Visualize Your Way to N.I.C.E.!

     Often times, when I want to achieve something glorious for myself, I will create a visual affirmation of my goal. This is not a novel idea, as many have talked about it including Shakti Gawain, in her book Creative Visualization http://www.shaktigawain.com/products/books/creative-visualization and others. It was her book that exposed me to this process many, many years ago and I have used it often.   So, for example, I decided that I wanted to go to Egypt with my family recently, as we travel often.  This trip was particularly difficult to plan for a number of reasons. So rather than struggle through the process, I created a vision board.  I located an 11 x 14 board and headed to a travel agent to pick up a travel tour book on Egypt.  I then cut out pictures of all of the sites that I wanted to visit, including the pyramids, the sphinx, the various temples, the bazaar and beyond.  I then cut out various pictures of myself and posted them on the board with me standing at some of the sites.  I even went a step further and packed a suitcase with all of the clothes that I would wear on that trip and put the suitcase by my bed. I wrote affirmations on the empty spaces on the board such as  "I am happily enjoying my trip to Egypt with my family" and other positively affirming statements.  Subsequently, and with ease, everything fell into place for my getting to Egypt and approximately 1 year later I was there. I took a lot of photos and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly on that journey of a lifetime.  Subsequently, after New Years Day, as I always do, I made my Vision Board for the year with all that I want to accomplish during the upcoming year (not just travel) and I included a section, in pictures, of what I accomplished a year prior.  I included a picture from my previous "Egypt Vision Board", which was of the Sphynx with a Pyramid behind it. I did not include myself standing in front of this site on my board. After I finished my new board and stood back to look at it I noticed that one of the pictures that I took in Egypt was the exact spot that was in the picture that I put on my Egypt vision board before I went on that trip.  At that moment, and once again, I realized that it is possible to visibly affirm your dreams and then see them manifest. I have done this on many occasions for travel (for Brazil, Europe, other parts of Africa and beyond) and it amazes me how my vision of my dreams come into focus and turning them into reality becomes nearly effortless. I noticed recently that Oprah Winfrey also supports the notion of Visual Affirmation and has a link on her website for you to create your own on your computer. Check out her website as she refers to this process as Dream Boards, and if you prefer to do so via computer, this may be a great way to get started: http://www.oprah.com/packages/o-dream-board.html.
     How does this relate to N.I.C.E.?   Many women who are in the process of transition from permed hair or weaves to their natural hair, or just considering it, will state that they just can't see themselves with natural hair or sustain it because their hair isn't long enough or they don't know how to manage their kinky hair...essentially, they just can't see themselves achieving their desired goal of going natural. Others worry that their hair won't grow or they won't look attractive with their natural hair.  Why not visually affirm a positive approach to the process?  So what follows is a mere suggestion:  1) Acquire an 11 x 14 poster board or larger.  2)  Cut out images from magazines of beautiful natural hair styles that you like or that you can see yourself wearing. 3)  If you want your hair long and natural, find pictures of naturally long styles, braids, twists, or other natural styles that inspire you. If your desire is short or mid-length, do the same in terms of photos.  4) Find pictures of yourself  before you had a perm or weave, at any time when you wore your hair naturally (as it grows out of your scalp); even if they are pictures of you when you were a child.  5) Glue all of these pictures to your Visual Affirmation board and write affirmations across the empty spaces that remain after you paste your images which express what you would like to experience, in the present tense.  For example, "I am happy and grateful that I am wearing my hair naturally and I feel beautiful", "I love my long/short (whichever you prefer) natural hair and that I am able to manage it with ease," I am so happy and grateful that I have gorgeous hair in its natural state, as it grows out of my scalp."  These are just examples but create your own affirmations. 6) Place your Visual Affirmation Board in a place that you pass often and will be sure to get a glimpse of it frequently.  That's it...and wait patiently as your dream unfolds with you creating the reality.  Just like anything else, "IF YOU BELIEVE IT, YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT."  Below are pictures to get you started.  Visualize your way to N.I.C.E.!

