Thinking Zen at a Croatian Barbershop

Summary

The author reflects on an unsuccessful attempt at meditation in a bustling Croatian barbershop despite the ideal conditions for introspection.

Abstract

In the early hours of Trogir, a village in Croatia, the author visits a local barbershop already filled with activity. With the inability to engage in conversation due to language barriers, the author contemplates the potential for a meditative experience amidst the barbering routine. However, instead of achieving a state of zen, the author is distracted by self-consciousness and the idea of writing an article, ultimately failing to meditate.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the tranquil environment of the barbershop as conducive to meditation.
There is a sense of humor in the author's self-deprecating description of the situation, referring to the potential article as "crappy."
The author seems to regret not being able to meditate, implying a value for meditation and self-reflection.
The language barrier is presented as a positive factor for introspection, eliminating the distraction of small talk.

Not the most likely combo.

Things start early in the village of Trogir — markets open, errands are run, elders congregate. So when I got to the barbershop just after 8 AM, I was unsurprised to see business well underway. Eventually, I was called up, and (after a medley of pidgin English and sign language) my barber set to work.

As I sat there, with little to do but drink in my unflattering reflection, a thought struck me: this was a great place to meditate. After all, given my ignorance of Croatian, small talk was out of the question. It was just me, a mirror, and time — more than enough to focus on the breath, deepen my awareness, and become zen.

So did I meditate?

Did I bollocks.

I spent the next half-hour failing to resist looking at my floating head, thinking about meditation, and coming up with the idea to write this crappy article.