I am five months a pipe smoker and I find myself attempting to define what pipe smoking is all about. Within minutes, reconsideration is required and my understanding is redefined.
Of course it’s about the physical joys of tobacco use. The nicotine buzz we experience. The physical act of smoking such as drawing smoke and the ensuing release. The billow of smoke and the patterns imagined. The perfect feel of a favorite piece in our hand or the comforting clench in its precise point. The hearty flavor of our favorite blends that may match our mood or time of the year to a tee. To appreciate the above and nothing else would be quite obtuse; missing so much.
The process must also be considered. Is it not the honing of an art? Storing and replenishing our favorite leaf. The discovery of a new one. The quest for the perfect pack and heat, the ideal sip-draw and exhale. Leaving your pipe to a point that it is on the verge of requiring a relight but saving it savoring the cool smoke. Oh and the joy of the relight! Sparking up a lighter of choice with the anticipation of continuing a great smoke or using a match in a precise method to leave that freshly lit match flavor out of the equation. Knowing what you are doing is rewarding.
Maybe its true definition and purpose is found hidden within the process? To appreciate all of the above, one is required to slow down and pick up on all the subtle nuances. We can all be so busy and, in true fashion to the relic of the past pipe smoking is, it requires a relatively simple time set aside for proper appreciation. A time for us to reflect and unwind. To be by ourselves and hear our own inner symphony. Ah…this sounds amazing. It could also come across as lonely. Smokers should never feel lonely.
This is where you all come in. Maybe now I’ve got it! Smoking is ‘bout the comradery. The peace pipe was always passed, never allowed to touch the ground until the last leaf was spent. Together we can enjoy the subtle nuances. Through the collective knowledge of the community we can gain mastery of the patient art that is pipe smoking. With this new found mastery the physical acts of smoking will be truly appreciated leaving us with richer flavor and grander appreciation for the entirety of the experience. The entirety of the experience….
This forum is a true virtue. Thank you to all the contributors and readers.
j/B
Of course it’s about the physical joys of tobacco use. The nicotine buzz we experience. The physical act of smoking such as drawing smoke and the ensuing release. The billow of smoke and the patterns imagined. The perfect feel of a favorite piece in our hand or the comforting clench in its precise point. The hearty flavor of our favorite blends that may match our mood or time of the year to a tee. To appreciate the above and nothing else would be quite obtuse; missing so much.
The process must also be considered. Is it not the honing of an art? Storing and replenishing our favorite leaf. The discovery of a new one. The quest for the perfect pack and heat, the ideal sip-draw and exhale. Leaving your pipe to a point that it is on the verge of requiring a relight but saving it savoring the cool smoke. Oh and the joy of the relight! Sparking up a lighter of choice with the anticipation of continuing a great smoke or using a match in a precise method to leave that freshly lit match flavor out of the equation. Knowing what you are doing is rewarding.
Maybe its true definition and purpose is found hidden within the process? To appreciate all of the above, one is required to slow down and pick up on all the subtle nuances. We can all be so busy and, in true fashion to the relic of the past pipe smoking is, it requires a relatively simple time set aside for proper appreciation. A time for us to reflect and unwind. To be by ourselves and hear our own inner symphony. Ah…this sounds amazing. It could also come across as lonely. Smokers should never feel lonely.
This is where you all come in. Maybe now I’ve got it! Smoking is ‘bout the comradery. The peace pipe was always passed, never allowed to touch the ground until the last leaf was spent. Together we can enjoy the subtle nuances. Through the collective knowledge of the community we can gain mastery of the patient art that is pipe smoking. With this new found mastery the physical acts of smoking will be truly appreciated leaving us with richer flavor and grander appreciation for the entirety of the experience. The entirety of the experience….
This forum is a true virtue. Thank you to all the contributors and readers.
j/B
