Spring is a-coming! Banish the Winter blues, step outside and take a deep inhale of fresh (ish!) air - this is London after all - and seek out a local park, a patch of grass with the first smattering of crocus or a favourite tree, take time to readjust and breathe in the new season.
Solace among the trees of Waterlow Park, Highgate
Although, workshops are almost back to normal and I have been able to teach inside a classroom again, it’s a great feeling to be involved in one-off themed events engaging with bigger groups. So, back in February, I was invited by KCL (Kings College London) to deliver an activity as part of their Garden of Emotions installation, a pop-up indoor garden situated on the ground floor of the Science Gallery London, where students can drop in, chill and find focus during a busy day.
The Garden of Emotions, created by The Liminal Space
Inspired by being in nature the ‘Garden’ provided an ideal space for reflection, repose and discussion, in addition to a curated series of mindful and relaxing events available to students during the months of February and March.
The Wellbeing Activity roll-call
Choosing to spend time in nature and green spaces has proven wellbeing benefits, from reducing stress and feelings of sadness, to improving mood and promoting emotional resilience and creativity.
Wellbeing prompts in the Garden of Emotions
Tapping into this theme and drawing inspiration from therapeutic, fragrant plants, students were invited to attend a pop-up workshop on March 23rd, where they could create their own wellbeing aromatherapy rollerball using key essential oils associated with relaxation, stress relief, happiness, energy, clarity, calm and strength.
The smell of nature in a bottle, some finished Aroma-Rollers
A lively time was had by all! Approximately 30 students arrived ready to inhale, breathe, blend, relax and connect with others. A variety of blends were made for study, relaxation and energy with Bergamot, Rose, Grapefruit, Frankincense and Rosemary being particularly popular!
Finishing decorative touches to an Aromatherapy rollerball blend
The lush surroundings and all the volatile molecules wafting in the air, encouraged an enthusiastic response; new learning was experienced and many bottles of fragrant portable therapy created!
I think I’ll have a seat now ..
Take a seat in the Garden of Emotions
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I used the following essential oils during the evening, since they are pretty accessible, offer many blending options and deliver a wide range of benefits: strengthening, soothing and grounding, but also uplifting, refreshing and joyful!
Focus, concentration, stimulate, clarity : Peppermint, Frankincense (sacra), Rosemary (cineole)
Meditate, peace, ground, relax, restore: Cedarwood, Patchouli
Energy, enthusiasm, joy, optimism, refreshing : Orange (sweet), Bergamot, Grapefruit
De-stress, calm, comfort, sedate: Rose absolute, Lavender (HA French) Ylang Ylang (complete)
Frankincense resin - meditative, clarifying and unifying
One of the many popular combinations was Frankincense, Rosemary and Peppermint, excellent for clearing mind fog, gaining clarity and concentration. It would be ideal blend for focus, study, recall but also for settling the mind in preparation for meditation or mindfulness practice.
What are your favourite smells that connect you to nature?