If you think, it doesn’t work, think twice. We have over five million olfactory cells that we use to smell things and we take about 23,000 breaths per day. If we pay attention and use these cells to help us, especially when we are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, we can really change our emotions and take charge of the situation.
Yoga Philosophy always teaches personal responsibility in taking care of ourselves as our duty. So going by that, figure out at least 3-4 different kinds of smells that you like which has calming or stimulating effects on your nerves. And just in case you are not aware of which smells you like and for which purpose, It’ time to do it now!!
Almost every material around us has smell. Just pick whatever engages your attention, whether plants, herbs, or other daily mundane items e.g.:
- Flowers
- Perfumes
- Books (physical ones)
- Masala Chai/Coffee
- Mint gums
- After-rain soil
- Cheese
- Fresh Ginger
- Deserts or other food items
- Fresh cut grass
Aromatherapy Oils – Lavender, Cinnamon, Lemon, Vanilla (OilyWisdom)
Take in the smell with a deep breath try to stay with that smell for a while. Note the kind of feelings the smell evokes in you and dig deeper in your mind to find out why. Do this at times you feel stressed or overwhelmed. Apart from making you feel pleasant, the smell will help you concentrate your mental energy. That experience could be an eye opener or life changing who knows!!
Caution – please don’t cheat yourself by thinking “I like this perfume because it is so expensive”. If we choose not be true to ourselves then how can we expect others to be genuine with us? I know that’s another discussion altogether, will write about it some other time J.
(According to Aromatherapy, we can start with just 2-3 scented oil bottles. We can put two drops on a clean paper and it’s ready to help you. Please make sure that you hold the paper about two inches away from your nose)
Next week I will write about sense of taste.