Balance Body and Mind
Aromatherapy Consultant and Complementary Therapist
Take a moment- pause and reset your day
The canal is a haven of tranquility. The perfect place to unwind after a busy day. Trees are mirrored in water that is so smooth it could be glass. Not a ripple is to be seen, even when a bronze beech leaf lazily spirals down to float on the surface. All is peaceful and calm, nature is still.
A majestic heron is partially hidden in the reeds. Only the ruffle of feathers as they are caressed by the breeze prove it is not a grey stone statue. Poised intently, watching the water, it is ready to lance with lightening speed any small fish that is unlucky enough to dart into range of its razor sharp beak. Patience is key.
A drake with its beautiful shimmering emerald head meanders this way and that, followed faithfully by its companion. They are like high street shoppers on a sunny afternoon drifting aimlessly in any direction. Unconcerned or unaware of the stern gaze from the heron as they drift into its territory.
The silence is interrupted by a low steady humming sound, as a cheerfully painted narrow boat moves into view. The prow slices through the unruffled water, pushing it sidewards and sending waves lapping to the shore. With an indignant cackle the ducks glide out of the way.
The heron disdainfully moves its head lower towards the water as if listening to the fish swimming out of reach. It spreads its magnificent wings and gracefully takes off into the air.
Gradually the humming from the boat gets quieter, the water settles back to its mirror like form and peace on the canal is restored.
Take a moment in time and conquer your fears
Dangling on a rope with the sea frothing and swirling beneath, the granite gray rock facing me menacingly and the bright blue sky above, I feel suspended in time.
“Don’t look down.” I tell myself as I swing like a spider on a web. Taking a deep gulp of air I try and swallow down the panic rising into my throat.
“Breathe!” Shouts my instructor and his voice sounds so small and distant that I involuntarily look down. He’s a tiny dot far below me. Suddenly feeling lightheaded, nausea rises into my throat and I want to be back on firm ground.
“I’ll lower you down.” He shouts.
“Wait!” I reply. Breathing deeply, I take in the moment. I haven’t fallen to injury or death! I am still dangling inelegantly at the end of a rope. The sea still looks beautiful and from this height I can see the Island of Harris in the distance. The sun is still warm on my skin and all that has really happened is that I have lost my footing, but someone has got my back, so all is good.
All sense of urgency and panic vanishes as I focus on the moment. Gently, I swing back to the cliff face. My fingers grip the sharp granite and my feet find a narrow ridge. I am back on the rock. Looking down to give a thumbs up I gradually begin to climb again. The rope reassuringly follows my ascent reminding me that I am not alone and help is there if I need it.
Finally, I reach the top and am rewarded with magnificent views and a feeling of exhilaration. Catching my breath and taking in the scenery I realise that taking a step at a time, focusing on the here and now and knowing support is there if I need it is great advice for rock climbing but the same could also be said for all of life’s circumstances. Right now I feel I could conquer anything and so I am going to enjoy this feeling in this moment.
Take a moment- reflect. Are the old ways always outdated?
Nestling cosily in its wooden hollow, the mouse is safe and secure. It observes its surroundings as it has done for many years, still looking as fresh and new today as when it was created around a century ago. The hand that delicately and intricately carved it has long since gone but the legacy it represents lives on.
This humble mouse has witnessed many changes over time. Gas and electricity now provide permanent light and warmth in its room. Technological innovations have created the internet and made the world a smaller place. It has stood the test of time and as a result this once little known carving now has a world wide following.
Joiner Robert Thomson, the Mouseman of Kilburn, was unwilling to embrace industrialisation, shunning the idea that mass production of furniture was the way forward in the world. Instead he focused on his passion and lovingly created bespoke pieces of joinery using traditional tools. His work resembles furniture methods from the late medieval to early modern times and is highly prized today.
Standing in a room that contains eight carved mice, at Fernhill Castle, Farnhill, is awe inspiring. There is an overwhelming sense of history and the presence of Robert Thomson can be felt. It’s a thought provoking experience as it highlights the importance of sticking to your beliefs and following your dreams. Thankfully Robert Thomson didn’t give up on his convictions and we now have these delightful mice in churches, schools and private houses over the country. A testament to quality workmanship and skill. I wonder how many of the mass produced pieces that he was rebelling against still exist?
Take a Moment- visit a bonfire
The angry orange glow is a beacon calling people in droves into its sphere of warmth. It crackles and spits like an angry monster and leans drunkenly to one side as logs collapse altering its foundations. Despite the element of danger it emits, people are drawn by the warmth and protection it provides. They stare mesmerised at its dancing fingers of flames that reach far into the dark night sky.
Fingers thaw and faces tingle as a blanket of heat hits the skin like the sun on a Spanish summer’s day. Warming up feels amazing but toes are still pinched with cold. The chill winter night steals around the back of people’s legs and creeps up their spines. A reminder of the dark and the unknown looming behind them. Sinister and threatening. Shivering, the crowd draws closer to the fire.
