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Turbans & Nail Polish don’t go together! Do they?

By on November 3, 2016
jas

By Jas Dhillon

I was in grade Nine returning back to school after Christmas Holidays. As I walked into my first class there was silence, gasps, exaggerated laughter, and dramatic reactions, and students falling off of their chairs as they caught sight of me. Before I left for holidays I looked like a “normal” Indian girl who had long dark hair, hoop earrings, and trying hard to fit into the high school scene. When I returned I was wearing a turban on my head, no jewelry, no make-up, and in plain clothes.

Over the holidays my parents had sent me to a Sikh youth camp where I met many other kids, some of which are still good friends of mine. Together we learned about the Sikh religion, establishing a daily practice of prayer, meditation, playing musical instruments and singing Kirtin (singing sacred sikh chants). I remember the feeling of finding that which spoke to my soul. I found connection to something greater than myself. I found purpose and meaning. I eagerly adopted all the “inner work” practices, as well as the “outer appearance” practices. I felt I found the formula of being good! Herein lay the problem.

I remember feeling proud winning the approval of my parents. I felt like I was the good child they always desired. I learned how to read Gurmukhi/ Punjabi within a month all on my own! I learned how to recite prayers, sing Kirtin, wear a turban and I became a fully baptized Sikh. I put my heart and soul into being a good Sikh, although I failed in some eyes.

The day came when I had sang Kirtin in front of a house full of Sikh priests and families at a ceremonial gathering my parents hosted. I wore a turban, Indian clothing, and all the other traditional religious symbols Sikh’s wear, however, I was wearing something a little extra than prescribed. I wore nail polish on all of my nails. Little did I realize this would make me a Badass! As I walked down my hallway, I got stopped by one of the priests in my house. He pointed at my nails and said, “This is not good”. I silently walked away while processing what he said in my head.

I examined how far I had come. I was a girl who couldn’t read Punjabi, couldn’t play a harmonium, couldn’t sing Kirtin, couldn’t recite Sikh prayers, never wore a turban, never participated in any religious ceremonies before this, and yet this Sikh priest could only see flaws in me. It felt disturbing. Something didn’t feel right. I realized then it was futile trying to be “good”, as being good depends on how others perceive you. The truth is no matter what you do there will always be those who find fault in you. In that moment I decided that I no longer would be good for anyone. What mattered was that I was good for myself!

I invite you to examine your life. Where do you deny yourself for approval? Where do you hold yourself back while delivering what others expect? Where are you being “nice” or “good”, and for who? Where do you allow others opinions of you control you? Where do you care about the other more than you care for yourself? No matter what you do, whether it’s wearing a tuban, applying nail polish, sky diving, finding pokemon, or going dancing, do it because it makes you happy! Do it because it is what YOU want for YOU and not for an OTHER. If someone can’t see beyond the cover, then they will never know the story. We all have a story to write, a purpose and passion to live, and we must not let those who can’t read beyond the cover, stop our story from ever being.

 

View More: http://krosephotography.pass.us/jasJas Dhillon is an Intuitive Empowerment Coach, Reiki Master/Teacher, Third Generation Intuitive, and a seeker of truth.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and many years of experience working with people through her corporate career.

In the past 20 years working with people, witnessing a full spectrum of emotions, behaviors, and physical illnesses, she found that happiness has a direct correlation to one’s connection with their own spirit.  She believes the keys to happiness are within you waiting to be discovered. You have an innate wisdom that is unique to you.  Her passion is to witness you to come into alignment with this wisdom.

Jas guides people to re-connect with their Spirit, and nurture Self-Love along the way.  She has made an impact on many lives through her Intuitive Coaching practice.  She delivers workshops, private readings, and Energy healing sessions, along with providing one on one coaching connecting people with their greatness.

www.jasdhillon.ca

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