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Nancy’s nook- petrichor

The sense of smell; it is one of our often under-appreciated senses, yet

scientists studying olfaction have provided compelling evidence that it’s
more sophisticated than previously thought. Our sense of smell is
isten, can you hear the sound of the birds
actually our oldest sense. It served us aeons ago to direct us towards
singing? There, in the trees, where the cool
safety and away from danger.
Lbreeze gently blows through the branches and
across your face. The rustling of the leaves accompanies
The sense of smell plays a crucial role in helping us understand our environment and make
the melody of the flitting birds and the ground beneath your
many everyday decisions. Social odours help humans build relationships, find mates, retain
bare feet is soft and welcoming. The sky is a brilliant blue with soft white clouds slowly drifting
by. The mild morning sun sparkles amidst the dappled shadows and the scent of hidden little
key memories, avoid dangers, and prevent disease. Many scents can bring great pleasure to
flowers and damp grass wafts up to greet you as you walk slowly and caresses your senses.
us and can reduce stress, promote sleep and relaxation and ease pain. They can also boost
If you feel a sense of calm and peace wash over you after reading these words, then you
our mood and stir up old memories. So one of the best ways of increasing the pleasure in
know how powerful nature is to our well-being. We are connected in more ways than we can
your life is walking in your garden or in nature where there is an abundance of scents that
see, or imagine, to the nurturing and vital life force that is present throughout the wilds of the
will boost your mood and increase peacefulness.
land, the open savanna and the dense jungle, the tame backyard grass and the domesticated lemon
There is an abundance of scents that arise in nature, depending on the time of day and
tree.
It is so vital to our health, and overall quality of life on all levels, to connect on an ongoing
season. The scent of freshly cut grass, the citrus scent of orange blossoms, the floral whiff
basis to this vibrant and indispensable energy and life that is fully present when we take the time
of the delicate flowers of the climbing jasmine, the dry leaves crushed underfoot during a
to step outside where the sun shines, the earth crumbles and the sky beckons.
hot summers day, the resin of an acacia tree, the woody scent of cut wood. One scent that
Being in nature has been proven to have many benefits, including decreased stress and
delights most people on this semi-arid land of Botswana must surely be the earthy fragrance
depression, improved relaxation, enhanced mood and increased immune function, improved
of rain falling on dry earth. It even has a name: petrichor. The word is constructed from
cardiovascular and respiratory function, decreased blood pressure, improved sleep-wake cycles
Greek petra “rock”, or petros , “stone”, and īchōr, the fluid that flows in the veins of the
and heightened awareness.
gods in Greek mythology. So take a walk after the first rain on the dusty ground and let this
Spending time in nature also can improve relationship skills and reduce aggression, as well
“divine” scent wrap you in pleasure and peace.
as help with general medical recovery, pain reduction, and ADHD reduction.
The Japanese have a unique name for this experience; Shinrin-yoku, which roughly
If you cannot partake of such an experience, bring scents straight into your home by bringing
translated means ‘forest bathing’. It's the practice of spending prolonged periods of time with
in flowers or using essential oils. Use jasmine, lemon or rose to keep your happy mood. Use
trees in order to gain from their many health benefits.
sweet orange, neroli, jasmine, and sandalwood to lift up your mood. Chamomile mixed with
So take the time now to go outside in a safe place where nature is all around you, take off
small amounts of geranium and lavender produces a soothing feeling that releases your
your shoes so you can stroll barefoot on the earth and go for a meandering walk with no
stress and anxiety and rosemary, basil, and lemon can increase your motivation, clear your
destination in mind. Be aware of the scents, the textures, the tastes, the sights and the feelings
mind and provoke mental awareness.
that surround you.
Close your eyes and just breathe, be present to the
So use your oldest sense to increase your mood and vitality and collect good memories to
wonder of nature.
reignite in the future by being aware of all the great scents that envelope you throughout
If you cannot go fully into nature, just step out into
your day. Your freshly brewed cup of coffee on a beautiful morning or your spicy hot
your garden, no matter how large or small it is and be
chocolate on a rainy and snuggly evening. The fruity scent when you bite into a garden-
present to it in this moment.
fresh crisp apple or the whiff of freshly baked bread from that little side street bakery
And remember that to live our life in balance, we must
during your holiday. The brain regions that juggle smells, memories and emotions are very
be in balance with nature too.
much intertwined, so take advantage www.nancysartnook.com
of that and purposely use scent to create www.facebook.com/NancysGourmetArtNook
a fragrant life. Nancy Horenburg - naneky@gmail.com
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