16-May-2010

Scents and Sensibility

The Whiff of Intuition

Is something rotten in Denmark? Is something fishy going on? Do you smell a rat? These clichés mention the sense of smell, but more importantly, they describe a situation in which outward appearances tell one story while another sense detects something awry. Religious traditions attest to this innate human ability, describing the state of affairs when all is well—as “grace” in the West and “fragrant” in the East. These descriptions refer to the discernment of what smells good to us from what smells bad.

So call up the feeling of contentment and attune yourself to the “aroma” of harmony that comes with it. Then, contrast this scent with the smell of a challenging situation. You will notice a distinctly different odor. The point here is not to experience an odor, but to see the whole picture, and to intuitively recognize what is askew. When trying to drop old memories or habits, this practice indicates which way to direct your meditation. With time, your mind will naturally gravitate to these stinky weeds, so you can pull them, helping you keep your fragrant garden in order.

Recommended: The Scent of Desire: Discovering Our Enigmatic Sense of Smell