It's "Mindful" Monday

So today let's talk about another one of the 5 senses of "mindfulness"

We've already discovered the possibilities of "mindful" SIGHT, SOUND and TOUCH . . .

So today let's talk about "mindful SMELL".

Now . . . the sense of "smell" is called "olfaction" . . .

It starts in the nasal cavity of the nose and when we "sniff" or "inhale" . . . this "communication highway" triggers a signal that transmits information up the cranial nerve to our "olfactory bulb" . . . the brain.

So why is "smell" so important to our "mindfulness"???

Well . . . "smell" triggers "memories" and "emotions" . . .

And "mindful SMELLING" uses this sense to be more "aware" of our "present" moment's experience, our environment, our focus, our attention or even to make "decisions" . . .

You see . . . we use this sense all the time . . . like when we "smell" freshly baked cookies or clean laundry . . . this "transportation" sense can actually transport us to a different place and time.

So my "mindful SMELL" moment this weekend . . . was "smelling" our beautiful 40 year old "Rhododendrons" here at Miracle Meadows.

I love this time of year when they bloom . . . because it reminds me of being at my grandmother's house 60 years ago and smelling her rhododendrons . . . and they give me a feeling of "calm" . . . "peace" . . . and "tranquility".

And when I "smell" them . . . I also use my "mindful SOUND" to hear the bumblebees buzzing from flower to flower . . . and my "mindful SIGHT" to see the bumblebees collecting their pollen.

So not only do they "smell" so flavorful . . . "smelling" flowers can actually "improve" mood, which can "improve" the brain's function of memory, speech and movement . . . and with this . . . it can lead to "improvement" in emotional health, depression and memory disorders.

Now . . . "smell" can also cause discomfort . . .

Strong odors may cause some people to feel a burning sensation that leads to coughing, wheezing, other breathing problems, headaches, feeling dizzy or nauseous . . . which now can affect our mood, anxiety and stress level.

We could also "smell" such things as danger . . . like fire, gas, pollutants or even "fear".

So what we "smell" . . . can either make us feel "good" or "bad" . . . but ultimately "it" defines our "decision" making.

You see . . . whether you know it or not . . . every "scent" you "smell" during the day . . . even if you don't know you're "smelling" it . . . determines how you act . . . how you feel . . . and your decision on day to day activities.

Okay . . . so how can we "sharpen" our sense of "mindful SMELL"???

Well . . . a fun way is to close your eyes and have someone move different items under your nose . . . then guess what that item is.

But . . . the most important part to this exercise is this . . . with each item . . . reflect on whether it brings back a memory or a current feeling.

How does that "smell" make you feel????

So be one with that moment in time . . . with that scent and with its "attachment to life".

You see . . . the beauty of "life" is in each precious moment you smell!

So "stop" . . . and take "notice".

And always remember . . . "mindful SMELL" is the one sense that has the "BEST" memory.

"Nothing" is more memorable than a "SMELL" . . . it can be unexpected, momentary or fleeting . . . but yet . . . it can conjure up a memory of gratitude, peace, displeasure . . . or even fear.

So go out today and have a "mindful SMELL" moment.

This week we'll be talking about another "missing " element to optimal health.

As always, feel free to DM or contact me at: miraclemeadows.net/contact/