This informal CPD article ‘Let’s talk about the Secret Serenade’ was provided by Ruth Ruane from The Natural Perfume Academy, a higher education body specialising in teaching natural perfumery to students and industry professionals from all over the world.
Introduction
Amidst the complex interplay of our senses, our sense of smell often finds itself relegated to the background, taken for granted in the cacophony of our daily lives. It is now almost 6 months since the official end of the global pandemic. While we emerged to a world shrouded in uncertainty, our senses, particularly the olfactory, underwent a renaissance of appreciation.
A Colourless World: Imagining Life Without Smell
Close your eyes for a moment and envision a world without the subtle dance of aromas. We often overlook the profound role our sense of smell plays in shaping our experiences, from savouring a beautiful meal to identifying the variations in the changing seasons. How would the world feel if it were scentless, devoid of the nuanced fragrances that make life vibrant? It certainly makes one think!
Post-Pandemic Awakening: The Resurgence of Olfactory Appreciation
The pandemic acted as a collective wake-up call, jolting us into recognising the pivotal roles professions centred around smell play in our lives. Chefs, perfumers, wine tasters, and tea connoisseurs, often unsung heroes, emerged as essential contributors to society's sensory delights. Suddenly, these vocations were not just about indulgence; they were about preserving a crucial part of our human experience.
Anosmia: The Silent Struggle
Anosmia, the absence of the sense of smell, is a condition that some are born with. Intriguingly, its impact seems to differ along gender lines. Men with anosmia may grapple with challenges in forming and maintaining male friendships, while women might find themselves navigating difficulties in long-term relationships. How does this sensory void shape the way we connect with others?
The Colour of Nothing: A World Without Smell
Just as colour blindness robs one of the vibrancies of the visual spectrum, lacking a sense of smell paints a world in shades of monotony. What is the term for a scentless existence, and how does it feel when everything smells like nothing? It's a sensation that extends beyond the physical; it alters the texture of our daily experiences.
A Fragrant Renaissance: Perfumery in the Post-Pandemic Era
Natural perfumery, with its emphasis on authentic, nature-derived scents, took on a newfound significance. The pandemic prompted a re-evaluation of our relationship with fragrance. We responded by crafting exercises to guide people in relearning to smell—a process that was as delicate as it was revelatory.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Unsung Hero
As we navigate this post-pandemic landscape, let's carry forward the lessons learned. Our sense of smell is not just a passive receptor; it's a gateway to a richer, more nuanced existence. In celebrating and appreciating this often-overlooked sense, we unlock the potential to enhance our connections with the world and each other. The invisible symphony of aromas invites us to listen, learn, and savour the fragrant tapestry of life.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from The Natural Perfume Academy, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
