Since our first breath we have been recording smells in our memories that link us to what we were doing at a certain time in our lives. Inhaling familiar smells is the best way to transport ourselves back in time and take us to familiar places in our memories. I still associate the incense that was burned in the Catholic church when I was a kid with a spiritual scent.
The incense was burning in a metal urn hanging from chains at the altar and the Priest dressed in a while robe would rock the smoky lantern back and forth as smoke ascended to heaven in a blessing. A beautiful ceremony as incense was offered to God.
I no longer attend mass, but the beautiful ritual of burning incense continues in my home, as it transports me back to a holy memory, which puts me into a calm state and makes the room smell good.
Burning incense makes my space feel sacred, and pure. It feels like I am burning away all the bad energy and re-introducing fresh smelling air. The scents of lavender and sage connect me to my emotions and help me feel peaceful. Sage has been used by Aboriginal Peoples and Buddhists, Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholics for hundreds of years to cleanse bad vibes, increasing love and to bless a space.
If nothing else, incense is beautiful to watch as it forms smokey shapes that rise above, and it adds a peaceful atmosphere and it smells great too!
photos Pixabay