The extraordinary power of scent is truly captivating. Even to this day, I vividly recall the fragrance my mother wore every single day as she headed to work: Elizabeth Arden Red Door. It left an indelible mark on my memory. I can still reminisce about my first purchase of eau de parfum when I was a young adult—the enchanting Dolce & Gabbana LE BATELEUR 1. And as if it had just been sprayed, I can remember to the note the scent worn by an ex-partner. The sense of smell has been scientifically proven to be the most reliable tool for accurately recalling memories and evoking intense emotions.
When we encounter a scent, it instantaneously triggers a multitude of thoughts and responses within us. We can establish connections, embark on imaginative journeys, retrieve forgotten memories, disengage from a situation, or simply dismiss it with a disdainful sniff and walk away. Fragrance possesses an undeniable power; it moulds our actions, influences our emotions, and shapes our thoughts.
The olfactory bulb, located in the front of our brains, serves as the gateway for processing smells. It swiftly transmits olfactory signals to the limbic system, which includes the amygdala and the hippocampus—regions closely associated with emotion and memory. Venkatesh Murthy aptly expressed, "The olfactory signals very quickly get to the limbic system."
Why do I have such a passion for fragrance? It's because scents have the unparalleled ability to transport me to realms brimming with creativity and boundless imagination.
Until next time.
Yours,
Liam C.
