{"id":4612,"date":"2016-12-07T20:49:44","date_gmt":"2016-12-07T15:19:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.barusahib.org\/?p=4612"},"modified":"2024-11-20T20:52:37","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T15:22:37","slug":"kaurs-journey-of-keeping-kesh-bheni-navrup-kaur-ji","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/kaurs-journey-of-keeping-kesh-bheni-navrup-kaur-ji\/","title":{"rendered":"Kaur\u2019s Journey of keeping Kesh- Bheni Navrup Kaur Ji"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/kaurs-journey-of-keeping-kesh-bheni-navrup-kaur-ji\/#The_Struggle_of_Keeping_Kesh_in_a_Modern_World\" >The Struggle of Keeping Kesh in a Modern World<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/kaurs-journey-of-keeping-kesh-bheni-navrup-kaur-ji\/#Bhenji_Navrup_Kaur_Jis_Personal_Journey_with_Kesh\" >Bhenji Navrup Kaur Ji&#8217;s Personal Journey with Kesh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/kaurs-journey-of-keeping-kesh-bheni-navrup-kaur-ji\/#Bhenji_Navrup_Kaur_Jis_Personal_Journey_with_Kesh-2\" >Bhenji Navrup Kaur Ji&#8217;s Personal Journey with Kesh<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/kaurs-journey-of-keeping-kesh-bheni-navrup-kaur-ji\/#The_Pressure_of_Beauty_Standards_and_Hair_Removal\" >The Pressure of Beauty Standards and Hair Removal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/kaurs-journey-of-keeping-kesh-bheni-navrup-kaur-ji\/#A_Life-Changing_Visit_to_India_and_Embracing_Sikhi\" >A Life-Changing Visit to India and Embracing Sikhi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/kaurs-journey-of-keeping-kesh-bheni-navrup-kaur-ji\/#The_Turning_Point_Acceptance_and_Embracing_Natural_Beauty\" >The Turning Point: Acceptance and Embracing Natural Beauty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/kaurs-journey-of-keeping-kesh-bheni-navrup-kaur-ji\/#PCOS_Health_Changes_and_the_Impact_on_Facial_Hair\" >PCOS, Health Changes, and the Impact on Facial Hair<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/kaurs-journey-of-keeping-kesh-bheni-navrup-kaur-ji\/#Learning_to_Be_True_to_Yourself_in_the_Film_Industry\" >Learning to Be True to Yourself in the Film Industry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/kaurs-journey-of-keeping-kesh-bheni-navrup-kaur-ji\/#Final_Tip_Keep_Trying_and_Never_Give_Up\" >Final Tip: Keep Trying and Never Give Up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Struggle_of_Keeping_Kesh_in_a_Modern_World\"><\/span>The Struggle of Keeping Kesh in a Modern World<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In today\u2019s world keeping Kesh (hair) has become an issue for some men and women. However, our sisters struggle the hardest to maintain Sikhi saroop in this western society whilst dealing with the images bombarded by the media all around us of what an ideal woman should look like. No longer is it seen natural to have hair on your arms and legs. I have even heard non-Sikh young men saying it is disgusting to see men have hair on their chest and arms, which I found shocking. People are becoming more and more insecure about themselves, moving away from natural beauty and inner grace and conforming to peer pressure, fashion fads and idolising celebrities. For this reason it is an honour to see young men and women keep their Kesh, shine in the glory of Guru Gobind Singh jee and lead the world rather than follow the world.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bhenji_Navrup_Kaur_Jis_Personal_Journey_with_Kesh\"><\/span>Bhenji Navrup Kaur Ji&#8217;s Personal Journey with Kesh<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Bhenji Navrup Kaur jee from UK, a dedicated sevadaar who promotes Sikhi in local Gurmat classes and camps wrote an article about her personal story of keeping Kesh and dealing with excessive facial hair (which is a taboo subject). She has also held workshops on the issue of bibiaa and kesh.<\/p>\n<p>This post was originally posted on <strong>www.SikhAnswers.com<\/strong> on a question about some women having excessive facial hair and how to cope etc. I know it is a sensitive issue, however I think the Sangat will find it inspiring, Singhs and Singhniaa will appreciate the challenges our sisters face and also encourage sisters to find support from fellow sisters. Bhenji Navrup Kaur has given permission to re-post on my blog and on SikhNet.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bhenji_Navrup_Kaur_Jis_Personal_Journey_with_Kesh-2\"><\/span><strong>Bhenji Navrup Kaur Ji&#8217;s Personal Journey with Kesh<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>All my life I was told that it was wrong to cut the kesh on my head, but the kesh on my body \u2013 underarms, eyebrows, upper lip etc was okay in Sikhi. I was SO paranoid of my kesh that I wasted thousands of pounds on hair removal\u2026 for what? To be free. Thing is, I would get some sort of expensive AND painful (I might add) hair removal treatment done and would have this temporary feeling of beauty because one week later I would start to see the kesh growing back.