Being in college has developed a much greater awareness of the gems that have made me into who I am today. Most of these little treasures are part of Indian culture that I had become so accustomed to while living at home. Consequently, I was not able to fully see their value. Now, when I crave to feel like myself again, I feel so grateful to have these grounding aspects in my life.
- Hair Oil Massages
- From a young age, my parents smothered my scalp in various, natural hair oils, followed by a brain-scratching massage. I never understood the purpose of it besides “it makes your hair better”. However, college life made it click. As I began exploring different hairstyles and aesthetic looks, I began to understand how much more important hair care is than hairstyles. My love-hate relationship with my frizzly, poofy hair eventually mended into a healthier one once I began regular hair oil massages. I paid closer attention to what products I used in my hair and began to take better care of my hair in general. My hair began to shine, look healthier, and I felt more connected to my cultural roots (no pun intended).
- Simple Indian Cooking
- Like any other child growing up, eating at restaurants always seemed more appealing than “mundane” home-cooked meals. Who wouldn’t want a juicy, flavorful Panda Express plate instead of daal bhaat (lentil soup and rice)? However, as I’ve gone through many phases of pasta, stir-fries, and other foods I craved so much to eat on a regular basis back at home, I realized the missing puzzle piece was simple, home-cooked Indian food. A bowl of daal rice sounds like heaven after a long day on campus. I’ve begun to incorporate Indian spices, such as red chili powder, turmeric, and asafoetida, into other dishes, making every meal taste like home.
- Indian Jewelry
- I grew up with a huge love for bright, dangly earrings, shiny accessories, and pretty much any jewelry that was decked out in gems. Rings, necklaces, bracelets; you name it, I loved it. It was easy to reserve Indian jewelry only for traditional events where I was only surrounded by brown people. When it came to facing my school friends or anyone else, I would be fast to blend into regular, American accessories. However, college changed that perspective for me. I started to love wearing jhumkas (a traditional style of earrings) with my crop-tops and jeans. I threw on authentic Indian bangles onto my everyday school clothes. Each piece of jewelry instills a sense of pride in my culture and where I come from.
What are some things that make you feel more like yourself in your life? Leave your response in the comments below!
J I V A W A Y S 