It’s a Hobby

Pipe smoking is a hobby.  It was up until not too long ago it was a lifestyle.  But these days pipe smokers, much like myself, find it to be a pastime.  But perhaps more than other pipe smokers I do it while meditating unless I’m doing something while smoking my pipe.  I have been reading through the Gospels lately and find smoking a pipe relaxing while reading.  

My eyes get strained and I need to put my phone down and look far away.  What might be even more important is that my wife knows where I am at all times.   I can’t do much else but read or watch TV while on the lanai and smoking my pipe other than meditate.  But a pipe keeps me occupied.  It demands my attention.  

But this why many professionals like professors smoked a pipe.  It gives one time to think while giving it attention.  I probably like the quote from C. s. Lewis about pipe smoking the best.  He once famously said that smoking a pipe closes the mouth of the foolish.  I’ve had my best conversations while smoking a pipe.  It gives me time to think.  

That might be my own best quote about pipe smoking.  It gives one time to think.  I relax best with a pipe.  Doing so actually lowers my blood pressure.  But I can’t say this about every pipe smoker.  I’ve learned how to reduce stress and I do that with a pipe.  I often wish I could smoke a pipe anywhere and any time I wish, but I can’t.  

Studies have shown how harmful second hand smoke is harmful to others.  Even with my wife sitting with me outdoors I have to be careful and try to blow the smoke away from her.  I always ask permission from others if they want to be around me as I smoke my pipe.

These are my thoughts this morning as I smoke my Peterson Sherlock Holmes pipe with some Bayou Morning pipe tobacco.  My coffee this morning is Comfort coffee.  Thank you for your time and Peace to each one of you.

Dave