Ideas for New Year's Eve Natural Do's!

New Year's Eve is nearly upon us.  If you are like me, you have the dress, the shoes, the bag, the accessories and the only thing left to contemplate is your hairstyle for the evening.  Given that N.I.C.E. is the essence of any hairstyle as far as I am concerned, all that I need is ideas.  So, to save myself from extensive trial and error as I'm getting ready for the evening and to find ideas for N.I.C.E. readers, I searched and found some ideas for our beautiful tresses for New Year's Eve.  Whether your hair is short, medium, length, long, braided, locked, free-style or in transition, check out these ideas for inspiration.  Most importantly, have a wonderful, joyous, celebration as we continue on our journey to realize that even on the most joyous, elegant occasions, including, a New Year's Eve celebration, N.I.C.E.!

Inspirational Natural Hairdo's:

A Natural Hair Journey: A Wonderful Destination for the New Year!

As we enter the New Year, many of us reflect on our journeys and experiences and ponder decisions that we have made.  For some, self-discovery and self-empowerment is the result.  This story emphasizes that Natural Is Cool Enough, which is a wonderful decision for the New Year.  How about you?  Will N.I.C.E. be your destination for the New Year? Check out the story below for inspiration.

Sharonda’s Natural Hair Story: A Journey to Discover Me

Twist Braids: A N.I.C.E. Destination for an on-going journey into the New Year

     I come from a family of hairstylist. I mean, it’s not what they do for a living, but from my mother on down and my three older sisters; all of them can do hair. I never had to touch my hair. Anything I ever wanted, braids, twist, weaves, perms, hair dye, they did it all! The perms must have started early on in my life like around age 6. I mean my mother had 4 girls, plus her own head; that was a lot of hair to do! As I grew older I continued to perm and process my hair. In my teenage years I got brave. I dyed it a few times, red, gold, you name it. Of course it fell out. With the perms and the hair color my hair had had enough. So I chopped it off and started over. Every week it seemed like, (maybe I’m exaggerating a little) I was doing something different to my hair. I was suffering from an acute case of HADHD or Hair Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I noticed the perms had thinned out parts of my mother’s hair. And I also notice how my hair would never grow past my shoulders. For some reason it would break off or get cut off long before then. I was fed-up!

     The weaves started when I was 14 and just entering High School. I no longer could tolerate looking so young, with short hair, so I called my weave-ologist. If I wasw going to look mature I needed a new look!
 

 The weaves got more extravagant as I got braver. Curly weave, straight weave, water waves and spiracle curls.I spent a lot of time planning out my hair, and what I would do next. And the beauty supply store was my favorite place to brainstorm. As I entered into college and had to get used to being away from home, I didn’t have a stylist on call 24/7. So I had to take care of my hair myself. I ended up getting it braided that first year.

 
 The next year I took the braids out and I flat ironed my hair to death, literally. Almost everyday I was putting heat on it. Of course the healthy mane of hair  broke off after some blonde dye and months of perms on top of that.

