PIPE SMOKING AND THE FINE ART OF RELAXATION

In this age of health consciousness and anti-smoking campaigns, I stand proudly in the minority. I am a pipe smoker and have been since my teenage years. I grew up in a different era, one when smoking and pipe smoking in particular was glamorized. Who from that time doesn't remember the ad in which the pretty girl said " mmm...a pipe smoking man now he's for me " and the man said " Sir Walter Raleigh naturally "?

One of the reasons, perhaps the main reason I continue to be a pipe smoker is the degree to which my pipes help me to relax. There is something very calming about the ritual of lighting a pipe, which I will attempt to explain to those of you who aren't pipe smokers; first there is act of choosing the pipe that is right for the occasion-very few pipe smokers limit themselves to one or two pipes ( I have over sixty in my collection ) --- You need to decide if a bent or a straight pipe or perhaps a bulldog, maybe even a Cavendish is right for the moment. You must consider the material of the pipe, briar, meerschaum, or maybe even a simple clay pipe suits your mood. Just making this decision can take up to half an hour, during which you're mind is too occupied to have room for such mundane worries as work, bills, relationships, etc.

Next you have to choose the right tobacco, a bright, or perhaps a good burly, or a Virginia, maybe even a blend that has been soaked in bourbon or rum, or a fruit flavored tobacco. Again this procedure can take up to fifteen minutes, during which time you are to busy to worry.

Packing your pipe is another time consuming event, alternating between stuffing and tamping, making sure your tobacco can breathe, yet making sure it is not packed so tight that you get a hot fast burn. Packing your pipe is a great aid in concealing emotions, especially if you are angry or upset and trying not to show it.

For those readers who are under 18 or health conscious I recommend stopping at this point, you have already spent 45 minutes without worry. I told you pipe smoking was relaxing.

For those smokers over 18, the next step is lighting the pipe. After all the time spent in preparation this act is very relaxing. All you have to do is make sure you get a nice even light over the entire surface of the tobacco so you don't get an uneven burn in your favorite pipe. At last with your pipe lit, you sit back all set to relax and enjoy a great smoke when you discover your pipe has gone out and now you have to begin the entire process again.

So you see, if you smoke a pipe, you have no time to worry about anything.