Everyday Buddhism 76 - Losing My Hair: Alopecia, An Uninvited Teacher

Everyday Buddhism 76 - Losing My Hair: Alopecia, An Uninvited Teacher

Author: Wendy Shinyo Haylett September 20, 2022 Duration: 30:08

In this episode, I share my journey into baldness caused by Alopecia Areata. September is Alopecia Awareness month, so I'm happy to share this episode now.

No matter what our hair looks like or changes to, we are never satisfied.
Hair seems one of the most prominent marks of our self. We seem uniquely attached to our hair as self.

My hair loss first started in mid-December 2021, then paused and seemed to start growing back, then in April it was on a steady downward trend. And by July, I began to make peace with the fact that I was losing so much hair there wasn't much of a point in trying to hide it, so I shaved it all off.

This was a process of working to accept things as they are, called Arugamama, from Morita Therapy in Japanese Psychology.

Listen to this episode to see how I've come to accept my new bald self.

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Book, Diamond Sutra by Red Pine, mentioned in this podcast:
The Diamond Sutra - Translation & Commentary by Red Pine 

My book, mentioned in this podcast: Everyday Buddhism: Real-Life Buddhist Teachings & Practices For Real Change

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Become a patron to support this podcast and get special member benefits!
https://www.patreon.com/EverydayBuddhism


You might find yourself wondering how ancient Buddhist principles could possibly fit into the rush of a modern workday or the quiet complexities of your personal relationships. Everyday Buddhism: Making Everyday Better explores exactly that, without pretense or esoteric jargon. Hosted by Wendy Shinyo Haylett, who brings her perspective as an author, teacher, and behavioral coach, each conversation feels like a practical dialogue. The ideas discussed aren't about retreating from the world, but about engaging with it more skillfully and with less personal turmoil. You'll hear how mindfulness and compassion translate into actionable strategies for dealing with stress, communication breakdowns, and the general noise of daily life. This podcast treats Buddhist teachings as a lived experience, offering reflections and methods that feel immediately applicable. Whether you're well-versed in spirituality or simply curious, Wendy’s guidance is grounded and clear, focusing on the tangible ways these age-old insights can create more space and resilience. Tune in for a thoughtful companion on the path to making each day a little more manageable and meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Everyday Buddhism: Making Everyday Better
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