Autumn Aromas

The smells of autumn can be deeply healing and soothing. Our sense of smell is directly connected to the limbic system, the part of the brain that helps process emotion, memory, and stress. This is why a familiar scent can shift our mood so quickly, bring us back to a moment in time, or help the body feel a little more settled.

The scent of fallen leaves may evoke nostalgia and remind us that change can be beautiful. Woodsmoke can create a feeling of coziness, warmth, and grounding. Cinnamon can feel energizing when we are depleted, while sweet orange may brighten your mood and invite in a sense of optimism.

As we move through this season, notice which scents bring you comfort, energy, or ease. Sometimes mindfulness begins with something as simple as taking a breath and letting the world around you remind you that you are here.

Inspire | “You are allowed to be deeply aware of what’s wrong with the world and still fall completely in love with being alive. The heart can hold both.” Cory Muscara

Explore | Earlier this week, one of our fellow yogis shared a few simple tools to help us name our emotions with more clarity and care. How We Feel is a free app that helps you identify what you are feeling with greater accuracy and nuance. You can also explore the Emotion Wheel as another way to pause, reflect, and find language for what is moving through you.

Try This | Sometimes we simply need to do one less thing than we think we do. Pause, take a gentle look at your to-do list, and ask yourself: What can wait? What is not truly urgent? What can I release, even just for today?