Name: Valdas.
Occupation: Writer, Beard Culture Expert.
About Valdas’ beard:
Why did I grow my beard? Every time I find different explanation, different reasons and all of it is true. You grow your beard while growing your identity, character, or most of the time it comes to manhood or manliness. At least it’s my way.
You should never identify yourself only with your beard – it weakens your mindfulness, but strengthens your EGO. Thus you should always strive to excel – as a person. Being bearded man is a journey of patience .
So you wanna be a beardman?
- If you are growing it to get laid with women – don’t do it.
- If you need it just to be fashionable – don’t do it.
- If you think it’s cool – you are not ready – don’t do it.
- If your woman controls you – don’t grow the beard – it’s not for you.
- If you think it makes you more manly – forget about the beard.
Your actions and values makes you manly. If you feel that the beard is in your DNA it might be so, but not everybody should be someone they think they want to be, but can’t imagine being. Beard is in your nature and if it’s not – DON’T DO IT (Paraphrasing Bukowski).
What do I think about my beard? I think It’s awesome. It’s been like an unbridled stallion for a long time – I had to understand my beard. I had to grow it while changing within me.
How do I feel about my beard? I feel all right, I feel that in previous life it was my desire. Thus in this life – I got a full beard. 😀
How long have I been bearded? Almost twelve years, since high school. Of course it was different back in those days.
How do I like being bearded? Come on guys, it’s like asking – how do you like your eyebrows? I like them all right. It gives me character, it gives me strength, it gives me a sense of community, and a bit authority over some situations. 😉
Valdas grows a might impressive beard! He has also done a lot of mighty impressive work to promote beards and beard culture in his native Lithuania. You can check out the Facebook page of the Lithuanian beard club that he started many years ago. You may also follow his Instagram which features both beard photography and some of his writing (hashtag: #beardystories): @condigo_ .
Click on any image below to view a larger version in Valdas’ beard gallery. Photos are courtesy of Rytis Šeškaitis Photography.
