A Scented Space

07/02/2026

NCHS Grief & Wellness Series: Scent & Grief
Part 2: What is Scent?

Our olfactory system, or sense of smell, is one of the five senses that keeps us safe in the world. The nasal cavity is filled with millions of tiny smell sensors that pick up and identify over 10,000 aromatic molecules by their specific chemical shape.

Our olfactory system is connected to the limbic system in the brain which is responsible for emotions and memory. The limbic system deals with automatic responsive behaviours and has little, if anything, to do with conscious thought or will.

When our olfactory receptors identify something that is not pleasing (unsafe), we become alert for threats, and our bodily response will be too tense up and prepare us for action. This is known as the sympathetic state. Conversely, when we smell something that is pleasing, we enter a calmer - more relaxed - state and activate a parasympathetic state of the nervous system.

Once we make the conscious connection to how smell affects us, we have within us a very powerful tool that we can use to support ourselves and bring about changes to our physiology. We can create more relaxation and find comfort any time we need to. To put it simply - If it smells good, it feels good.

In moments when we may be feeling anxious and overwhelmed by our surroundings, fatigued and off-balance by our environment, confused, unfocused, hyper-focused, or even deep into an emotional meltdown, just inhaling a smell that pleases us calms our central nervous system.

This information is provided by Margo, R.A./E.O.T. at Nanaimo Community Hospice.
Stay tuned as we continue exploring the connection between scent, memory, body, emotion, and grief.

06/25/2026

NCHS Grief & Wellness Series: Scent & Grief
Part 1: Introducing Scent & Grief

Did you know that Nanaimo Community Hospice Society offers a program called Scent & Grief?
Created by Registered Aromatherapist, Margo, and facilitated by a team of dedicated volunteers trained in the specific ways our sense of smell supports the grieving process. This program explores the connection between scent, memory, emotion, somatic experience and grief.

Through this series, we will share educational information, wellness tips, reflection prompts, and simple activities that can help you better understand the relationship between scent and grief.
Over the coming weeks, we invite you to join us as we explore how scent can be used as a gentle tool for comfort, grounding, and wellbeing.
Stay tuned!

06/11/2026

Smell affects our physiology - smell something you like and you can instantly feel better.

03/30/2026

The day is quickly approaching for the annual CAOA continuing education workshop and this year I am thrilled to be able to share my message alongside some of my fellow Aromatherapists as a presenter. The topics are diverse and include conservation and ethical sourcing of essential and carrier oils, the "M Technique" method of touch for relaxation, unique essential oils and their therapeutic applications, and aromatherapy for grief and loss. Open to everyone.

01/19/2026

Grief affects us all and there are many ways we can find comfort and relief through our journey with grief. One thing is certain though - we need the time and space to process the reality of our situation and the changes it brings. Be gentle with yourself...take all the time you need to feel, remember and heal.

12/27/2025

Aromatherapy in palliative care requires skill, respect, and deep compassion. Our new blog post dives into why frankincense is such a trusted tool for practitioners supporting the journey of grief and dying.

If you are called to this kind of work, join the 50-hour Aromatherapy for Palliative Care and Bereavement program, taught by Marika Fleri, Jonathan Benavides, and Margo Fletcher.

💜 Check out the blog to learn more: https://www.essenceofthyme.com/blog/frankincense-palliative-care

💚 Save $100 and use code PC1225PUBLIC when you register this December at:
https://www.essenceofthyme.com/aromatherapy-for-palliative-care-and-bereavement

12/23/2025

12/18/2025

I'm thrilled to be a part of this new course for aromatherapy support for palliative & bereavement care through the Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies. This expanded course incorporates the short course, "Easing the Emotions of Grief through the Sense of Smell" that was launched last year. Together, with the expertise of Marika Fleri's work in palliative care and the legacy of Jonathan Benevides compassionate work, we will guide you through learning about companioning and supporting others through grief and loss and end of life care with dignity and compassion through Aroma-Therapy.