On Bonfire Night, our friendly and welcoming park has been transformed into a dark, dangerous and unknown place. Familiar trees now throw menacing shadows resembling old bent hags with long groping fingers that flicker and dance in the light of the flames. Whilst the fire burns imaginations can run wild in the magical world it creates.
Slowly the flames subside and eventually all that is left are the glowing embers. People leave the park eager to get home to the light and warmth. The magic is over and the spell has been broken for another year.
Take a moment – All Hallow’s Eve
The field of chocolate brown mud stretches as far as the eye can see, a dull brown cloth decorated with bright orange orbs. Mini suns that have come to brighten the earth at a dark time of the year.
Early morning and all is still in the sombre light, a sense of waiting is in the air. The wind rustles the leaves in the hedge edging the field and a mouse creeps cautiously out to grab whatever treasures the pumpkin patch holds.
As the sun slants across the sky casting long shadows and little warmth, excited voices can be heard approaching the field. Welly boots slap against legs and squelch satisfyingly through the mud. Wheelbarrows clank as they bounce over the ruts. Eager children pull large pumpkins from the soil and hugging them in delight drop them into the waiting wheel barrows.
The once silent field is now a hive of activity as people swarm like bees over the orange treasures. In no time at all the beautiful bright pumpkins have gone and the field is left, a dull shadow of what it once was.
The pumpkins are taken home to be carefully carved into scary faces that flicker menacingly in candle light. The delicate flesh is put to one side to be transformed into soup or pies in warm cosy kitchens that are bright and welcoming. Whilst outside the pumpkin shells scare away the evil ghouls that roam the earth on this All Hallow’s Eve.
Hallowe’en, an ancient tradition that is still celebrated today. A special moment that takes us out of the busy, complicated modern world and back to a simpler time where we are connected to the seasons and rhythms of the earth as our hunter gatherer ancestors were all those millennia ago.
Take a moment- to relax, recharge and reset your day
Overnight all colour has been stolen leaving behind a lacklustre world that is devoid of all its autumnal splendour. My morning walk brings new sensations as I step into unchartered territory. The air, normally filled with the tuneful melodies of birds as they forage for their breakfast, is eerily silent. Friendly trees, that usually welcome me with a breathtaking paint palette of colours, loom threateningly out of the mist like villains from old black and white movies.
Minuscule droplets of water cling to my face and clothes soaking me and allowing a cold chill to seep into my skin. Primeval instincts trigger putting me on high alert in this alien world where I can only see a metre or so in front of me. With each uphill step a weight seems to descend on me as though the mist that is shrouding everything is made of lead.
I want to turn back. To be safe and warm at home. Fighting this urge, I continue and am rewarded with a miracle. Suddenly, the cloud changes from heavy grey to pure white then to swirls through which the sun can shine. Blue skies, warming sunshine and a world that’s clean, bright and fresh appears before my eyes.
Lightness and happiness returns as birds sing and sheep lazily graze in the fields. The distant hills take on an autumnal purple hue in the beautiful bright sunshine. Looking back, the valley is hidden by pristine white fluffy clouds, a protective layer of cotton wool that is keeping the inhabitants safe and warm like a blanket.
As I take in the contrast of how the valley looks from here and what it is really like to be in the shrouds of mist, I realise nature is showing me that things are not always how they seem from the outside. To coin a well known phrase, “we must be careful not to judge a book by its cover.”
Take a moment- to where does the mind drift?
The air feels thin and so cold, I can track it flowing up my nostrils and leaving a chill in my throat as it travels down to my lungs. My chest feel constricted as if I can no longer take deep restorative breaths and my ears are experiencing a pounding ringing sensation.
From this high point the valley looks lush, green and toy like. A world away where Yaks slowly graze on the wide open spaces, tiny black dots that resemble flies on sandpaper. Here rocks decorate the steep sides and the narrow winding path clutches the edge of the mountain. Perilous. There’s a harshness to this place, but the bleak greyness is broken up by brightly coloured prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Catching the eye and lifting the spirit. The sky is a beautiful clear light blue with a pale sun casting its brightening rays on us however there is no warmth from it and a chill creeps into the bones.
Smoke curls around in mystical shapes as it snakes its way up into the atmosphere, the woody smell reaching my nose and reminding me of bonfire night.
A woman with bright piercing eyes in a wizened face beams as she hands me a shallow dish containing a steaming yellow liquid. The warmth of the bowl makes my fingers tingle and start to waken up as the blood responds to the heat. Her black dress is offset with a gaudy shawl splashed with many colours brightening the austere appearance created by her dark hair scraped back into a bun. Her friendly welcome makes me feel like I belong here and I am part of this world.
The liquid is salty and fatty leaving a sweet cloying aftertaste and a coating on the roof of my mouth. It’s something I wouldn’t even consider drinking in Britain but here it feels the natural thing to do. As deep reverberations from mountain horns penetrate into my soul and the warmth from the butter tea warms my body like liquid gold I feel comfortable, safe and free.
