What does solitude smell like?
One of my favorite authors, Sanmao, a renowned Taiwanese writer, once lived in Spain, specifically in the Canary Islands and the Sahara Desert with her Spanish husband José. It was during my time living in Spain that I revisited her books and immersed myself in her stories.
In her article "Stories of the Dusk" from the book Sahara Diary she wrote, "Morning marks the beginning of a day, where one carries the responsibilities and plans of the day ahead. Facing the unknown daytime always brings a sense of tension and caution. Dusk, on the other hand, is different; it's the gentle prelude to the night. It represents release, ease, and lets one savor the sweetest moments of life."
She continues, "I enjoy moderate solitude, the most liberating moment of the spirit; I always hesitate to share this with others. It is indeed hard to share such a deeply personal treasure; even when José voluntarily stays home to watch TV, I secretly rejoice."
In my first year living in Spain, like Sanmao, I took quiet, solitary walks at dusk heading towards the sea. Behind my apartment in Spain lay a vast empty lot, a small path snaked towards several private mansions nearby. Even now, my memory of the beautiful scenery bathed in the moonlight and caressed by the breeze remains clear and vivid. The most beautiful landscapes in the world are not solely in our eyes, but etched in our souls.
So, what scent best complements such precious moments of liberty? I feel it should be something carrying undertones of warmth, serenity, comfort, and purity. This scent should be akin to the feeling of being securely enveloped, accepted, and thereby, able to completely relax, liberating the soul.
That's how we came to the creation of the beautiful aroma Tranquil Reverie. As I wrote “Tranquil solitude in the dusk and night, the soft glow of serenity lights up the corners of your soul” , this blend is perfect for meditation, yoga or any solitude moments. For me, I love to use it before going to bed for a deep relaxation.
One night, I lit it up before bed and began my pre-sleep meditation. During the deep breath relaxation, I experienced the unique charm of this incense.
The aroma of this incense is layered and complex. Initially, upon lighting, it provides a serene atmosphere akin to that created by sandalwood, yet without the distinct milky scent often associated with sandalwood. The fragrance that continually emits thereafter is not a sweet, overpowering floral scent. Instead, it's restrained and subtle. More accurately, it is a sweet aroma, like that which emanates from the roots and stems of plants like Angelica and Licorice, it carries the earthy fragrance of soil, embodying the peace and inclusivity of the Earth. The final notes create a warmth from Chinese Mugwort, reminiscent of the unconditional acceptance and comfort as if in the loving and warm hugs of my mother.
In the deep breaths, I felt completely relaxed and unknowingly drifted off to sleep.
