Peace, love, and light fam! I have been getting a lot of inquiries and requests for information on headwraps so I feel inclined to discuss one of my favorite topics. A headwrap for me is so much more than just a stylish head covering; it is a connection to my heritage, it is protection for my antennas to the universe, it is sacred. Some of you may be thinking that I am taking my love and admiration for a piece of cloth too far but let me explain.
When I was younger, I had family members who tied their heads up in bandannas or scarves to protect their head. I admired the head wraps and would often tie my hair up in an often sad attempt to mimic them. As I grew in age, I began to discover that head wrapping is a part of the Afrikan woman’s heritage. As I viewed pictures of women from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia and other countries in Afrika, I felt a deep connection and pride. They were beautiful, Afrikan, with features like my own, and we were kindred spirits.
Now, as an adult wombman, I wear my headwrap with great pride and dignity. I am treated differently when I am wrapped. People seem to acknowledge the goddess energy that permeates my being and I graciously accept the positivity. Many sistars compliment my wraps and seem to be proud that I am bold enough to wear mine regularly. I also wear my headwrap at times when I feel too much negative energy. My locs are antennas to the universe and I am already very, very empathetic and highly sensitive to others’ energies. I will wrap my hair to protect my crown and chakra center from absorbing these unwanted energies. I will not get into chakras today but I will say these protecting these energy centers is essential.
I liken my headwrap to a crown; a glorious and sacred cloth that makes the world know who they are dealing with. I am at a point in my life in which I absolutely must be my authentic self. I spent many years attempting to conform in some way to those around me so as not to stand out or be perceived as too different. But, no matter how hard I tried, I always failed. Now I recognize the light that I carry inside. I am a child of the Sun and in the manner of the Sun, no matter how cloudy the skies are, no matter who doesn’t like the heat, the Sun is going to shine. And so shall I.

Hetepu,
Ashaki Ma’at Mirembe Ali

Peace, love, and light fam. Today is a day, much like any other. I began my day with anticipation of doing and being a better me. I have been in a mode of reflection lately—really reviewing decisions that I have made and actions I have taken or (didn’t take) as well as why I chose the path that I did. I realize that at times my choices were poor, others were awesome but they all have been valuable and necessary in order for me to become who I am today.

I am always teaching and speaking on taking action to progress as an individual. I realize that even at times I felt as though I was not moving, I actually was. And progression does not always elicit a positive vibration. It can be painful. I liken it to pruning of a tree. The tree has to be cut back in order to bloom and reach its full potential. Our experiences and our responses to those experiences, prune us and help us to reach our highest self. For example, when I became pregnant at 15, I had to grow up and become more responsible immediately. There was a life coming into the world that I was responsible for. As a pregnant teenager, I was ostracized, I was stared at, I was hurt by many—friends stop being friends, family members shunned me, and I had no support from the father of my son. I desperately needed emotional support but it was nowhere to be found, especially at home. My mother threatened me often, telling me she was going to send me to a foster home. If it wasn’t for a few friends, I probably would have given up, but they encouraged me and I have never forgotten their love and kindness.

I gave birth to a healthy baby boy, graduated with no difficulty, and did tons of other things that statistically should not have ever happened. I am sure you have a similar story; a story of how you overcame what could have been an unbearable obstacle. We have all the power within ourselves to accomplish whatever we strive for. Life is a lesson-full of obstacles, tests, trials, and triumphs. Many people have asked me if I ever have a bad day. I do but I choose to find the silver lining in my clouds. Yes, it will rain and sometimes pour but after the rain, the Sun will shine. And the Andre’a of yesterday, is not the Ashaki of today. She is ever evolving…..

Hetepu,

Ashaki Ma’at Mirembe Ali

The Tru Lioness