A Moment in Time
Beech nuts crack releasing their brown jewels from the soft velvety casing that, until they break open underfoot, have been hidden by spiky armoured shells. As they are released an earthy nutty smell fills the air to compete with the heavy, waxy sweetly balsamic aroma of the Himalayan Balsam.
Autumn is here and the woods are putting on a show of splendour; a final celebration before winter comes. Fungus makes the most of the warm damp soil and shows off colourful fruits before it goes into hibernation during the cold months. The red and white spotted toadstools are almost magical, a reminder of childhood tales where they are a haven for fairies to rest on or hide under in the rain.
Squirrels leap acrobatically from tree to tree gathering for their winter stores. Staying statuesque on tree trunks, they watch intensely with bright beady eyes until danger has passed. Then drop gracefully to the floor and search with their deft, delicate paws through the leaves for treasure. Abruptly scampering swiftly back up the trunk to safety as soon as they hear a noise.
The wind breezes through the trees sending a shower of rainbow coloured leaves gracefully twirling, floating and fluttering to the floor. The red, orange and yellow splashes of colour carpet the floor waiting to be joyfully kicked around by welly booted children who shriek joyfully at being allowed to enjoy a moment in nature.
The woods in autumn are a place to cherish.
How does aroma association influence you?
Have you ever wondered why you automatically feel relaxed once you step onto your balcony on holiday? I always thought it was because of the bright blue skies, brilliant sunshine and feeling of warmth blanketing your entire being.
Now, I am not sure this is entirely true. Our sense of smell has a strong influence on our feelings and emotions. Recently, I arrived at our apartment in the Valencia region of Spain at 1.30 in the morning. I had been driving for 6 hours and hadn’t slept very well for over a week. I was definitely feeling tired but wired and as a result more than a little bit anxious.
Walking onto the balcony in the pitch black meant I wasn’t struck by a bright blue sky or the sun and the breeze was decidedly cool. However, that feeling of instant calm and relaxation washed over me anyway. Why was this?
Simple, it’s a first hand example of aroma and association. On the balcony my olfactory system (sense of smell) was awakened by the beautiful warm, dry musky scent from the Mediterranean pines mingling with the delicately floral oriental jasmine flowers. This aroma blend immediately triggered my memories of happy, relaxing Mediterranean holidays and as a result I felt calm and at peace.
So, in this instance my olfactory system helped me instantly relax whilst on holiday but it also woke me at 2.00 one morning feeling fearful and in “fight or flight” mode. I realised I could smell smoke and on further investigation the valley was blanketed in smoke. Unfortunately, a lightning strike nearby had caused a fire when it caught tinder dry wasteland behind the nearby village. Luckily the fire was quickly controlled and nobody had to evacuate but it is another example of the importance and influence our sense of smell can have on our emotions. My sense of smell triggered my basic survival instinct whilst I was asleep!
How can we use aroma and association in our everyday lives?
Aromas and emotions
Do you ever find yourself transported back to a memory from years ago? It’s so vivid you can re-experience the emotions and almost feel as though you are there?
Have you ever wondered why, when you smell citrus aromas, you think of cleanliness and energy? Or why coconut smells and suntan lotion can make you think of holidays and trigger an excited, carefree emotion. Well, there’s a reason for that…
It’s all down to the fact that our sense of smell is unique in that it is the only one that goes straight to our brain without entering the nervous system first. This is significant because it enters our Limbic System which is the area of the brain that governs our behavioural and emotional responses. The amygdala is a part of this system that is key in the retrieval of emotional memories. So when a scent enters the limbic system the amygdala trawls through its memory bank to match a memory to the aroma. If this is a positive memory then, happiness is likely to be experienced but if it matches with a stressful moment then anxiety is likely to ensue.
This is both fascinating and significant because it suggests that aromas can trigger different emotions for each individual. Indeed, in my experience as an aromatherapist, lavender is a scent that can provide different emotions. Some people love the smell and associate it with relaxation and calmness. However, other clients associate it with old age. This may be that as a youngster these people visited an elderly relative who wore lavender water: perhaps triggering emotions of nostalgia for the relative who is no longer with us and suggesting an element of fear at the associations with old age and all its implications.
Therefore, as this is a subconscious response can we use use aromas to create happy and relaxed emotions? I think so.
We could select an aroma we respond positively to and use it when we are doing relaxing self-care activities. We may light a floral candle whilst having a relaxing bath and then rub in a floral scented moisturiser afterwards. This will create a positive experience where we feel calm, relaxed and happy. Therefore, when we might be feeling unsettled and anxious we could use the floral aroma and the amygdala will subconsciously match the scent and release relaxing and calming emotions. This will help alleviate the anxiousness being experienced.
Light, energetic aromas such as peppermint and lemon could be used whilst you are focused and concentrating. Then if you are feeling distracted but need to get on with something using this aroma could help increase productivity.
How could you use this knowledge to make your home a comforting and relaxing place, a safe haven for you? I would love to hear your thoughts. Please comment in the comments section.
Balance Body and Mind 