Have you ever noticed that everything…and I mean everything…has a smell? Does the average person think about stuff like this? Do I have too much time on my hands? ;)
As I took some laundry out of the dryer the other day, I smelled it and thought "I bet my children remember this smell for their whole life…even if they end up doing their laundry with different stuff when they leave home." I have had my children say to me at different times "Mom, you smell good" or "Mom, that lady smelled like you do!" or something along those lines. It always makes me smile.
There was a promo for some show last year and in it, the little girl is laying in bed hugging her mommy g'night and she says "Mommy, you smell different." Of course, the mommy had been taken over by aliens or some such thing but the point is we identify with smells so much. They trigger feelings and/or memories both good and/or bad and memories lead to other stuff, also good and/or bad.
Think about the smell of your Thanksgiving turkey cooking. I love to go for a walk on Thanksgiving Day just so I can come into the house and be bombarded with the smell. :) How about the last time you visited with your grandparents? Do you remember the smell of their house? My grandmother's (dad's mom) house smelled a certain way and, while I'd be hardpressed to describe that smell to you, I can tell you the minute I'm somewhere that smells just like it! The smell brings my grandmother immediately to mind. I can see her in all her 4'8" hardheaded, stubborn, bitchy glory! She lived to be 95 so she obviously did something right!
I stood next to someone in an elevator a few days ago who was definitely a smoker. How did I know that without a doubt? They smelled like an ashtray. I know this without question because that was my mom's smell. I found myself wishing she'd had a comforting smell instead of one I identify with her death. I think in my mind, the smell of smoking will always equal death and dying now. It gives me the creepy-crawlies.
Remember the movie Michael? John Travolta plays the part of an angel sent to earth for a bit and he smells like cookies. I love the idea that angels smell like cookies! What a great plug for aromatherapy, eh?
Who doesn't have a good memory that surrounds the smell of cookies baking? I remember my beautiful daughter's baby looks of glee when the smell of cookies baking reached them. Their rosy little baby cheeks were so cute and the giggles that went with them were precious. I can still see the look on daughter #3's face when her granny (my mom) gave her the very 1st cookie she'd ever had. Up until this time, she was more than a year old, she hadn't had anything that resembled junk food and I was determined to keep it that way as long as possible too! Of course, Granny had other ideas. Baby #3 took a bite of that cookie and the look of total amazement that crossed her sweet little face was priceless!
I started thinking about comforting smells a few weeks ago after reading something about comfort. I don't even remember where I read it but it's stuck with me for some reason. Since my mom's death four-and-a-half months ago, I think about comfort alot. I often find myself wishing my mommy was here and then I remember that when she was alive she wasn't a very comforting person. I think what I'm really wishing for is a mommy and not necessarily my mommy.
So, what's your favorite smell? When it comes to aromatherapy, what creates good feelings for you? Share please. I'm looking for new ways to foster feelings of well-being and peacefulness.
Since my parents have passed, I have felt undefined, so to speak. I am trying to find my way and figure out just who I am now that I'm no one's daughter.
I've begun a stretching routine and some breathing exercises again. I'm determined not to let my gray hairs bother me and I plan on heading into my 42nd year with a plan for better health…mental and emotional as well as physical. Aromatherapy is just one avenue I am exploring.
My goal is to literally feel peace. As often as possible.
Peace.
