Thread: Zen and straight razor shaving

It (the theory of zen, or whatever you want to call it, and straight razor shaving) is one of the things that has also drawn me to the straight razor - although quite unexpectedly. In a time and society when so much choice and information is at our fingertips (or rather thrown at us from every possible direction, which of course, can be good as well as bad) within a single moment; advertising, tv, videogames, mobile phones and all sorts of technology to make things 'easier', it is great there is something where the inverse of this conglomerate of commercialization is achieved. An opportunity to return to just being. Being, in the moment.

Sorry, a little bit of a wordy rant but I really agree straight razor shaving is an essential activity for the mind as much as the obvious physical.

Great thread and thoughts.

A very wise observation.

The Zen of Straight Shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki

This is my first post here. I completely agree with everything expressed in this thread. My decision (a few weeks ago) to explore straight razor shaving was based largely upon the support I saw it lending my meditation practice. It has been everything I thought it would be in that regard. Unfortunately I now find myself with this desire for and attachment to razors. Oh well, back to the cushion.

Very true.
There is also the concept of Kime. In martial arts it is "focus" or the perfect performance of an action. Cutting or shaving cannot be sloppy if in the moment.

Thats true and funny in a way. Its so Zen to be in the moment shaving total mindset is on the razor and your face the way each movement is thought out total control concentration, then later your in a shop or in the classifieds and you go CRAZY got to have more razors!!!!!!!! Wait were was I oh yeah its very Zen.

Ah yes, but more razors =more Zen

I like that thought more razors equal more Zen. I might be able to use that I hope you don't mind if I borrow

S'ok. No attachments, no problems

I like to do things that put me in that zen like state. Sometimes I call it being in the zone, being in flow, being present.

No matter what one calls it I also like to learn about these states and how one might induce them. I found this book led me on a path that was interesting.

Flow: The psychology of optimal experience

For those interested in going down more Zen like paths this book might be of interest to you. It's not a how-to book as much as it talking about how others find and create optimal experiences in their work/life.

Adam

Agree. My other hobbies take me there as well....working on bonsai trees or flyfishing...I am lost in the moment, far away from work and worry. When I shave, I find I close my eyes for at least half. I don't do this intentionally, but I think I do better working from feel...being in that space.

I have also learned that if I cannot go "there" because of being rushed or other concentration-breaking issues...well, back to the DE.

I presume many of us enjoy SR shaving because of the relaxation that comes from such infusion into the act.

Oh well, back to work.