5 Reasons Dreadlocks Are Like YAGM

Back in September, the 14th to be exact, I started the process of locking my hair into dreads. It was something I had always wanted to do, and it was a great way to dive into another part of the culture here in South Africa, so I figured meh, why not!?

As time has gone on and my dreads have begin to mature I've begin to realize just how much my dreads and my YAGM year have in common. How on Earth does my hair and this time living abroad have anything in common you might ask?

#1 - It Takes Patience

The reason I started my dreads in the first place was as a reminder of patience. Much like a YAGM's experience, the gratitude aspect of the process doesn't exactly happen overnight. Dreads take time to form, mature, and to finally grow into a full lock. My own YAGM experience is just now beginning to take form, to "mature", and in the words of my friend Heidi, leave the honeymoon phase of this year of service.

#2 - They Need Nurturing

Contrary to popular belief dreads actually take a little bit of work to get started (especially with straight hair texture). If you want good looking, clean dreads you can't just ignore them. Much like the beginning of a YAGM year (or quite possibly the whole thing) they need nurturing, nourishment, and sometimes some particularly meticulous care.

#3 - They Can Be Messy

There is no way around the fact that if you have dreads they are, to some extent, going to be a bit dirty at times. This is my favorite part of the YAGM experience so far though. If it was always sunshine, roses and happy times I wouldn't be experiencing the personal growth and profound changes I am. The happy times have significantly outweighed the challenging times, but like a great set of dreads the reward is well worth persevering through the bumping times. 

#4 - You Can't Do It Alone

If one was particularly motivated and had A LOT of time to dedicate to starting their own dreads I suppose they could pull it off by themselves. The reality of dreads and a YAGM year though is about the people around you. Having friends help you start and maintain your dreads is way more fun than doing it alone. Surrounding myself with various communities and asking them to help me during my time here has been one of the greatest gifts I've ever received. Not to mention Mosagwe, Abby and Elle help me maintain my dreads on a regular basis.

#5 - They Become Part of Who You Are

Most people who choose to start dreads have good reason to do so, whether it is religious, spiritual, etc. As you watch them mature and grow into true locks they become part of you and your identity. When I signed up to be a YAGM I thought I was merely signing up to volunteer a year of my life. Little did I know I was signing up for a lifelong commitment of continual change and growth of my own identity. Not that I’m by any means made about that.

 

Peace

 

*written December 2nd