Consciously Direct Your Olfactory System

Scents trigger the olfactory system - part of the nervous system and brain. When we smell, electric signals are sent to the limbic system, which includes the amygdala and hippocampus, which govern emotions, memory, and behaviour related to the detected scent. It is an autonomic process.

To consciously create a scent memory, we must actively direct our olfactory system with repeated, limited exposures, to a chosen scent over an extended period of time - and then restrict exposure for an extended period of time. Once that is accomplished, we will later be able to intentionally prompt our system to retrieve the desired memories and feelings connected to that scent - with the scent itself.

We are effectively trying to establish and reinforce a new neural pathway.

Reliably connecting a smell to a specific event or memory takes time, the longer the exposure, the stronger the memory and feelings. The exact timeline can vary based on the individual and the complexity of the memory being evoked.

In order to overcome the brain's tendency to habituate to smells, and form durable associations, it's critical to use a scent you are unfamiliar with, and also isn't too common. Otherwise you may have existing associations with the scent, which will mute the desired effect.

The first association formed to an odour typically remains tied to that odour, despite multiple future experiences of the same odour in different contexts.

So that’s a bit of background into this exercise. Now let’s get into how you actively direct your powerful olfactory mechanism to constructively suit your needs!

Kadapul Flower Blossom aka ‘Queen of the Night, a cactus flower native to Sri Lanka that blooms only once a year, at night. Considered the world's rarest and most expensive flower. Known for its intoxicating fragrance; a sweet and delicate scent reminiscent of jasmine and magnolia that intensifies after sunset.

You don’t need anything crazy like a Kadapul Flower to do this, you can use pretty much whatever scented product you want, so long as there is a distinct odour to it. It could be as simple as a scented bar of soap, or a stick of incense. Or you could go all out and pick out a fancy new perfume, up to you. 

We are going to use essential oils and scented candles in our example. 

What You’ll Need:

1. An essential oil of your choice or a strong scented candle with a very long burning time. Just be sure  A) it is an unfamiliar smell to you B) that you really enjoy the smell! You are going to be smelling it A LOT for the next 4-6 weeks.  

2. Option A) Use this scent with an intention or affirmation you want to reinforce.

Option B) Use the scent to connect to the memories/feelings of a time/place you want to be able to return to, like a wedding/honeymoon period or an extended road trip. It can be personal, or you could do it with a group; friends, family, etc. so you can time travel and share the moments again together. 

IMPORTANT: If you are using this scent to recall the memory of a certain time period - you must be smelling it DURING the occasion/time period. 

KMFO Vancouver Island Road Trip; Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet

This exercise is done in 3 parts.

Part 1: Establishing and reinforcing the olfactory pathway through habituation

Now that you have your scent - candle, essential oil, or otherwise - you are going to start spending A LOT of time smelling it. Forming a reliable connection between a smell and an event or experience requires extensive reinforcement. You will need to dedicate some time pretty much everyday, over the course of 4-6 weeks literally just smelling your scent. Inhaling big ol' swigs of  it into your being.

If you are using an essential oil - intermittently smell it throughout the day.

If you are using a candle, light it at a specific time everyday and have it in your airspace for 20 minutes to half an hour. 

If you are doing this to reinforce an intention or affirmation, each time you smell your scent repeat the intention/affirmation to yourself. If you meditate, incorporate the scent and intention/affirmation into your meditations.

If you are doing this to be able to recall a special time period at a later date, the smelling must be done as the event is occurring. For example, if you are going on your honeymoon or a road trip - bring your scent with you and smell it often during this period. You can even start incorporating smelling the scent a few days before your trip begins to build-in more memory layers.

Smell your scent as much as tolerable for at least 4-6 weeks. The longer, the better.

BUT!!!

Listen to your body. If smelling your scent makes you feel unwell in any way stop immediately. Essential oils in particular are highly concentrated and can make you feel lightheaded/dizzy/ nauseous, so use them with caution. 

Cypress, a nice scent for affirmation setting; calms the mind and body and promotes a sense of security and grounding

Part 2  Restricting Exposure To Your Scent

After 4-6 weeks of smelling your scent everyday - put it away. Lock it in a drawer, put it in a a shoebox, whatever. Ensure you will not be able to smell it in any way.

Wait at least two months. The longer you wait, the better the results.

Part 3  Connecting With Your New Scent Memory

After that *long* time period has elapsed, pull out your scent and take a deep inhale - whoosh! Your memories/affirmation/intention should come hurtling back. Congratulations! You have established a new scent memory in your olfactory system. Any time you want to be reminded, return to your scent. But be careful not to overdo it! If you smell it too often, the memory / pathway will be weakened. The path will be diluted with the present moments you are using it in and it will lessen the effect.

Notes:

This will not be effective if it’s done over a short time period.

You will need to use a different scent each time you do this.