mindfulness

Do you long for a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you? Why not start by transforming your daily grooming habits into a profound spiritual practice?

Take shaving as an example. Shaving one’s face in the morning is often seen as a tedious task, a routine to be rushed through, even a burden to be endured. But it doesn’t have to be. That’s why SuperOptimists have gravitated to the practice of “Happy Shave!” By infusing your shaving routine with intention, gratitude, and joy, you can elevate it from a mundane task to a meaningful spiritual practice.

The spiritual dimension of “Happy Shave” lies in its ability to foster mindfulness and presence. Shaving is not just about removing hair from your face or body. With its repetitive and rhythmic motions, shaving provides an ideal opportunity to slow down, focus on the sensations, and truly immerse yourself in the experience. Glide the razor across your skin. Feel the warmth of the water, the scent of the shaving cream, the smoothness of the blade. Each stroke becomes an act of self-care and compassion.

Add to your experience with a Happy Tee.

The physical benefits of “Happy Shave” are also worth noting. Shaving is not just about aesthetics; it can also have a positive impact on your skin and overall well-being. Regular shaving can exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting a healthy glow. It can also improve the texture of your skin, making it smoother and softer to the touch. Shaving can also help to prevent ingrown hairs, reduce irritation, and provide a clean canvas for skincare products to penetrate and work effectively. Taking care of your skin through “Happy Shave” can be a form of self-love and self-care, promoting a healthy and vibrant complexion.

“Happy Shave” is an opportunity to start with a clean slate and set the tone for the day. It can go beyond razoring your face. Consider creating a ritual that aligns with your personal beliefs and values. This could include lighting a candle, saying a prayer, or simply taking a few deep breaths to center yourself. By infusing your shave with intention, you are not only caring for your physical appearance but also nurturing your soul. We hope you enjoy exploring the spiritual, physical, and mental benefits of shaving with this newfound perspective.

Happy holidays! Here at SuperOptimist headquarters, we favor meditation as a way of detaching from the madness of the material world and connecting with the universal truths that transcend trade wars, social media, and the quandary over wishing someone a “Merry Christmas” vs. a “Happy Holiday.”

To that end, in the U.S. a person interested in “mindfulness” is often told to begin their practice by meditating 20 minutes a day. They’re also encouraged to download a Headspace app, buy a special cushion and mat, purchase a statue of the Buddha, and sign up for a weekend retreat in the Catskills.

In India, it’s a bit different. There, a teacher would tell a beginner to start by meditating 6 hours a day — no questions asked.

So how do you go from 0 to 6 hours all at once? Teachers encourage the practice of “Japa;” repeating a mantra or a divine name over and over again so it takes root in the mind. Whether you choose “om,” “1-2-3-4,” “hare krishna,” or “cocoa butter” filling the mind with a simple word or sound will lead the practitioner away from the grasping, clinging and suffering generated by material world thinking and move you towards a higher realm of existence.

Sure, 6 hours of meditation a day may seem excessive. But if you want to rid yourself of anger, fear, sadness, and petty grievances (and gain the benefits of pure consciousness), why not give it a whirl?

The truth is, whatever practice you undertake can ultimately grow to 24 hours a day. It goes beyond sitting on a custom made zafu waiting for the chimes on your iPhone to go off. Every waking moment you can actually be awake!

If you find this hard to do, we recommend you join a like-minded sangha, or spiritual group, so you may gain energy from others on the same path. Here’s one in the northeast where you’re always welcome.

In the meantime, may we all give a cheer for Jesus of Nazareth. Whether or not he was the son of God, he was surely a bodhissattva with his message of love and tolerance. No doubt he’d appreciate us putting aside our supposed differences to remember we’re all just flesh and blood. (And teeth that we can flash, if we’re so fortunate.)

*Notice the pictures of the monk and Jesus laughing. Our petty concerns would certainly elicit a chortle from both. True, you often see them depicted as serious and dour. But the monks we know have a great sense of humor. We’re taking the leap and assuming Jesus did as well, since he was human like the rest of us. Considering that every night Jesus would sit around a camp fire with twelve guys after a long day of speechifying and miracle work, it stands to reason there would be plenty of room for a few guffaws.

Posts

How to turn the mundane into the magnificent.

Try 6 hours of meditation. For starters.