On Mindfulness and Shaving

The other day I went to the local pharmacy to purchase razor blade refills. And not the cheap ones. I was buying the 20 blade aloe strip variety. You know, the kind that are so overpriced that the place that sells them needs to actually encase them in a dispensing device that makes one feel like a chimp in a zoo trying to figure out which button to press to get a treat.  I find it so insulting to have to buy them this way. And of course, I never push the button just right and the thing jams up and I need to get help. Well, that day, I decided: No more! 

So, what were my options? Over the years, I had tried the cheaper disposables, which is what led me to the 20 blade model. It was, after all, the best of the disposables. I did my research and started reading about straight razors. Like the kind that my grandfathers used. Well, I  imagine they used. I was three when both of them died and have never really thought to ask about either of their shaving habits. But I digress.

From what I could tell, there were four simple rules:

1. Always use a fresh blade
2. Don’t rush
3. Use a good shaving brush and cream
4. Shave after your shower

I got a nice handle and a fresh set of blades from a company that also makes surgical knives. Got a good shaving brush and cream. Shaved for the first time, I confess, before, my shower, but wrapped my face in a hot towel first.

Lathered up the brush, then my face. Took my first stroke, slowly, I thought, and NICK. Nice gash on one side of my neck. Few more strokes. NICK. Smaller bit of skink this time. By the time I was done, my neck was looking more than a little raw.

Now I’ve shaved thousands of times. I’ve always treated it as just something you do, like washing  your hands. I never really thought about it. Was never aware of doing it. Was just another part of the routine.

What I have learned, over time, is that a straight blade razor causes you to become very mindful of shaving. You have to pay close attention. You have to slow down. You have to apply the right pressure at the right angle and most importantly, WAIT for the blade to cut the beard. You cannot force it. If you do, NICK.

Now, cognitively, I knew all of these things going into this. I read all of the advice. Thought I was following it, but still, it took me a good dozen times to get it right.

It’s pretty obvious where this is going, right: You can read all of the spiritual stuff you want. You can “get it” intellectually. Yet, it is through the practice that you really make it happen. I leave you with the four rules:

1. Use a fresh blade (Approach things with a beginner’s mind)
2. Don’t rush (Have patience)
3. Use a good shaving cream and brush (Adopt beliefs, ideas, philosophies that resonate with you)
4. Shave after you shower (Find the right time to practice)