smell the roses
May 6 2021
I’ve been reflecting on the mixed emotions of ‘opening up’ after these last 12 months. It seems to be that although we are excited or have been living in anticipation for this very moment, now that it is happening, it can feel quite overwhelming. You could be reading this and thinking ‘why wouldn’t i be ready?’ or someone wondering ‘will I ever be?’. You are not alone in your thoughts either way. It's Important to acknowledge what the past year has brought us, both the good and the bad. One part of it that sticks out to me is the sense of time. As I began to write this post, a phrase popped into my head…
Stop and smell the roses.
I want to take a look at how this perspective can be applied to this transitional time and for any associated rising anxiety, stress or general reflection. Analysing the phrase itself and what it can offer us… even aromatherapeutically.
Stop and smell the roses. A phrase traditionally coined for those who are considered to work too hard and don’t take time to appreciate their successes, or those who might power through a scenario without taking the time to appreciate and show gratitude for the beauty of life. For now - I want to look at it from a different angle. I would like to say:
“It’s ok to stop and smell the roses”
In a time where we might feel pressure to go back to ‘normal’, meet others expectations, or fit into the mould of what once was. I want there to be permission that it is ok to take the moment to stop, reflect and be mindful. Over this past year we have been given time and opportunity to reflect and in some way we have been forced to acknowledge feelings, emotions, thoughts, or dynamics. So with any requirements asking you to fit back into the sense of normal, take a minute to think about this phrase. It is allowing you to say that it is ok to take the time to look around you. You don’t need to rush. You can go at your own pace. It’s ok to stop and breathe. We have all developed a deeper understanding of compassion and connection to ourselves or one another. it would be unfortunate to ignore the growth, awareness and understanding we have developed within ourselves and for other people during this time.
It didn’t take long for me to put the phrase together with its aromatherapeutic connotations and benefits. Taking in the rose through your nose and letting the aroma and its magic work its way through the pathways to your brain. Aromatherapy absolutely has its physical benefits but inhalation is the fastest route to the brain to alter our mood and is considered one of the most effective ways for relieving emotional distress and for activity of the autonomous nervous system (the system responsible for the fight-or-flight response) (Agatonovic-Kustrin et al, 2020). When working with clients, especially those who are experiencing high stress or struggling with anxiety, I will usually prepare them an aroma inhaler. This is a small device which can be kept in your pocket or purse when out and about or kept next to you while working. The inhaler provides a helping hand to calm, comfort and support when experiencing stress or anxiety, or perhaps difficulty catching your breath or trouble focusing. It is also useful in social situations or returning to work when you might find yourself feeling disconnected or overwhelmed. Alternative ways for inhalation include using essential oils (diluted in a carrier base) in a bath or shower, in a water based diffuser or oil burner or quite simply using a couple of drops onto a tissue. If we return back to the phrase of ‘stop and smell the roses’, we can both theoretically and physically recreate this idea. For example, by using a Rose essential oil, or even other oils like Geranium, we can take the moment to pause and inhale. Appreciating the aroma whilst letting it do its work to settle the mind and bringing ourselves to the moment.
What about the power of the rose itself? We can admire it for its beauty, its strength in blooming and for its soft floral aroma but what is the aroma offering to you? What is the gift of the rose?
The rose has been known as ‘Queen of the flowers’ throughout history. Rose Maroc (Rosa Centifolia) and Rose Otto (Rosa Damascena) are two of the more commonly used varieties of rose essential oil and absolutes. Both of which have a very complex chemistry profile with over 300 known chemical constituents. Rose is generally rich in terpinoid alcohols, geraniol and citranellol, which are responsible for its anxiolytic (anxiety relief) and antidepressant qualities as well as it’s beautiful rose odor (Agatonovic-Kustrin et al, 2020). Its soft but purposeful aroma matches its strong but gentle personality and characteristics. Both, Rose Maroc and Rose Otto, are gentle in nature and provide great care. Giving back to you - mind, body & spirit - supporting self expression, self identity and self love. Rose Maroc can be used to counteract lack of motivation and ambition or a fear of letting go. It works towards motivating your inner vitality and sense of fulfillment with its gentle strength (Davis, 2005). Rose Otto, more gentle in nature, works on harmonising and comforting feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness and contributes to building on acceptance and happiness. Valerie Ann Worwood (1997) describes Rose Otto as being ‘bewitchingy lovely’ with its ‘ever-mindful’ caring and peaceful ‘pure-hearted generosity’. I don’t know about you, but I am fully accepting of its witching spell! For all the care and respect we have shared for others in this time, we also require love, attention and care for ourselves. Rose, with it’s soft aroma and generous characteristics, is an absolute gift that you can treasure for yourself.
It’s not only Rose that can be effective in this way, there are oils which can be just as beneficial for issues like anxiety, stress and for general health/wellbeing support. It’s also important to note that Rose essential oils and absolutes are rightfully very expensive to buy (If you come across a cheap one, it’s more than likely it is not 100% pure and has been diluted) so it’s always nice to know there are options! Oils like Geranium, most citrus oils, Vetiver and True Lavender have their own chemical profiles and characteristics which make them all valuable oils. For example, Gabriel Mojay (1997) refers to Thyme as reigniting the ‘inner warrior’ and I love that idea. Sometimes we don’t need calm or relaxation, we want to feel strong and grounded! More recently, I created a bespoke blend for my client, which focused on feeling grounded but uplifted with all the changes that are happening. Strong notes of Cedarwood and Sweet Orange for the win!
Taking a moment to stop, reflect and appreciate is a choice and is one that you can make whenever you need to. The idea of pausing, inhaling and exhaling, expanding your breath and taking in the moment can be used across the board. Stop and smell the forest! Stop and smell the herb garden! Stop and smell the shower gel! Essentially - it’s ok for you to stop and breathe. It just so happens that nature or things around you might be offering you a gift back. One of my favourite places in London is Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens. If you’re close enough to travel, all of its varieties in their natural beauty is enough to lift the spirits and lose yourself in the beauty of nature. It’s ok to stop and smell the roses. You’re exactly where you need to be.