My Secret Time Travel
Have you ever wished you could travel back in time?
After being so deeply connected to my dear departed Great-Aunt yesterday through the fragrance of roses, it got me thinking about the number of times a smell or an odour has transported me to another time or place. Scent can be a powerful memory trigger. No need for a fancy device to take you places. Sense of smell is a tool I often use in my creative writing to help make my imagined world more real and three-dimensional.
The smell of the ocean – that good, clean briny smell – always relaxes me and makes me happy. It reminds me of my grandfather, who often took us sailing. The smell of spicy rum reminds me of him too. Lavender reminds me of my Grandma. When I was little and couldn’t sleep she would sprinkle a little lavender water on my pillow, and give me some on a hanky as well. Even now, when I have trouble sleeping, I reach for the lavender oil and am reminded of my Grandma’s love and kindness. Lavender also reminds me of fairies!
I once kicked over a clod of damp earth in a horse paddock and was transported back to my childhood, and the memory of a man called Dedi, who had a team of Clydesdales. I had forgotten all about this man, and his magnificent team of horses, but 20 years later, here I am again as a wide-eyed child, mesmerised by these huge animals and the skill with which Mr Dedi worked them.
Now I use smell intentionally as well. I light incense when I meditate and the association between the fragrance and the act of meditating helps me move into that relaxed and focused state much more quickly. Lighting a stick of incense when I am stressed helps calm me and put me into a meditative space, even when I am not actually meditating.
I use aromatherapy oils in a burner to promote or enhance certain moods or mental states. For writing I usually choose this oil blend to enhance concentration and mental clarity. It’s also a great blend for studying so that you remember what you’re reading!
1 drop Basil
2 drops Rosemary
2 drops Cypress
I also use essential oils in bath products and cleaning aids for the same benefits. (Here’s a great website with free recipes and information if you want to try this yourself)
What smells trigger good memories and associations for you? Favourites for me are baking bread, fresh coffee, rain, jasmine and smoke from the wood stove. Wishing you a day of fragrance and memories. ♥
After being so deeply connected to my dear departed Great-Aunt yesterday through the fragrance of roses, it got me thinking about the number of times a smell or an odour has transported me to another time or place. Scent can be a powerful memory trigger. No need for a fancy device to take you places. Sense of smell is a tool I often use in my creative writing to help make my imagined world more real and three-dimensional.
The smell of the ocean – that good, clean briny smell – always relaxes me and makes me happy. It reminds me of my grandfather, who often took us sailing. The smell of spicy rum reminds me of him too. Lavender reminds me of my Grandma. When I was little and couldn’t sleep she would sprinkle a little lavender water on my pillow, and give me some on a hanky as well. Even now, when I have trouble sleeping, I reach for the lavender oil and am reminded of my Grandma’s love and kindness. Lavender also reminds me of fairies!
I once kicked over a clod of damp earth in a horse paddock and was transported back to my childhood, and the memory of a man called Dedi, who had a team of Clydesdales. I had forgotten all about this man, and his magnificent team of horses, but 20 years later, here I am again as a wide-eyed child, mesmerised by these huge animals and the skill with which Mr Dedi worked them.
Now I use smell intentionally as well. I light incense when I meditate and the association between the fragrance and the act of meditating helps me move into that relaxed and focused state much more quickly. Lighting a stick of incense when I am stressed helps calm me and put me into a meditative space, even when I am not actually meditating.
I use aromatherapy oils in a burner to promote or enhance certain moods or mental states. For writing I usually choose this oil blend to enhance concentration and mental clarity. It’s also a great blend for studying so that you remember what you’re reading!
1 drop Basil
2 drops Rosemary
2 drops Cypress
I also use essential oils in bath products and cleaning aids for the same benefits. (Here’s a great website with free recipes and information if you want to try this yourself)
What smells trigger good memories and associations for you? Favourites for me are baking bread, fresh coffee, rain, jasmine and smoke from the wood stove. Wishing you a day of fragrance and memories. ♥
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