Beautiful and complex, flowers have impacted our world since the beginning of time. Imagine for a moment, the vast array of colors and the intoxicating smells in the Garden of Eden.
Artists and musicians alike have been inspired by these floral masterpieces and their work, in turn, inspires us. Who can look at a Monat, Van Gogh or Georgia O’Keeffe and not feel emotion? Who can hear songs like “Run for the Roses” written by Dan Fogelberg or “Bed of Roses” by Bon Jovi without them creating beautiful pictures in our minds?
I can still hear my Dad call out to me, “Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!” as I rushed out the door. He knew the importance of taking time to appreciate life, and to not just rush through it.
But smelling plants and flowers is so much more than just a nice metaphor. When the scent of a flower hits your nose, it travels to cell receptors and quickly moves to the limbic portion of your brain.
Smell is the only one of our senses that attaches to our memories without going through our conscious brain first. It is said that smell is the brain’s direct link to the environment and to our subconscious mind. All smells, like all sounds, have their own signature frequency. If they didn’t have their own vibration, we wouldn’t be able to tell one scent from another.
Our sense of smell is ten thousand times more powerful than any of our other senses. It’s one of the reasons I love to go for walks in the springtime. The competing aromas from the different flowering plants are heavenly to me. I can’t seem to get enough of it!
The scent and sight of flowers can increase levels of positive energy and help people feel secure and relaxed. Research shows that people who spend extended lengths of time around plants tend to have better relationships with others, and that children who spend time around plants learn better.
Keeping flowers around the home and in the workplace greatly reduces a person's stress levels. It’s a great way to bring nature back into our lives, especially if we spend a lot of time indoors.
There is a natural energy and vitality in nature and the scent of flowers can have a huge positive impact on our mental health. Their scent comes from the essential oil that is housed in them. So when you can’t get flowers on your table, you can always diffuse rose, orange blossom, jasmine or ylang ylang. Since the oil is much more concentrated, you may immediately begin to feel more alert or more relaxed. You may feel the release of negative emotions or the soothing of muscle tension. Even mood enhancing chemicals like serotonin and endorphins get released in the brain!
For centuries, people have used flowers for celebrations, illnesses, funerals and just to say “I love you”. The frequency of roses can spread joy, enhance healing and comfort those who mourn.
The nature that is all around us is God’s gift to all of us. It is as if He is saying, “I love you”! It is to heal, bring joy, and to calm our anxious moments.
So plant some flowers, diffuse some essential oils and create a garden of positivity in your life. And always remember to stop and smell the roses!
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