Dumb Question: What's A Rainbow Gathering, Exactly?
General Talk
rainbow gathering has been the most amazing experience in my life so far. its not something fully describable with words
Forum Activity for @nicholas-ballard
General Talk
Natural dreading with straight hair
Dreading Methods
Ive been allowing my hair to dread naturally for 10 months now. i could not be happier and i could not be more amazed with the progress. i had originally done TnR and after about a month combed them out because it seemed none of them were in good spots and it was so uncomfortable, as soon as i combed them out decided to let them go naturally. almost half of my dreads are fairly close to being mature and at least 90% of my hair has at least began dreading with some on the top being fairly new. i literally used nothing but some local soaps i found that didn't leave any residue on my skin (they are designed for oily skin and such, so they did a great job of essentially stripping my hair of any residues within it). when i started my hair was probably about 6 or 7 inches all around. my hair has almost doubled in length since then and some of the older dreads have pretty much returned to that length of about 7 inches. its interesting watching them grow longer and then shorten. natural dreading is the way to go. just saying. I've never felt more in love with part of myself than i do with my hair now. each individual lock is just beautiful in its own aspect. I've also done a lot of studying both on here and in other resources about the dreads and have learned a lot from the experience itself, so if you have any questions feel free to ask.
updated by @nicholas-ballard: 01/13/15 10:01:44PM
The recent debate i've come across
General Talk
These locks of hair exist on YOUR head and grow from YOUR scalp. the universe has given them to you to do with what you would like. The opinion of others no matter how justified it is within their own minds should not affect your decision. On top of that, this is something that happens to your hair over time all by its self. how in the hell could someone, anyone, deem whom has the right to wear this style.
Natural is clearly the way to go
Dreading Methods
the guilt was in the fact that i looked to it as a spiritual journey and my hair as an extension of me, by doing the TnR i didnt allow my hair to express itself, i was forcing it to do something, thats all i meant by the guilt. and yea, my hair never tangled up at all Hannah, so to see that all of a sudden your hair is in matted tangles one morning is just mind blowing. i wish you luck on your dreading journey also 
Natural is clearly the way to go
Dreading Methods
the first time i decided to dread my hair i did a little Twist N Rip and after 2 weeks decided i didnt like it because i felt some sort of guilt for not letting my hair naturally section itself, especially because i wanted to do the dreads as a spiritual journey. i combed them out and decided to go natural process. after one month im finally getting sections of my hair that are beginning to dread and i totally understand why people choose naturally dreading as opposed to any other way. the day to day progress is amazing to watch and everytime i notice a new section dreading or a section tightening up i get so excited! the process is a journey of patience for me due to the fact that i would say patience is one of my biggest weaknesses. its also neat to see how fast its dreading, i have straight hair but its a little on the thicker side and its only 7-8 inches long. these little dreads have some crazy personality and i feel like each one of them is an extension of me and my being. im loving this mane of hair with its craziness also, like i said it just feels right, like this is how it all should be you know. this website has helped a lot especially with advice and the different testimonials of sorts. glad to finally be a part of this community. natural dreads all the way.
updated by @nicholas-ballard: 01/13/15 09:53:21PM
Rainbow Gathering
General Talk
haha, i wouldnt be surprised, i dont think my family would be very shocked either :P
Rainbow Gathering
General Talk
so im attending this years rainbow gathering in Montana and i was just wondering to hear some stories about past gatherings, maybe some of your favorite parts. im assuming at least a few of you have been, as i know soaringeagle has
updated by @nicholas-ballard: 01/13/15 09:53:11PM
coping with emotions :(
Dreads in the Family
people will say what they say. i feel like the dreads really are a spiritual journey, especially with patience. patience in the time it takes for them, and patience in the sense that you must tolerate the negative assumptions and connotations that come with it. there will always be people that are jealous or just dont understand. just know that you are loved by many no matter what and remember to love yourself. try not to let peoples opinions and thoughts hit you in that hurtful sense even if it is hard to do so.