Practices in Smelling: Finding Quiet Within

Drowning out the noise and just being.

This month we continue with the series, “Practices in Smelling,” which aims to inspire and animate you to engage with your sense of smell more.

I recently had a beautiful and empowering conversation on my podcast An Aromatic Life that really got me thinking about how to better navigate the anxious times we increasingly, dare I say perpetually, find ourselves in. The U.S. election, less than 2 weeks away, looms especially large.

The conversation with aromatherapist and menopause midwife Cathy Skipper is out now and you can find more details below. While it’s focused on a woman’s menopausal journey, what I learned from the conversation made me reflect on how all of us, who are able to smell, can harness scents for these anxious times, no matter the gender or journey we find ourselves on. 

For me, it was specifically the discussion about the metaphorical transformation of the caterpillar into a butterfly that created an ‘aha moment’. I was particularly intrigued by the phase when the caterpillar sheds its skin to form a chrysalis (pictured above), spending a period of time insulated that can last anywhere from a few weeks to two months. 

Imagine having the luxury of such a span of time to retreat and be still. To cocoon yourself, drown out the noise, and simply be. Yes, of course, it seems absurd. How can we possibly avoid the news and ignore the atrocities taking place. We shouldn’t, but I feel moments of respite are essential. 

So, the idea of the chrysalis inspired me greatly, and made me want to focus this month’s practice in smelling on helping you create your own “chrysalis” moments using your nose. 

Here are a few olfactory exercises that I find helpful.