SNIFF TEST

PRACTICE: Take a moment, be still before filling in the blank: “I am so tired of_______.”

I like creating things, so I seek experiences that allow my creative side to flourish. I am drawn to others who like to create or to those who appreciate creative people. Two of these creative spirits and I recently decided that our dinner experience would include a candle making class.

We were invited to arrive early to browse the candles and other items available for purchase. As we browsed, we smelled candles and admired the beautiful containers that surrounded the wax and wicks. Finally, we were invited into the candle making space. The instructor explained the process of container selection – how the shape and size of the container determined the number of wicks your desired candle would have. She went on to explain the fragrance selection process from the 40 plus samples. “After smelling 5 or 6 fragrances,” she said, “you will experience olfactory fatigue.” (unable to critical identify what one is smelling) The condition, also known as nose blindness, is caused by continued exposure to an odor. It is temporary and fresh air is the best cure but that was not an option for us.The instructor’s remedy for olfactory fatigue/nose blindness – find a spot of exposed skin on your body free of fragrance and sniff it. This simple act resets the nose. My research revealed that the armpit is a good place to reset the nose as well – smell your own body to self -correct. No one can restore your sense of smell but you!

It is very easy right now to experience fatigue and it reveals itself in many ways – fear, isolation, media, food, anxiety, depression etc. Do some introspections (sniff test). Your actions are the only way to alleviate the fatigue. I have discovered that I can reset myself by turning the TV off. I read the news instead. Staying connected to others by any virtual means possible plays a key role in battling isolation fatigue. When anxiety seeks to overcome me, I find that a physical activity or indulging in my love of coloring restores my sense of peace. But perhaps my most effective tool is GRATITUDE FOR WHAT I HAVE rather than becoming fatigue with frequent wishing or longing for what is missing. Self-correction (sniff test) is crucial for our various fatigue moments.

Matthew 19:26

PONDER THIS THOUGHT – Growing weary and fatigued is two thirds self – inflicted and one third situational.