(This post was last modified: 11-17-2021, 03:08 PM by SRZ65LE#31.)
I’ve always known that GD is a small, artisanal, vendor. But I learned early on that Mohammad is a dedicated, highly skilled, conscientious, generous and hard working individual, who makes soaps that are of a truly exceptional quality, are highly varied, are high performing, and are a delight to use. For me, GD products really are a big source of enjoyment and satisfaction when wet shaving. I’ve always been very much aware of the extraordinary benefits Mohammad brings to my WS hobby, and I’ve always known fully well that he’s not “K-mart” or “Sears.” I’ve always known that big operations offer consistency/availability but cannot do what an artisan like Mohammad does. I’ve always known that, by giving my hard earned dollars to an individual artisan, rather than a larger vendor, I must accept the typical risks of a such a small one-person operation. So, I plan ahead. I don’t depend on reliable prompt deliveries or availability. I accept that my money might be tied up for a while (so, I carefully decide how much I’m willing to put “at risk”). I also try to not be judgmental about what the one-person vendor is capable of, since I don’t know what that person is going through. Because, in this context, I am not depending on what big stores provide, I can enjoy the benefits of what an artisan does without being disappointed or frustrated by the typical shortcomings of such an artisan vendor. These are discretionary products, not household staples. I take the time to really know what this sort of transaction is, and I structure my actions and expectations based on how things actually are, instead of how I wish they were. I can’t control any artisan’s situation, but I can control what I expect and I can control how I react when my reality doesn’t match my expectations. This approach works well in every area of life and is incredibly freeing. For me, it is the result of hard-earned wisdom that took me years to acquire and internalize. As a result, though, life is more joyful, and I am better able to empathize with others when they experience a challenging disconnect between their hopes/expectations and reality.
I am quite sure Mohammad didn’t plan or aspire to get very ill, and I am certain that he is disappointed by his inability to meet his own standards and goals. I am also sure that the criticism and frustration that some folks have expressed about Mohammad’s inability to meet their expectations has been very hard on him. This is a guy that cares a lot about his relationship with his customers. I’m guessing that his livelihood, and his self-image and his sense of self-worth, have taken a big hit. Because of this, i have tried to be understanding and compassionate. I mean, we’re talking about shaving soap, not brain surgery, right? We’re not the one who got really sick, right?
Because it is potentially terrifying to truly be aware of how fragile life is, most people don’t intentionally think about it, or cultivate any true appreciation for it. (That it until their personal circumstances, typically grounded in life’s cruelly indifferent capriciousness, give them absolutely no other choice). However, the suffering of others is a gift, in the form of an opportunity to meditate on what life actually is like. So, it’s best not to reduce the sufferings of others to mere voyeurism and self-woe.
Peace and joy to all who enjoy wet shaving, and heartfelt sorrow for Mohammad’s troubles. I wish him a full recovery, and renewed joy his life.
