The Art of Patience in Wet Shaving: A Meditation in Modern Life

[roshsr]

Hey everyone,

I’ve always been an impatient person, constantly rushing through everything in life. But lately, I’ve found something that’s helping me slow down a bit – wet shaving.

For me, wet shaving isn’t just about getting rid of stubble. It’s become a way to force myself to be patient. It’s really hard for me to take my time with things, but wet shaving makes me do just that. From building the lather to making careful strokes with the razor, I have to pay attention and go slow.

Honestly, it’s still a struggle. I want to rush through it, but I’m learning to enjoy the process and the calm it brings. I’m curious, does anyone else here feel the same? Do you use wet shaving as a way to practice patience and be more mindful?

I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you might have for someone like me who’s trying to be more patient.

Looking forward to your thoughts!

 

[Coler]

My approach to shaving for many years was it's essentially a chore. I have a thick, fast growing beard. I work in a formal environment since I was 23, so daily shaving or a neat beard is required. I didn't really mind too much, always got good results with Gilette multi blade carts and blue goop from a can.

About 15 years ago I tried traditional shaving.

It's much nicer, more enjoyable and gives an even better result. I enjoy high quality lather products and shaving kit.

I don't know if I use it as a mindfulness exercise in any conscious way but it's a bit of self-care and that's a good thing.

I shave in the morning before work so there is a need to get it done.

At the weekend I may or may not shave at all. Still, probably getting through a full three pass shave in 15 minutes start to finish, whatever day of the week it might be. A little longer if I've gone a few days without shaving.

That's at a decent, relaxed pace.

I don't see a reason to deliberately take longer to be honest.

Ultimately it's just part of a grooming routine.

 

[BigJ]

Great observations!

For me, a great advantage of ‘traditional’ wet shaving is that a daily chore is now a source of enjoyment!

And the bonus is that my shaves are substantially better than they were in my cart days.

 

[Trollky]

I enjoy my daily shaves because they provide some "me time" and I find it very relaxing.

 

[DesertIguana]

Patience & with Persistance is two good skills.

 

[dmshaver]

Shaving is a necessity, & sometimes needs to be done quickly. But most days I give myself the extra time to relax & enjoy my shave.

 

[dotKomo]

I have often read about the "Zen" of wet shaving. We humans are made for ritual, and wets shaving lends itself to that quite well - the prep, picking software (brush, cream, soap) and enjoying the smells, the razor/blade combo, post shave and picking an aftershave.

I shave in the morning before work, but 15 minutes gives me plenty of time. After I retire at the end of this year, I'll have plenty of time!