My Hair With Color

     Finally it was my senior year of College and I was taking one of the classes for my minor in Africana studies. I guess if I had to name the source of my inspiration it would have had to have been Dr. Rose’s classes. I knew all these things about my hair, about the history, about the slaves and “passing” but I had not realized how it affected me. I wanted to be me. My hair was dying to be in it’s natural state. It was my own discovery of me. If any guy or job, or anyone else in society wanted me, I wanted them to accept the real me. My next biggest enemy was my family of stylist. Step 1 of this phase was no more perms! I started to wear hairnets in different colors to cover up the obvious contrast between my permed and nappy hair. I remember the first time I went back home. My mother told me “I hate your hair.” She attempted to help me by offering to do anything to my hair that would get me to perm it. I simply said to her in a respectful manner of course, “You hate my hair because you hate your hair.” These words liberated me and she never bothered me again.  I was right, We had be taught to hate something that was natural to us, and we’d forgotten how to be ourselves, basically how to do our own natural hair! I let my mother put braids in my hair, and I kept it that way about a year. That was phase 2,  letting my hair grow out and chopping the permed hair off. I wasn’t as brave as some of my other sistas who just chopped everything off. So I took a subtler approach and of course gave everyone around me time to get used to this cultural shock. After that time was up, I felt like I had enough time get used to my natural hair. I didn’t have hair on my head until I was 3, and at age 6 it was hidden from me.  One day I asked God, what did you intend for us to do with this hair? My hair style of choice for now is the fro. I’d rock the fro 7 days a week, to church, to work, out on the town. I love my fro. I have tried other styles like braids, twist, and I will continue to discover the possibilities. I will never grow bored with my natural hair. The answer he gave me was that the possibilities are endless. We can take care of it, or we can straighten it with heat or other chemicals that causes it to thin and fall out. The point is he gave us the choice! I’d love to know, what’s your choice and why?

My Fro

Do You Shift?: An Anchorwoman Goes Natural!

What is shifting?  According to the authors of  Shifting, Charisse Jones and Kumea Shorter-Gooden explain it as follows:

 "to cope with racial and gender discrimination, African American women have at times altered their speech, appearance, and behavior. They have shifted emotionally as they struggled to feel good about themselves in a hostile world. And often, in myriad ways, they have fought back." 

Do you shift?  Consider  the following questions, posed by the above authors, and see what you think...



 1. Do you ever feel that you are working overtime to put others at ease?
 2. Do you have to leave your true self at the door in order to placate White colleagues?
 3. Do you downplay your abilities or strengths for fear of outshining Black men?
 4. Do you speak one way at the office, another way to your girlfriends?
 5. Is it sometimes a struggle to feel good about your looks?
 6. Are you constantly battling stereotypes?

I think it is very insightful to check out this video of  Naturalistas per the following link: http://www.theybf.com/2010/11/30/news-anchor-goes-natural-ratings-soar .  These beautiful women
decided that N.I.C.E. and concluded that they would not shift in terms of their hair any more. News Anchorwoman, Rochelle Ritchie, of West Palm Beach, Florida, featured in the video above, actually had increased viewer ratings after this N.I.C.E. move.  However, she was not the first broadcaster to take the natural plunge in terms of her decision not to shift, in the mainstream reality.  Tonya Mosley, of Seattle, Washington, depicted below and who is a broadcast reporter, also did the same.  Now there is no doubt that in these cases, N.I.C.E.!  The Natural revolution continues!

Tonya Mosley Then and Now

  

Rochelle Ritchie Before

Rochelle Ritchie Now

Beyonce's Stocking Shocker!: Happy Natural Thanksgiving to All!

Beyonce has caught the eye for many people throughout the world for her talent, grace and style.  There is no doubt that she has all of those characteristics and a phenomenol voice.  Two groups, that particularly pay attention to her are young Black girls and women, who have the daunting task of trying to fit into a society that is often times reluctant to accept their natural features.  I was quite surprised to hear Beyonce announce on the view that she wears four pairs of stockings to keep everything tucked in while performing.  Hence, the body image that she provides is one that conforms to many tricks of the performance trade. Check out her comment on the view per this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dssvrw8nkr4. 

Her honesty is appreciated and it would be wonderful if those who admire her, particularly the two groups mentioned above, could hear this loud and clear.   Additionally, there are questions about her skin tone, or at least how cosmetic companies portray her per the pictures below:

The question is, why is her natural skin color not good enough in the world of hair and cosmetics?  What kind of message does this send to young women and young girls?  Why is it that the beautiful skin tones of Black women, based on their natural hues and vibrantly kinky hair styles are "white washed" and straightened? On Thankgiving day, Beyonce, a beautiful sister will perform during her television special.  Her music, style and grace will be evident and we should be proud of her success.  However, on that day, to every Black woman watching her, also be thankful that a greater success, will be  if you can look in the mirror at your beautiful natural skin color and your wonderfully natural hair (if it is in the texture that grows out of your scalp) and say wth pride, Natural is Cool Enough.  That you should be thankful for, because it says a lot about your fantastic self-esteem and level of consciousness and that is N.I.C.E.! Happy Natural Thanksgiving to all!

