Shave more to feel more grounded

[lassmanac]

So, like you, I've been shaving for as long as I can remember. I remember watching my grandfather shave, and I remember being fascinated by my step dad's injector cartridge. No one ever taught me to shave. I learned on my own. My first real lessons were when I joined the Army at age 17 and that lesson was push-ups if i wasn't clean shaven. I can remember dry shaving with blue plastic disposable BIC while standing in formation before the Drill Sergeant showed up. Ouch. I started wet shaving about 8 years ago and loved it... for a while. I always managed a good clean shave, but even wet shaving got boring after a while.

As I've noted in a few posts lately, I've recently become motivated again and am shaving 6 days a week. One of the more interesting things I've noticed is that the time I spend shaving really grounds me for the rest of the day. I find I am much less irritable in the office after spending 15-20 minutes concentrating and focusing on the shave.

 

[member 119848]

Nice story, Aaron.
I had ups and downs too in my shaving carreer. But the last 3 years I have been gearing up my shaving arsenal due to the influence of B&B. Now thanks to a good technique, I am able to shave every day without irritation.
Shaving has become a morning ritual that I enjoy, just like a shower and a cup of coffee.
I need to be cleanly shaved in order to feel presentable. Even on sundays, I shave to be presentable to my wife and my kids. I feel like a sharp man when I´m shaved. It empowers me. Just like a suit would empower me in a meeting room.
Now I'm 42. If I don´t shave I look like a bum. A few years ago that what not the case. When a man reaches a certain age, there´s just more work to be done to look fresh and clean.
Shaving is a daily disciplin indeed. But is totally worth the effort.

 

[Twelvefret]

Maybe it is the concentrating and focus early in the day that causes us to be mindful about other tasks. Good story and points. Thank you for sharing.

 

[BigJ]

Great story! For me, shaving first thing in the AM is part of the routine that sets me up for the day!

 

[Badgerstate36]

I think that a lot of us find our Zen with wet shaving. The ritual, the aromas of various soaps and aftershaves, etc.

 

[@ngel]

It takes a certain mindset to shave with the tools we chose, and I also find if I take that mindset to work it helps a great deal, specially the days I shave with a straight razor, I come out to the world with a “bring it on” attitude, after all, what can be more challenging than gliding a sharp piece of steel that could potentialy kill you! And come out alive and looking awesome, carpe diem my friends, carpe diem!

 

[Ad Astra]

Best ten minutes of the day!

That's why I try to the espresso to hit while shaving...


AA

 

[Macfrommichigan]

Yup! Zen? Okay. Shaving with canned foam and a disposable razor would be a task; using a brush, soap, and proper razor elevates the experience... and brings me joy.

 

[lassmanac]

I think that a lot of us find our Zen with wet shaving. The ritual, the aromas of various soaps and aftershaves, etc.

That was pretty much my feeling. I've really found a new appreciation for the Zen aspect of the process. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has been feeling this way.

 

[johnwick]

It’s amazing to me how much the ritual has changed over time. Now I appreciate a good variety of brushes and soaps, not to mention multiple razors. It’s incredible how the experience builds upon itself over time.

 

[cw62803]

If the people in your office had any sense, they'd leave tubs of Proraso and bottles of aftershave on your desk.

 

[Kristian F.]

For me, it's about results..as I shave at night, and BEFORE shower..(I use a hot wash cloth and soak my face with hot water for about 5 minutes though)

BUT..I do love to have some time to myself, and hating stubble, it does feel good to remove it!! And get compliments from my Lady!

I think the soaps and nice brushes are what do it for me the most.

 

[lassmanac]

i do love my Proraso!!! But leaning a lot on Stirling these days.

 

[KW Driver]

and that's how I quickly drifted away from the boredom of a DE shave to straights. come on over to the darkside, we have shinies. and cookies.

 

[OtterLunacy]

and that's how I quickly drifted away from the boredom of a DE shave to straights. come on over to the darkside, we have shinies. and cookies.

Don't forget all of the pretty rocks!

 

[KW Driver]

And the rocks

 

[andromeda673]

I'll agree and add that my days are the best when I shave, when I don't, I feel like a whole chunk of me was just taken away. Now when I travel for certain events and or what not, I don't shave. But in the office I have to shave everyday, it's part of my day and it's part of me.

I like it, and honestly with the wife and kid, it's literally the only 25 minutes I get.

 

[lostpacket]

I shave daily and have since I was a teen. Can't stand beards. Now with artisan soaps, it's like putting on Creed Aventus and getting ready for the day (mentally and physically).

 

[Thwack]

So, like you, I've been shaving for as long as I can remember. I remember watching my grandfather shave, and I remember being fascinated by my step dad's injector cartridge. No one ever taught me to shave. I learned on my own. My first real lessons were when I joined the Army at age 17 and that lesson was push-ups if i wasn't clean shaven. I can remember dry shaving with blue plastic disposable BIC while standing in formation before the Drill Sergeant showed up. Ouch. I started wet shaving about 8 years ago and loved it... for a while. I always managed a good clean shave, but even wet shaving got boring after a while.

As I've noted in a few posts lately, I've recently become motivated again and am shaving 6 days a week. One of the more interesting things I've noticed is that the time I spend shaving really grounds me for the rest of the day. I find I am much less irritable in the office after spending 15-20 minutes concentrating and focusing on the shave.

I feel the same. I've been dealing with depression for ages and for the last few years I just used the clippers to keep stubble low enough so I wouldn't get harassed at work. About 6 weeks or so ago I pulled out one of the few soaps I had left and shaved. Half way through my morning I noticed that the "fog" was starting to lift. Shaved again the next 2 mornings and I felt like a new person.

I'm not sure if it's the sensation of shaving, the scents or just the routine... whatever it is, it's a great anti depressant for me.

 

[Macfrommichigan]

Thwack, I have also dealt with long bouts of depression, particularly in winter. The act of making soup is my pick me up. But yeah, shaving is an emotional lift, too!