Exploring Embodied Experiences: Journeying Through Scent
Two weeks ago, I had a profoundly enriching experience at "The Rhythm of Three: Guided Somatic Scent Immersion" workshop at the The Institute for Art and Olfaction in Los Angeles, CA, that delved into exploring the sense of smell in an embodied way.
As I engaged with various scents derived from earth and nature – oils, incense, resin, and tea – I found myself transported to a vastly rich realm woven from the imaginal and sensorial landscapes. The scents seemed to awaken dormant experiences within my body, igniting sensations almost unfamiliar or perhaps just long forgotten.
It was as though my entire being was enlivened through this rich interoceptive experience, filled with a newfound sense of vitality and enjoyment.
The workshop presented a unique opportunity to explore the intricate relationship between scent and somatic experience. Kendra Adler guided an exquisite somatic journey akin to a meditative feast for the senses. Each aroma, meticulously crafted by Persephenie Studio using earth based elements, interacted with my olfactory system and taste buds, inviting to fully immerse myself in the present moment.
I became acutely aware of how the olfactory sense deepened my embodied experience, engaging not only my mind but also my body in a profound manner. As I surrendered to the scents, I found myself utterly captivated by the intricate dance unfolding within me.
The fragrances seamlessly intertwined with my body's receptors, setting off a symphony of chemical reactions that reverberated deep within my being. This profound experience served as a reminder of the immense impact even the most subtle interactions can wield upon our inner world.
In the days following this workshop, I found myself immersed in lingering echoes of the experience, which sparked deep contemplation. I began daydreaming about the notion of becoming a sweet scent that binds to the receptors of others, initiating a cascade of chemical reactions, generating an enchanting experience while preserving my own essence unchanged.
The fantasy of being a fragrance capable of transforming its surroundings while remaining untouched felt irresistibly alluring. This comforting daydream lingered with me for days. The truth is, we are constantly exchanging energy and emotions with our environment and with one another. What makes us human is our capacity for self-awareness, our ability to notice how interactions shape us, and our ability to consciously choose the direction in which we wish to grow.
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Photo credit: Kendra Adler and Persephenie Studio from the workshop "The Rhythm of Three" March 23rd, 2024