                                           

                            

Natural Tips for the Naturalistas: Oprah and Dr. Oz Are On to Something!

     Are you interested in trying something new to enhance yourself naturally?  Lately and gradually, I have peaked at the Dr. Oz show and have gained some worthy insight.  From time to time, he offers tips from  around the world which are of great interest to me.  Generally, the information is natural and positive so I decided to try a few of them to see if they have merit and I have been pleasantly surprised. I think that Oprah Winfrey was on to something when she introduced Dr. Oz to the world and they are both on to something big in terms of their belief and promotion of natural and healthy products. 

Dr. Oz and Oprah

      The first suggestion, through one of his guest hosts, is the use of a combination of egg yolk, extra virgin olive oil and honey in your hair. This is a South African secret of beautiful hair. So, during my weekly grocery shopping trip to Whole Foods, I acquired organic eggs, organic extra virgin olive oil and organic honey.  Subsequently, I mixed the three together in a bowl and proceeded to put the mixture in in my locs.  I left it in for a while, washed it out and to my amazement, my hair felt wonderfully soft and moisturized.  So, this is now a weekly routine for me. 

Another suggestion, per the Dr. Oz show, is the use of Coconut oil on the skin as a moisturizer.  So, I also acquired organic coconut oil at Whole Foods and after showering, I use it as a moisturizer.  The result after doing so for two weeks is beautifully moisturized skin.  The great thing is that my skin does not feel too oily and I find that it keeps my skin moist for the entire day. According to Dr. Oz, this wonderful secret is from Belize.  I have visited both of these countries and so to find that the wonder and beauty of both has something so nourishing to my hair and body is great.  Anything that is natural and healthy and is beneficial for the Naturalistas furthers my belief that N.I.C.E.!  If you have any natural beauty tips for the naturalistas, let us know.  Natural Beauty tips from around the world are welcome.





Cultural Competency for the Naturalistas: Would this happen to Whoopi Goldberg?

Recently, I wrote a book published in March of 2010 by Jones and Bartlet Publishing, Inc. There are stories, written in this book in a form that is called Case Studies, to get the thoughts and opinions of individuals who read them.  Also, there is one chapter, (the last, but not the least), that is specific to women. So, check out the Case Study below from the book.  I am definitely intersted in your opinion and whether the folks who were to provide service to this woman understand that Natural is Cool Enough (N.I.C.E.).  For example, do you think this would happen to a true Naturalista like Whoopi Goldberg as an example? Book available at www.jblearning.com/catalog/9780763761646/ or   http://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Competency-Health-Administration-Public/dp/0763761648/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290018881&sr=8-1

CASE STUDY ( pgs. 131-132, Chapter 11)

An African American woman enters a healthcare facility where she is to receive a magnetic resonance image (MRI) of her spine.  She has long hair in the style known as locks.  She is greeted by the receptionist and asked to have a seat in the waiting area until the technician is ready to see her.  A White, male technician arrives to escort the woman in for the proceudure and briefly discusses the process of the MRI with her.  During his overview,  he indicates to her that she will have to remove any metal objects (such as pins in her hair and jewelry) and that she should remove her hair for the process.  The woman is appalled by his latter statement and indicates to him that her hair is her own and cannot be removed.  He responds by stating that he has served a number of Black women who have weaves and other "false" hair often held in by pins, so he was basically taking a precaution.  The woman in is highly insulted and asks to speak to the Administrator on duty.  A White woman, in an elegantly tapered suit, arrives, hears the concern, and explains to the African American woman that the technician meant no harm but it is the policy of the facility to be thorough with all patients in terms of the provision of information and that he was correct in inquiring about her hair in the manner that he did to ensure safety during the MRI process.  She offers no apology and curtly responds, "I hope this resolves your concern as he was merely following our required protocol."  The African American woman responds with a disappointed and curt thank you and leaves the building, promptly vowing never to return.  She seeks her MRI at another facility.

