Soap-A-Dope

in

Had a shave this morning and got thinking about how long it takes before things end. Does everyone muse philosophically while shaving?

I use a shaving cup, a puck of soap and a brush. I recommend it completely. It's satisfying to warm the brush in the hot water, swirl it in the cup bringing up a froth, and apply the soap and brush softly to my face. Much better than using canned shaving cream, having it all over my fingers, wasting metal and plastic. Cup, puck, and brush are better, cheaper, greener tools.

And the soap lasts forever.

I bought a new puck of soap in November. Usually I pop it in on top of whatever soap is in the cup, but I wanted to use up the old soap this time and clean the cup. I figured it would take a couple weeks to use the last of the soap. That was two and a half months ago. As January closes, I bet that I won't finish that soap until March. It just goes on and on.

I try not be in a rush. The new soap is mint and will feel extra good on my face. The old soap is plain as can be. I want to get to the new stuff, as I often do. Instead, I'm making waiting, trying to be present and enjoy how long this soap is lasting.

It's easy for me to want what's next. That's how I miss what is and forget that contentment comes in the moment, not down the line. Waiting for something better misses the joy of the moment.

This morning I ran water until it was hot, plugged the drain, rested my safety razor and brush in the sink and let hot water rise over them. I wet and warmed my face, turned off the tap, and looked in the mirror. Picking up the brush, I shook it dry once, twice, then picked up the soap cup and swirled the brush in it. White foam rose around the brush, thick and full. I brushed that softly onto my face and it felt warm and good. I set the brush back in the cup and picked up the razor.

Then I paused and considered things. The old soap goes on and on. The new soap waits. My face was prepared and ready for shaving. My hand was steady. My mind too. I took a deep breath, held it, and let it go as I took the first stroke through foamed soap. I felt then that I might go on and on almost without end.

A nice puck of soap costs about seven dollars and lasts at least three months shaving daily and comes packed only in a small sheet of plastic wrap. I'm looking for a local (Syracuse) soap maker from whom to order so as to avoid the plastic.