on your long hair and spiritual journey. Peace Brother - Bruce'ster