It is kinda nasty. I love it. I hate it.
Nasal snuff is also quite awful and wonderful.
Ok, back to the topic of mental health....
Pipe Smoking and Mental Health
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Nasal snuff is also quite awful and wonderful.
Ok, back to the topic of mental health....
Didn't it for 25 years. I prayed and got healed in '95.
Over the years, I've seen a lot of mental issues posted on here. I am not sure whether it is pipe smoking or just the forum that attracts them, ha ha.
People who are aware of their mental health are probably less fraught than people who aren't. Without any particular mental health issues, I think pipe smoking can be one of those rituals of settling down, centering, acknowledging oneself and ones thoughts, and being in the present. We attend to so much clutter and crap and commercialism, it is important to just sit, maybe with a pet, and arrive in ones own awareness. You have to consciously listen to your own thoughts or you won't know what you're thinking.
A comment by a lecturer on a history of psychiatry course I did has been really helpful, so I'm glad it stuck with me.
He was talking about how at different times drug, physical, & talking therapies have been stigmatised.
The comment was, broadly, that if a friend was distressed you'd listen to them, make them a cup of tea, & give them a hug. Same thing.
He was talking about how at different times drug, physical, & talking therapies have been stigmatised.
The comment was, broadly, that if a friend was distressed you'd listen to them, make them a cup of tea, & give them a hug. Same thing.
Very well said. I think you have quite succinctly described my situation.
Admitting you have issues is a good step forward.
I have issues stemming from a not so pleasant childhood (understatement). I can say that pipe smoking has definitely helped me over the years. It's almost like sitting Zazen for me. The ritual of packing, lighting and focusing on the tastes really grounds me. My morning pipe with coffee before work is honestly my favorite time of the day.
@Akousticplyr that’s about my level of physical strength ?
Years ago my doctor told me he was not going to tell me to give up my pipe. He said the mental health benefit far outweighed any possible health dangers. 
Sure, I have an angsty, weltschmerzy sort of soul. Sometimes, these senses are not so much like a medical condition to be cured of, as a red flag to be thankful for. They may point to needs more important than immediate happiness.
That said, yes, a pipe has often supported an effort to think and feel rightly.
That said, yes, a pipe has often supported an effort to think and feel rightly.
To keep a pipe lit properly, one has to breathe normally, steadily, etc. Without going into details, you'd be surprised -- I constantly am -- just how much slowing down and breathing in any difficult situation just helps everything from anxiety to whatever is troubling you.
I can relate, though I don't know that I am objectively more even-tempered with regular pipe smoking (but let's go with that).
In any case, a pipe paired with a good brisk walk -- even in the bitter cold -- is my near-daily constitutional.
Got to kick that ennui in the keister. Ain't no good for nobody.
In any case, a pipe paired with a good brisk walk -- even in the bitter cold -- is my near-daily constitutional.
Got to kick that ennui in the keister. Ain't no good for nobody.
Love how it tastes and delivers the perfect amount of nicotine for me in perfect increments. Let's me sit and concentrate on something besides twiddling the computer. The gratification I get after enjoying a perfect bowl is very special. I just smoked a Gawith blend two days ago, relit only once, tasted wonderful right down to the dottle and the briar was cool to the touch the whole time through.
In short, tastes great feela great keeps my mouth shut.
In short, tastes great feela great keeps my mouth shut.
One of the things that I like about pipe smoking (and cigar smoking for that matter) is that, unlike cigarette smoking, it isn't something that is done quickly (well, it could be done quickly but you'll pay a price). I do think that there is a benefit from slowing down and relaxing.
I enjoy the taste of tobacco and the feeling of the pipe. But the greatest part of smoking a pipe, is just sitting still. A time to stop and think, plan, cogitate, etc.
BUT, for the last 2 weeks, I have been sick and can't smoke. I had one bowl and regretted it. Since my wife is asthmatic and allergic to smoke, all my pipe smoking is in my detached garage. It is presently around -4 degrees.
BUT, for the last 2 weeks, I have been sick and can't smoke. I had one bowl and regretted it. Since my wife is asthmatic and allergic to smoke, all my pipe smoking is in my detached garage. It is presently around -4 degrees.
Smoking outside has two benefits being outside and breathing less smoke.
That outside air is good for you and if you can move around even better. Some post photos of themselves out and about. Doing so prevents "cabin fever".
That outside air is good for you and if you can move around even better. Some post photos of themselves out and about. Doing so prevents "cabin fever".
I’ve been back on the pipe for a couple of months or so, and in that time I’ve not killed anybody or been to the nervous hospital, not even once. Coincidence? I mean it could be the bear grease too - brain food.
In any case, the world is a total shit show at the moment, distress with perplexity, and evil morons at every turn. While nicotine is certainly a soothing agent, there is something about smoking a pipe that is transcendent. I don’t get fiendish about it the way I might with cigarettes or Copenhagen, but I do look forward to it, a respite from the madness of the world. Happy smoking gents, pray you all find all the peace and clarity you need in the 2022.
In any case, the world is a total shit show at the moment, distress with perplexity, and evil morons at every turn. While nicotine is certainly a soothing agent, there is something about smoking a pipe that is transcendent. I don’t get fiendish about it the way I might with cigarettes or Copenhagen, but I do look forward to it, a respite from the madness of the world. Happy smoking gents, pray you all find all the peace and clarity you need in the 2022.