Lately I have been hearing much about the value of experiences over material possessions. As an aromatherapist one of the most frustrating things I hear is that the scent of essential oils "doesn't last." I'm not trying to be a wise one, but IT WASN'T MEANT TO LAST.
Essential oils are potent and volatile plant compounds. In nature, plants use them to communicate with other plants and animals in their environment. Essential oils are designed to elicit a particular response whether it be internal or external. They are used to attract or repel, to strengthen or soften, to excite or subdue. Think of them like the "voice" of the plant. Their effect on us is temporary but often intense. It is meant to be experienced, not prolonged.
Inhale essential oils with the same attentiveness you would use to enjoy the aroma of fresh baked cookies. When you inhale the enticing aroma of cookies you don't expect to continue to smell them for the rest of the day, do you? NO! You might close your eyes and notice the aroma. Then you may become aware of the salivation response and perhaps even a grumble of the belly as your digestive system is activated. Although the response elicited by essential oils is a little more complicated than that, you get the idea, right?
If you want to wear essential oils as perfume, imagine a perfume that is more about how it makes you FEEL on a physical, emotional and mental level rather than how it makes you SMELL. Essential oils have an almost immediate effect on the way that we feel. The molecules emitted by essential oils quickly travel to a part of the brain called the amygdala where emotional memories are stored. Perfumes made with essential oils can make us feel confident, sexy, creative, intuitive, free, happy, energized, relaxed, inspired and safe.
If you purchase a perfume made with essential oils, it will likely have fragrance LAYERS. The Aromatherapist who created the scent is aware that the experience of a blend is more complex, lingering and complete when there are stages to its unfolding. Be aware that not all essential oils are suitable for topical application, and most should be diluted in a carrier oil. Find a trusted Certified Aromatherapist to create a blend for you. Tree of India has some beautiful Synergy Blends that have therapeutic value as well as beautiful aromas to rival your favorite perfumes. And the best part? THERE ARE NO HARMFUL CHEMICALS.
Tune in to how you feel before, during and after applying essential oil perfume. This kind of attention nurtures greater awareness, clarity, and acceptance of present-moment awareness. It wakes us up to the fact that our lives unfold only in moments. I promise you will be much richer in the end!
Jessica Lohrey, Certified Aromatherapist, E-RYT 500, Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) is the owner and chief mixologist at Tree of India. She has been wearing her own Indian Sandalwood Perfume since 1985!