Well I’m no stranger to the trance state, as I’ve been playing music for many years and been to wonderland more times than I can remember. Tobacco definitely puts me in an altered state, and it’s a trance for sure. How to describe it? Hmm
Well I think that it’s considered a “thinking mans tool” because it sort of occupies the subconscious mind by smoking the pipe and gives the conscious mind a little more freedom from the constant information input from the subconscious. This could quiet the mind but also could give the conscious mind a little more easy access to certain areas of the subconscious.
I also think it pulls me in to the moment, and makes smoother transitions between being “in the moment” and being “in my head”. Normally I might be more fixated on a certain thought or emotion, but smoking seems to offer some detachment that can offer relief or a different perspective on a matter.
but it’s different for everyone and it’s what you want it to be as well. A pipe won’t make you a thinking man and it might not clear your head if you are one.