On it’s face the premise seems either too bloated with possibility or lacking in some kind of framework; we tend to lean toward structure, working or thinking within a timeline. To ask such a broad question may seem at once pointless and every so slightly compelling.
It occurred to me this morning to pose this question. Many mornings have I mentally noted how much better I felt after my morning shower and shave. Sure, I (as many of you) enjoy my shave time now. I don’t allow myself to be concerned with time, just let myself become immersed in the masculine ritual of the process, the lather building, face lathering, and the productive/reductive daily practice of putting beveled steel to flesh.
But it’s more than that.
I can’t say I’m a ‘morning’ person, although I get started pretty darn early. Getting up and moving isn’t on my list of all-time loves. Every day brings with it a sunrise, and a new opportunity to learn, to achieve . . . to live. But living also requires responsibility, and our constant attentions until we lay our heads on our pillows again. I suppose I could say being upright and breathing everyday is pretty high on my list of faves, but I think, that, like breathing, is a given.
The one point during the day I feel the best, like I’m okay with the world and feeling best about myself is when I finish getting dressed after my quiet and very individual sacrament of grooming. I know once I step out my door and put the truck in reverse there may be plenty of opportunities to slip off the path, and with each moment—especially during an Arizona summer—that morning freshness diminishes.
But for me, knowing I am fresh, clean, and feeling relatively sharp—that has to be my favorite part of the day. How about you?
It occurred to me this morning to pose this question. Many mornings have I mentally noted how much better I felt after my morning shower and shave. Sure, I (as many of you) enjoy my shave time now. I don’t allow myself to be concerned with time, just let myself become immersed in the masculine ritual of the process, the lather building, face lathering, and the productive/reductive daily practice of putting beveled steel to flesh.
But it’s more than that.
I can’t say I’m a ‘morning’ person, although I get started pretty darn early. Getting up and moving isn’t on my list of all-time loves. Every day brings with it a sunrise, and a new opportunity to learn, to achieve . . . to live. But living also requires responsibility, and our constant attentions until we lay our heads on our pillows again. I suppose I could say being upright and breathing everyday is pretty high on my list of faves, but I think, that, like breathing, is a given.
The one point during the day I feel the best, like I’m okay with the world and feeling best about myself is when I finish getting dressed after my quiet and very individual sacrament of grooming. I know once I step out my door and put the truck in reverse there may be plenty of opportunities to slip off the path, and with each moment—especially during an Arizona summer—that morning freshness diminishes.
But for me, knowing I am fresh, clean, and feeling relatively sharp—that has to be my favorite part of the day. How about you?