Here’s a story for children all about that within us which cannot be destroyed.
It tells of a girl whose hair cannot be cut. Although creating havoc in her family and early relationships, this strangely resilient (and eventually very long!) hair proves to be her blessing. It shows her how to live purposefully, and at the end of her life is her comfort and her gift to the next generation.
Our divine nature is not always seen or celebrated by our family, our friends or even our lovers. Some of us might choose to hide it, or cut it out of our awareness. But Claire doesn’t have this option. Her soul-essence stays visible, frustrating her parents wishes for her, and spooking her first boyfriends.
By going on a journey to discover why her hair can’t be cut, she discovers what it’s really for. Now struggle can turn to inspiration and she finds a place in the world for all of who she is. I especially like the scene at the end of the story where, as an old woman, she sits by the fire weaving and reweaving her hair into a cloak. “And whenever she wore it, she felt that no trouble could ever touch her. She could go outside in the wildest of weather, and always feel safe and warm inside.”
So must our soul feel at the end of a lifetime in which we kept it close and learned what it had to teach us.
I’ve recorded this story with my wife Sundara playing the handpan. I love what she can do with this magical instrument, which sounds like it was forged in story-land.
You can find the story here: Claire’s Unbreakable Hair
