First Video - An Introduction

Like the title says, this is my first video on this channel. This channel is a complete departure for me, as the focus isn't necessarily "algorithm engaging content," but rather, a sort of video journal. I tried journaling for a time and I just couldn't maintain the discipline. But talking. . . that I can do. So these videos are a collection of my thoughts as I contemplate this life and learn to navigate it, even now. There is no script, structure, format, or even theme--just my thoughts out loud. All while I smoke a pipe. About pipe smoking -- there are many reasons why I chose to start smoking pipes, as there are a myriad of reasons why others have also chosen the hobby. It is, rather unusually, a "hobby" much more than it is a "habit," and an artform. A habit indicates something one does by rote, and not particularly intentionally, methodically, or consciously. Pipe smoking necessitates all three of the latter. We know now that nicotine, as is obtained from natural tobacco leaf such as is used for pipe tobacco (as opposed to the highly modified, processed, and additive-heavy tobacco used in cigarettes--more on this later) isn't particularly habit forming, nor is it addictive in the way that government and government-influenced media would have us all believe. It is no more or no less "habit-forming" as are things like chocolate (which, naturally, contains caffeine), coffee, or tea; and far less addictive than the most addictive non-narcotic natural substance on earth--sugar. In fact, studies have shown caffeine and nicotine, particularly nicotine, to be efficient neurotransmitters more so than they are simple stimulants. Nicotine in particular, in clinical studies, has been shown to be SO effective in binding to acetylcholine receptors in our neurons (acetylcholine being the body's natural neurotransmitter chemical) that those receptors are now also classified as "nicotinic acetylcholine receptors" and there is promising evidence that nicotine (in natural states, and in small to moderate doses) not only slows and stops the progress (and symptoms) of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia, etc., but REVERSES those conditions. Not only that but both caffeine and nicotine have a very strong, very efficient and effective, focusing and centering agent. This is great news for people like me, neurodivergents who struggle with severe ADHD and forgefulness, who can start a million projects and finish exactly zero of them. For these reasons, as well as the methodical, reflective, meditative way preparing, packing and smoking can be, it has become a chance to slow down and appreciate all life around us. There is a reason the greatest intellectuals, thinkers, and academics in the last 100 years all seem to always be seen with a pipe. Just think about Albert Einstein, Robert Oppenheimer, JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Douglas MacArthur, etc. Pipe smoking forces us to slow down, reflect, and meditate. It is not about the instant gratification that comes from (other smoking), cigarettes, or other chemical vices, and it is definitely not about the nicotine fix. The very mechanics and process of preparing, packing, lighting, and smoking a pipe necessitates slowing things down, focusing on the task at hand (instead of blindly or subconsciously repeating learned behaviors by rote) and even things like choosing a pipe or choosing tobacco must be done intentionally, being present in the moment, contemplatively, and slowly. Only by slowing down and forcing ourselves to tune out the breakneck speed of life, even if only for a moment, can we hope to reconnect with that part of ourselves that can make sense of the cacophony of our thoughts by considering them one at at time and breaking life down into manageable chunks. For these reasons and many more I am happy to partake in this art form, this meditative and contemplative pleasure, and take a moment to slow down in a world always madly rushing. Happy piping.