Lauryn Hill: This Sister Knows That Natural Is Cool Enough!

In this picture, Lauryn Hill is performing at a Homecoming event at the University of Miami in Florida.  I had read several reviews about her comeback, in various venues, and most of the comments were unfavorable. However, my opinion, after going to her concert, is that she is still amazing on a number of levels.  First of all, she sang some of her new songs and some of her old jams as well adding a new touch to them that expresses who she is today, a more mature Lauryn.  She seems a bit mor seasoned by life, more hardcore and intense.  I like what I heard but I especially liked what I saw...a serious, natural Afro, essentially what one would have called,  back in the day, a "Fro."  Her hair is a true statement of her consciousness.  It is almost as if she is saying, through her natural, for those of you who may think I have changed during my hiatus to raise my children, do know that I am still conscious, I am still natural and I am still your soulful sistah!  To me, Lauryn, without a doubt, is self assured in her understanding that N.I.C.E.!

Calling All Naturalistas: You are Invited to experience a Journey of a Lifetime!

Recently, I took another trip to Africa, this time to the country of Egypt.  It was a powerful experience for me.  Some of the highlights of the trip were to see the drawings within the tombs, statues in the museums, the Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Cairo Musem and riding a camel through the desert.  A key point of interest for me, was to realize, through observation of images of women depicted in the tombs, statues in the museums and viewing of mummies, that the women wore their hair in styles that were very afrocentric, whether it was actually their hair or Nubian wigs (some argue the latter).  I returned with a sense of pride, feeling clear that I had connected with a very important aspect of history, beyond what I could have ever imagined.  Many people reviewed my photos and asked if I would organize a similar trip to the one I took so that others could have the same experience.  I took on this challenge and contacted the company that handled my trip and asked them if they could assist me with this process.  Below, you will find the result.  If you are interested in this amazing journey,  please comment on this post, indicating your interest. Your response will go directly to my e-mail and I will respond to you and answer any questions that you may have.  On this journey, there will be a special session for all naturalistas...a private gathering  in Egypt, for all naturalistas to talk, meet, greet and discuss their beautiful natural hair, on the continent of Africa, in the midst of  the beauty of the remnants of Ancient Egypt.  I hope to meet many of you on this glorious journey!

Rose World Tours invites you to travel on a Marvelous journey to Africa, to explore the beauty and wonder of Ancient Egypt.

11 days / 10 nights including Cairo, Luxor and Aswan featuring 5 * hotels and a 5 day / 4 night Deluxe 5 * cruise (with outside Nile view cabins). The dates are July 21 through July 31. The fantastic prices are listed below: (A $500 deposit is required to hold your spot)

$1295 per person, double occupancy i...f there are 21 or more total travelers

$1325 per person, double occupancy if there are 15-20 total travelers

$1375 per person, double occupancy if there are 7-14 total travelers

Single Supplement: $495

NO triples allowed.

Round-Trip International Air flying JFK/CAI: Additional cost of $1250 per person not including air taxes.

Current cost of air ticket taxes is $208 per person, however, taxes are subject to change.

CONTACT for more information: drpattirose@gmail.com

Lectures about the wonders of Ancient Egypt will also be provided by for a nominal cost of $100 for two sessions which includes a detailed package with information and historical insight. A special event will take place for N.I.C.E. to highlight the glories of natural hair and the beautiful natural styles of Ancient Egyptian women. Knowledgeable tour guides will also be available throughout the tour. Optional excursions are also available including Abu Simbel (Temples of Ramses II and Nefertari. Camel Trek to San Simeon Monastery and the Nubian Museum).

This Trip is definitely appropriate for all who feel that N.I.C.E.!