Breathe in the Smells Around You

One way we can be present in our breathing is to notice the smells we inhale. Smells are all around us and they are really potent. “Smell” is the strongest sense we have. Our olfactory glands bring back memories quicker than anything else.

We’ve all experienced this. Maybe you go outside on a dewy morning and suddenly are hit with memories of a trip to the country, or you step on a bus and the rose perfume wafting from the woman next to you smells just like your grandmother.

In her book, A Natural History of the Senses, Diane Ackerman explores how smell (and the other senses) contributes to our perceptions of the world around us. The physical act of smelling opens up our memory center. It taps into emotional responses, but Ackerman points out smells are often things we neglect to talk about:

“Smell is the mute sense, the one without words. We are left tongue-tied, groping for words in a sea of inarticulate pleasure and exaltation. We see only when there is light enough, taste only when we put things into our mouths, touch only when we make contact with someone or something, hear only sounds that are loud enough. But we smell always and with every breath. Cover your eyes and you will stop seeing, cover your ears and you will stop hearing, but if you cover your nose and try to stop smelling, you will die.”

Smelling and breathing are intricately connected. Different scents activate different parts of us. Train yourself to breathe in the smells, and wait for the memory triggers.

Create space around you that taps into natural smells that lift your spirits. Teach yourself to focus on good stuff. It’s an important part of getting your breath to serve you more instead of being just something you automatically do.

Above all, you need to remember that you have everything you need right at your fingertips. Natural smells are usually not too far away, even if you live in the city.

Catch the scent of a rose and discover what it does for you.

Smell the trees and breathe in their energy.

Try a satchel of lavender by your bed if you’re not sleeping well at night.

If there is a special place you like to go, stop there and notice the smells there. Notice what delights your senses and as you breathe it in, feel your body opening up. You’ll notice that you’re happy there. You can use that information to take with you other places. It’s an intentional step that many people don’t take.

At Do Tell: The Relationship Game we’re all about making connections. Becoming aware of the smells that connect to your inner energy can be an important part of connecting to yourself. If you’re lucky enough to be able to describe that smell to others, you can connect to them too. Ask yourself, “What’s my favorite smell?” Or consider asking someone else that same question, then begin to feel a new connection to your breath and a new connection to your life.