Honoring Frederick Douglass

We honor Frederick Douglass during Black History Month.

Frederick Douglass was born February 14, 1818 (Valentine’s Day), and he lived until February 20, 1895. When I was younger, all of my Black female friends wished for “Frederick Douglass hair.” The first time I heard this, I was in high school. At that time, my hair was short and nappy, and the dream of having Frederick Douglass hair truly appealed to me. I initially began to admire Frederick Douglass because of his hair.

This did not mean that I wished for what was called “good hair,” which symbolized by straight or curly hair. No, I wanted true Frederick Douglass hair: nappy, thick, and long.; that was what I wanted. I joined the others and began wishing for Frederick Douglass hair.

As my life continued, I learned more about Frederick Douglass, most importantly about how he made the decision to end his slavery. He was courageous and determined in his pursuit of freedom. He tried to escape twice, failing on his first attempt. He disguised himself as a free Black sailor, and he made it to freedom on his second attempt.

I was submerged in the corporate world, working in Personnel, when I began studying yoga and learned about Prana, or Life Force. I understood how beneficial Prana could be to supporting one’s life and well-being. I became aware that one could access Prana through the practice and knowledge of yoga, or one could simply be a soul gifted with a natural connection to Prana and other metaphysical ways of being. There are people whose Prana flows effortlessly because of their spirit, purpose, and the way they live their lives.

I am certain that Frederick Douglass had access to his Prana. Through this abundance of Prana, he escaped slavery and became an abolitionist, writer, orator, and statesman. Indeed, it was Prana that helped him become Frederick Douglass.

Wishing you joy and blessings this new Year!

Om Shanthi,

Maya Breuer E-RYT 500

As I grew older, my appreciation of him deepened. Before I entered college, I gave up my dream of Frederick Douglass hair, mainly because I learned that he was of mixed race. I had to admit that no matter how much I wished, I would never have Frederick Douglass hair.

By this time, I admired Frederick Douglass not for his hair, but for his courage and his spirit. I admired him because he chose to take hold of his life and claim his freedom. He used his Prana; yes, he did.

We all have access to Prana which will help us overcome the obstacles that we face