To dye or not to dye, the big aging question

Published: Sun, 10/02/16

 
Awakened Living 
with Jan Lundy
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I am being very transparent about my aging process here ...
Lovely friend,

I've been coloring my hair for a while now. Weeks ago the grays were coming through again (more than ever!) and I went to Walgreen's to buy the usual hair dye. But a strange thing happened. 

I purchased the box and it's still sitting here on my dresser. Why? Because I am not sure I should color my hair anymore. 

As I examined my perplexity, I realized I was asking myself a deeper question: Is it important for you to look youthful? 

This is a ginormous question for many of us these days because we live in a youth-oriented culture. Many people believe that aging and other indicators of your age (like gray hair) are less than desirable. I transparently admit, until now, I wanted to look "younger" and keep up youthful appearances. 

The conundrum comes when I also admit I dread coloring my hair ever few months. It's messy, stinky and hard, especially with my longer hairstyle now (Another sign of youthful longing? Oy).

Along with the dread rises a desire to honor the wisdom I've gleaned over the years; to strut my wise woman stuff and embrace myself as an Elder-Woman. This honoring voice says, "Let it go, be natural, be yourself."

I really don't know what to do. To die or not to dye, that is the question. A third voice chimes in now and then that says, "But you look better with brown hair," and I believe I might. I like my hair and I feel good with my hair as it is. Dancing with these viewpoints is my journey these days. I'm in the messy middle and that's alright. In the meantime, the box of hair color continues to sit on my dresser. 

The point of my confession is this. As we age, we are in a constant state of change. We must consistently weigh our options, check in with our feelings, and make new choices. We must discern which path honors our true self. 

And when we don't know, we wait—patiently—with self-compassion. We wait until our deep truth emerges. I'm still waiting.
If my story resonates with you in any way, please consider joining me for this:
Self-Compassionate Aging:

Aging as a Spiritual Practice 

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Learn more
5 weeks of inter-spiritual practice around aging and the issues of grace-filled aging. 3 lessons a week sent to your Inbox. Guided meditations, prayers, and videos that will guide you deeper as you compassionately explore your deepest thoughts and feelings about aging.

Transform what's not working. Embrace what is. Welcome in insight and claim yourself as the Wise Woman you are!

We begin Wed. Oct. 5.

Please join me for what promises to be an amazing inner journey into the Truth of your being as you age gracefully and with dignity.

(P.S. And please, dear one, I am not looking for answers or input on what to do. I will divine this out for myself and must. xo)

Love to you,

Jan

Jan Lundy, Interfaith Spiritual Mentor, Educator and Author of


 
 
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