I love this question and how it will divide the respondents into two distinct camps. Those who use and those who don't. I have previously mentioned the fact that "a bit" of THC greatly improves my listening experience. That garnered some agreement, but also the stereotypical (no pun intended) "pothead" remarks from the unenlightened. I have to laugh when the person denigrating the use of THC is likely to be holding a glass of Scotch or wine in their hand while doing it. Failing to realize, or except the glass of wine is simply their drug of choice. As someone who has enjoyed the recreational use of THC for over 50 years, I feel qualified in stating it greatly enhances the listening experience. Bear in mind I'm not talking about getting wasted. Just as a person can have a single drink of alcohol and not consume the entire bottle, so can a person consume a small amount of THC. Those of you who indulge will know exactly what I'm talking about when I say the listening experience can take on an almost physical pleasure when just a little high. I am able to sink more deeply into the musical experience. Follow in detail several instruments soloing at the same time, pick out much more detail and emotion in the playing. Does it matter why this is happening? Does it matter if it the THC and not my ears? NO. All that matters is the experience for me is enhanced and improved. In summary, if you haven't tried it, and I don't mean the "I tried it once so I know what it's all about" crowd, then you have no point of reference and have no right to knock it. I'll get off my soapbox now. ha ha
Critical listening and altered states
Ok, this is not a question about relaxing, but about listening to evaluate how the system (or a piece of gear is sounding).
What, in your experience, are the pluses and minuses of altering your state of mind for listening? This can include anything you've used to affect your everyday state of mind, from coffee, beer, scotch, tobacco, to much stronger — and psychoactive, dissociative — additives.
What do you gain by altering your consciousness in terms of what you notice, attend to, linger on, etc?
What causes more details to emerge?
What allows you to stick with a thread or, alternately, make new connections?
Or perhaps you like to keep all those things *out* of your listening; if that's you, please say a bit about why.
What, in your experience, are the pluses and minuses of altering your state of mind for listening? This can include anything you've used to affect your everyday state of mind, from coffee, beer, scotch, tobacco, to much stronger — and psychoactive, dissociative — additives.
What do you gain by altering your consciousness in terms of what you notice, attend to, linger on, etc?
What causes more details to emerge?
What allows you to stick with a thread or, alternately, make new connections?
Or perhaps you like to keep all those things *out* of your listening; if that's you, please say a bit about why.