smoking cigarettes

[ericwordelman]

Does smoking cigarettes lower your consciousness? I.E does it fall into the same category as drinking alchol, consuming caffeine and sugar, drowning it out by watching tv, listening to the radio, or working long hours at an unfulfilling job?

Thanks.

[openeyes]

I would say that with the average cigarettes one buys at a gas station or grocery store, yes, but I imagine the methods/materials many American Indians used in the past were better. Modern cigarettes are more than just tobacco, and they aren't used ritually for special occasions, they're used habitually by most smokers.

I have one friend in her 40s that started smoking cloves and cigars a couple years ago, but she only does so at a certain party we have once or twice per year. In her case, if it stays at that rate I don't think it's so bad, and it provides her with a fun new experience.

[ginkgo]

The narcotic nicotine is a stimulant (upper) and the carbon monoxide numbs your brain so you feel relaxed. Then there are all the additives. So it is a serious drug addiction. The best way to quit is with water fasting or the Lemonade Diet. Watching TV, radio and a job are not really worse than other activities that people engage in. Talking to people can lower your consciousness depending on who you are talking to. You can raise your consciousness by reading, martial arts, yoga, meditation, altruistic acts and other things where you use a lot of concentration.

[Phil Parkinson]

I know this doesn't answer your question, but for me, smoking cigarettes is an absolute no brainer... If you are into personal development, why would you smoke?

[smartypants]

I have quit smoking cigarettes for 2 years now. I have to admit, it was quite hard to get that image of stained yellow teeth from me...How about you, are your teeth affected by your habit?