Things You'll Need:
- A cigar
- Matches or lighter
- Ashtray
- A place outside to smoke
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Step 1
Get away from anyone who would nag you about smoking. Unless you have some health problem with which you should not smoke, the last thing you need is someone giving you a hard time.
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Step 2
Find a place to smoke outdoors. Smoking should always be done outdoors, even in bad weather. It's not only considerate, but there will be future nagging if the person you are smoking away from smells it the next day. Besides, it makes a huge mess inside. If it's raining or too cold, wear a jacket and find shelter.
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Step 3
Get a comfortable chair. Smoking should never be done lying down, and standing is not relaxing. Make sure the chair isn't combustible.
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Step 4
Put on some music if it won't bother anyone. Some nice relaxing music while you smoke adds a definite pleasantness to the atmosphere. There's nothing like listening to some moody blues while looking at the stars for example.
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Step 5
sit and relax before you light. Think about the joy to come. Smell the unlit cigar, take some deep breaths of fresh outdoor air. Observe the stars if you can see them. Get everything ready; matches, ashtray, cigar, all at hand on a table.
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Step 6
Double check that there is nothing in the area which will catch fire. Nothing ruins a relaxing cigar session like a fire! Have something on hand to smother any fire that might start if you missed something; a shoe, a damp towel, your hand.
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Step 7
Clip the end if needed. Many cigars are smoke ready, but some require the end clipped. I like to poke a hole with a barbecue skewer, rather than clip the whole end off, that way the tobacco doesn't get in your mouth.
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Step 8
Light it evenly. Make sure the entire end is lit all over, or it will run. Take a couple slow puffs (don't inhale) to get it lit, then relax and let it light on it's own for a minute. Hold it with the lit end down to get even starting.
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Step 9
Relax, look around you at the scenery as you puff. Go slow, there's no rush. Giving the cigar a minute between puffs helps it to burn more evenly, and gives you time to savor it. Remember, there are no rules. You can smoke it all, smoke just a little, or just a puff or two. It will relight later if need be.
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Step 10
The most important step: Enjoy yourself. If you can't do this, you are wasting time and money. Remember, the point of casual smoking is to reflect on the days events. If something is bothering you, don't think of it now! There will be plenty of time for that tomorrow.
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Step 11
When finished, or if you need to go do something, make sure you leave the cigar in an ashtray (or an unlit barbecue) where it can't roll off and light something on fire. Don't worry about it going out if you go talk on the phone or something, as stated earlier, it will relight again.
