One of my goals as an aromatherapist is demystifying aromatherapy and making it accessible. Years ago, upon moving to NYC, I felt incredibly disconnected and literally ungrounded. This episode is inspired by an upcoming community class I am giving at P&T Knitwear in NYC's Lower East Side. The class, and therefore this episode, is inspired by my journey, professional experience and bolstered by 3 books purchased from P&T Knitwear (listen to the episode to learn which books!). Here's the crux: We know we need access to nature and its healing powers because we are of this Earth...but sometimes we don't have direct access to nature and need help. This is where our herbal allies and especially aromatherapy can come in to bridge the gap. Aromatherapy goes beyond scent recognition & perceived pleasantness of an aroma. It touches a sense of place & memory association. it helps us connect with nature. essential oil chemistry interacts with receptors throughout our mind-body-spirit. it takes us beyond ourselves, not judging us, giving us space and, just possibly, lightening the heaviness of being human.