Rituals and Style

[PenMan]

I wonder what rituals Loungers have developed that relate to fashion, style, clothes, etc. I am especially interested in those which celebrate classic items. I suspect the lengthy discussions of fountain pens fits into this category. While they write more nicely, surely that is just rationalising; the real benefit lies somewhere else.

This question comes in response to reading 300 entries on what people use to shave. I struggle to accept that people are using old style shaving equipment because it gives a better shave or because it costs less prorated over a lifetime. I think the real reason is that it has become a ritual which some people find highly satisfying.

I feel rushed in the morning, so I use my fast shaving system. In the afternoon, however, I feel a bit of a lull after lunch. A while ago I noticed that the fellow in the next office wears half-way decent Florsheim shoes to work, but never looks after them. One day I brought a few spare shoe-care items to work and insisted that he give me his shoes. He thought I was crazy when I pulled out my gear and began polishing them. It has become something of an afternoon routine now. For me shaving is nothing, but somehow polishing shoes relaxes me.

My mother in law irons clothes, the Japanese have elaborate tea ceremonies, some people practice Tai Chi, etc. So what sort of rituals do you engage in?

(p.s. I don't think staring at the contents of your wardrobe/closet for 10 bleary-eyed minutes each morning really counts as a ritual. We all do that, right?).

 

[Undertow]

I find just about everything pertaining to style and maintainence is now a "ritual" for me.

Just like cleaning my Smith & Wesson, or polishing my car, I enjoy the silence and the smooth motions involved. I'll tell you what, there's nothing like standing in my bedroom with the windows open on a breezy spring day, pressing some shirts. And there's nothing like taking the time to inspect and polish my shoes.

I agree that there is some sort of magic behind what we do. Personally, I feel more complete, more solid. I'm not taking the easy way out, I'm not trying to fit a whole lot of garbage into a crammed, convenient day. The old saying is soemthing like, "Stop and smell the roses," and isn't that what we're doing?

I think most people fill up on candy all day while I take the time to enjoy a few good meals.

 

[Old Mariner]

I really cannot expand beyond what Undertow stated.

I too love the silence. I personally am not one for a lot of fuss and commotion. So, engaging my mind in say, to use Undertow's example of ironing clothes, is relaxing. Although, I wish I could say the same about doing the dishes. I do believe that there is, or must be, something to the physical movements - the slow and deliberate movements that focus the mind. In my case, I tend to feel like I can turn off my mind (Grand Central Station), and at least focus on a physical task that won't break my "energy bank" (as I have chronic fatigue syndrome). I only wish that I could engage in more physical/hands on type work, but for me and my body, I need to engage in stupid calculations. How much energy is this going to take from me? ...am I borrowing from tomorrow to take care of this today? (It's why folks like me are called "spoonies".)

Engaging with the rituals of dress, clothing, style, and whatnot at least allow me some satisfaction where I can ignore my limitations, while also allowing me to express my creative side.

It may not seem mentally, emotionally, or even spiritually satisfying, but for me it is.