The reverse side also has a reverse side.
Japanese Proverb
The synchronicity between the craft of shaving and the philosophy of zen is profound.
At its most basic level, what is a shave? Ones first response might be, When a guy pulls a razor across his face.
But when you think about it, at what point does the shave actually begin? For a period of time before the razor, your skin is sprouting whiskers in anticipation of being sheared. It is like your face itself is gearing up for the shave before the act has even consciously entered your mind.
Does this signal the beginning of the shave?
At some point, you will drench in a warm shower or engage in a softening pre-shave routine.
Has the shave started yet?
Next comes the familiar and satisfying lathering and several passes with the razor.
Does only that narrow action define shaving?
The exhilarating application of an after shave on the tingling skin seems to bring the experience to a close.
Or does it?
If your face fell victim to a nick or two, your follow up treatments are still a part of the experience for you. Even after you leave the house for the day, there are several times in the day that you feel the reward of your careful labour on your smooth skin and through your clean scent. You may even receive a compliment or two from those appreciative of your efforts.
And then it is as if your face senses the good karma of your practice and once again strives to push forth another batch of whiskers for your care.
In essence, the shave never really begins or ends: It is always there, in a continuous and dynamic cycle of experiences.
Japanese Proverb
The synchronicity between the craft of shaving and the philosophy of zen is profound.
At its most basic level, what is a shave? Ones first response might be, When a guy pulls a razor across his face.
But when you think about it, at what point does the shave actually begin? For a period of time before the razor, your skin is sprouting whiskers in anticipation of being sheared. It is like your face itself is gearing up for the shave before the act has even consciously entered your mind.
Does this signal the beginning of the shave?
At some point, you will drench in a warm shower or engage in a softening pre-shave routine.
Has the shave started yet?
Next comes the familiar and satisfying lathering and several passes with the razor.
Does only that narrow action define shaving?
The exhilarating application of an after shave on the tingling skin seems to bring the experience to a close.
Or does it?
If your face fell victim to a nick or two, your follow up treatments are still a part of the experience for you. Even after you leave the house for the day, there are several times in the day that you feel the reward of your careful labour on your smooth skin and through your clean scent. You may even receive a compliment or two from those appreciative of your efforts.
And then it is as if your face senses the good karma of your practice and once again strives to push forth another batch of whiskers for your care.
In essence, the shave never really begins or ends: It is always there, in a continuous and dynamic cycle of experiences.
That's some deep stuff. 
