Thread: Do you find shaving relaxing?

Yes, I find it relaxing. It is one of the few times I can consentrate on doing just one thing at the time. I almost get to a zen-state...

During the week-end I usually put on some music while I shave, this makes the shave even more relaxing...

Well, I just had my first shave, so I can finally chip in!

I found it very relaxing, once it stopped being nerve racking. It's so much more pleasant of a feeling than shaving with "quicker" tools. The whole process is basically one of very methodical self-care. We don't take good enough care of ourselves these days.

Gentlemen,

The art of traditional shaving with a straight razor — the whole ritual, from preparation and stropping to shaving and applying aftershave — is not only relaxing for me, but it is my daily therapy.

As a writer, I also use the shaving ritual to whip up the creative juices into literary lather.

Regards,

Obie

ABSOLUTELY! First, let me also commetn on what a joy it is to hear that a 15 year old (there is at least one!!!0 can write and communicate as well, as thoughtfully, and as maturely as you do. Had I not read this thread, I wouldn't have had an idea you were so young.

Now, as for relaxing, I have a pretty stressful job, and I tend to be very mentally intense all day. I also have a 20 month old daughter, who doesn't give us much "down time" once I am out of the bathroom in the morning, until she is alseep that night. My morning ritual is my oasis, both in space and time, in feel and scent. It is a moment I think of little else, but am free to let my mind wander if I wish (if I dare!). I choose the way it smells, I choose a light, nimble razor, or a big, heavy chopper. A slick, smooth "manly" soap, or a fluffy rose scented cream. It is truly one of the very few times and places that is so completely MINE.

If I am late, and need to face lather and whip a DE around my face and run out the door, I feel my face at 10am, and miss the momentary reminder of the relaxing shave I had. I had a wonderful one this morning, and just thinking about it makes me smile a little. Now back to work!!

First there's the anticipation of my next upcoming shave. Second the ritual as to mentally trying to decide what combo I'm going to use (razor soap/cream, a/s,...) Third, It is my 30 minutes of the day. Total relaxation, everyone out of the bathroom. Call it zen, nirvana, peace, joy, happiness, fun, relaxation... it's the best 30 minutes I spend that day. (I do shave at night after work leaving all the stress behind)

I agree with Max. It's very relaxing. Trying to figure the best possible permutation of soap, razor, brush, AS combos and executing a perfect shave is extremely relaxing to me. It's not as much of a novelty, but it's something that I've come to really enjoy

Yes, I do find shaving relaxing. When I was 15 or 16, my dad bought me an electric razor, and I never really liked it (sorry, dad). When I was 18 I got a Mach 3 in the mail, and started to enjoy shaving. Fast forward to '07, and I bought my first straight razor. Now I almost can't wait until my next shave, because of the enjoyment of the whole process. As others have said in this thread, it's my time in the morning when I can just forget everything else for a while.

Short answer: yes, I find shaving both enjoyable, and relaxing.

Not particularly

Originally Posted by rickboone

You're 15? I'm impressed at how well you write and "speak". Better than a lot of older people I've encountered. Your behavior is also quite gentlemanly.

I agree with rickboone, I am very impressed with your manner. Please tell us a little about how you are being raised. I want to make sure my children come out as good.

I do find it relaxing and I understand why you do.

Small bit of advice though comes from the Shakespear play Hamlet.

In Act I, scene iii, the character of Polonius prepares his son Laertes for travel abroad with a speech (ll.55-81) in which he directs the youth to commit a few precepts to memory.

"This above all: to thine own self be true"

Do this for you. You do not need understanding nor approval from anyone but yourself. You will always be a better person for it. I understand your need to share something that means so much to you with people that mean so much to you. Do if you want, don't do if you don't want to. In any case, don't let their response influence how what it means to you.

Cheers.
David

Let me add my voice to those who've expressed their favorable impression of your command of language. I read many reports on a daily basis by professional who are far less articulate. As for your question, I find that I can't shave properly unless I am relaxed. I wouldn't call it a Zen experience but I will say that by the time I apply the Bay Rum, I'm both relaxed and invigorated. And by the way, I wish I had discovered the straight razor when I was 15, since I now know what I was missing all those years.