Scent is everything! This is the opinion of an Aromatherapist by the way but when I bring in this way of thinking to a conversation, the listener nods in agreement. I once blended some organic massage oils for a company to use in all their Aromatherapy upgrades and one Therapist described every essential oils as Cucumber! No, I did not blend any of them with Cucumber, I brought High Altitude Lavender, Rosemary, Black Pepper, Lemon Eucalyptus and Mandarin Red to name a few. Even typing them out I can smell them from memory. Why did she only smell Cucumber? Well, first of all my initial response was 'girl you and I need to spend some time together I will transform your aroma rolodex!' Secondly, I learned she had recently given up smoking which numbs your sense of taste but also your smell. Over a few months she could finally smell them and you could see the change in her state.
How can you engage such an important sense?
Pen to paper - write down some memories of smell, things you liked, things you didn't
Meditate - go on a trip down memory lane and use your imagination to take you back to some of those moments you noted down. Expand on it and notice your reactions; does it make you smile, frown, wince, laugh - acknowledge it
Take your favourite scent in hand - scents don't have to be a bottle of Aromatherapy, it can be a candle, clothing washed in your favourite laundry liquid, even the smell of a book can evoke beautiful memories. Tune into it, engage every sense - how it looks, smells, the smell will hit your palate so you'll even taste it, how does it feel, it's shape, texture, colour and sound it could be the crackle of the candle wick, the rustling of paper as you flick through the pages. Close your eyes, take 3 deep, slow breaths, repeat the above and when you open your eyes let them re-focus.
Aroma can be added to your bath with a carrier oil or milk and then let the steam bring it to life, you can pop a couple of drops in water, pop a towel over your head and inhale, pop a few drops on a tissue and sniff, add a drop or two to your moisturiser or sniff straight from the bottle.
Light your favourite scented candle.
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