Rediscovering Presence in Forgotten Rituals: From Shaving to Dialling Memories

Recently, I started using a double-edge safety razor. Not because they are inherently better or because I fell for a marketing message glorifying the benefits of double-edge over twin or multi-blade razors, but for a deeply sentimental reason. I remember my father using a double-edge razor and Godrej Shaving Round. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the shaving round but managed to get my hands on a fine double-edge razor and a pack of Wilkinson Sword Germany blades. His favourite Topaz Blades, however, eluded me.

The next morning, while shaving, I nicked and cut myself multiple times. This experience sparked a realization: many product innovations, while providing convenience and safety, have distanced us from being present in the moment.

Me and My Shaving!

Shaving with twin or multi-blade razors is not only convenient but exceptionally safe. Nicks and cuts? Almost impossible! But with a double-edge razor, it's "Savdhani hati, durghatana ghati" (a moment of carelessness invites disaster). You need to be fully present, wholly absorbed in the task. After three months of consistent use, I have come to cherish this ritual. Just me and my shaving—nothing else intrudes!

When You Remembered Phone Numbers!

There was a time when dialing a phone number involved physically punching in the digits—a process that helped embed these numbers in memory. This ritual created a mental connection with the person you were calling. I still remember the landline number from our home in Bokaro, my mom’s mobile number, my first boss Sandip Bansal 's number, and many others. Dialling these numbers wasn’t just an action; it made us be in the moment!

When You Couldn’t Correct and No One Would Auto-Correct!

I recall typing on an old, ramshackle Remington typewriter at 奥美 Kolkata office. It demanded preparation and focus; you had to gather your thoughts, draft on paper, and then type carefully. One mistake meant starting over on a new page. Electronic typewriters eased this somewhat, but they still required presence. Fast forward to today’s generative AI tools that assist with drafting content—thoughts begin to form only after the first few words are already typed.

Demand for undivided attention

There are countless rituals and tasks that once demanded our undivided attention, immersing us fully in the moment. Listening to music on a gramophone, playing physical board games like Ludo—each required a level of presence and engagement that modern conveniences seem to have dulled.

What about you? What daily conveniences do you think have simplified life but have also robbed us of the simple joy of being present? I'd love to hear your thoughts and reflections. Let's take a moment to remember and cherish these small rituals that brought mindfulness into our routines.