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Pressure_of_Beauty_Standards_and_Hair_Removal\"><\/span>The Pressure of Beauty Standards and Hair Removal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>I would hate myself and think, why can\u2019t I look like the women on TV. Then I heard of the miracle treatment called Lazer hair removal. I was told that the kesh would NEVER return\u2026 how amazing is this. So I went for a consultation in Central London. I was told the kesh would never come back if I come for a minimum of 6 treatments over 5 months. This would cost me about \u00a3600. So I did it, and it was shocking that the kesh came back\u2026 I was so disheartened but continued with the hope that one day the treatment may work. Others that went with me for treatments (with not even close to the amount of kesh I had) also found that the kesh kept returning. After finishing university I really wanted to get into the film industry and as a freelancer was not able to afford the treatments so I was waxing and shaving my face instead. Vaheguru \ud83d\ude41<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Life-Changing_Visit_to_India_and_Embracing_Sikhi\"><\/span><strong>A Life-Changing Visit to India and Embracing Sikhi<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In 2007 I went to India. There my life changed and I made a commitment to walk the path of Sikhi. I stopped meat, cigarettes, sharaab that very day but kesh\u2026 it was too big a step to take. I tried to grow the kesh on my face but it would hurt me to look in the mirror, plus friends and family would harass me. I tried to be clever and bleach but a Gursikh (male) said to me, don\u2019t do that \u2013 it looks worse. I got electrolysis done, and that was really expensive. I felt it was working\u2026 and then surprise, surprise, the kesh came back.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Turning_Point_Acceptance_and_Embracing_Natural_Beauty\"><\/span><strong>The Turning Point: Acceptance and Embracing Natural Beauty<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One day at a Gurmat camp, the question of kesh came up and a male gursikh said, \u201chave you ever thought to yourself, that if it keeps growing that its meant to be there?\u201d Vaheguru it was so logically, what was I doing\u2026 Guru wanted me to look this way. After that I let go and accepted myself. Months later, Guru blessed me with His Amrit. It was at this point that I visited the doctor who said,\u201dI think you have PCOS and I want to cure this naturally\u201d.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PCOS_Health_Changes_and_the_Impact_on_Facial_Hair\"><\/span>PCOS, Health Changes, and the Impact on Facial Hair<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>So I was exercising 3 times a week, eating lots of fruit and veg and was cutting out crisps, chocolates, cakes etc\u2026 within the space of 4 months, I went from a size 16 to a size 12. My monthly cycle was somewhat normal, and the kesh miraculously had thinned out so much that a fellow Gursikh questioned if I had done something to my kesh. LOL!<\/p>\n<p>After I had my baby, my PCOS spiked again and the kesh came back, but now, I am onMetformin and regularly visit my doctor to keep an eye on the condition. This method is working.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learning_to_Be_True_to_Yourself_in_the_Film_Industry\"><\/span>Learning to Be True to Yourself in the Film Industry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>I worked for 7 years in the film industry. I sat across the table from movie stars and high level executives, and I saw that they respect you more because you have the ability to do what they cannot\u2026 be you! Be natural. Not be a slave to the outside world\u2019s conditioned expectations of what is beautiful.<\/p>\n<p>The important thing to know is that the kesh is a part of who you are. Once you accept that, then and only then, will you feel content within your own skin \u2013 then everything will become easier. The hair removal adverts on TV use language to enslave you, such as \u201cFree yourself\u201d, \u201cDiscover your true self\u201d\u2026 I think to myself, they do not even know me. I am free\u2026 Why? Because Vaheguru knows me\u2026 and He knows \u2018I\u2019m Worth it!\u2019 (((:-)<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Tip_Keep_Trying_and_Never_Give_Up\"><\/span>Final Tip: Keep Trying and Never Give Up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>TIP: Regularly remind yourself of Great GurSikhs who obtained Shaheedi for Kesh\u2026 Read and watch the films. Talk about it over and over with Sangat. This will help to empower you! Also, if you are trying to keep kesh on a part of your body and you fall, just keep trying\u2026 Never give up giving up! Remember, you are You!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Struggle of Keeping Kesh in a Modern World In today\u2019s world keeping Kesh (hair) has become an issue for some men and women. However, our sisters struggle the hardest to maintain Sikhi saroop in this western society whilst dealing with the images bombarded by the media all around us of what an ideal woman [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4614,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"image","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Kaur%E2%80%99s-Journey-of-keeping-Kesh-Bhenji-Navrup-Kaur-Ji.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-4612","post","type-post","status-publish","format-image","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spiritual","post_format-post-format-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4612"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4612\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4660,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4612\/revisions\/4660"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4614"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4612"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barusahib.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=4612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}