I thought I'd share this with you since it helped me.
I've been socially anxious for many years, which has impacted on my loneliness issues.
When I became interested in Buddhism I started to meditate with incense (joss sticks).
One of the things I realised about burning scent is that it regulates my breathing, and the effect lasts for several hours after the stick has finished burning.
I notice that I'm breathing easier, and am less anxious. My breathing is in the middle range (not shallow or deep) and it's a really nice feeling (one might call it a state of calm).
I find that scented candles have the same effect. Any pleasant-smelling candle will do, as this has nothing to do with aromatherapy as such.
My favourite scent of the moment is French vanilla.
Feeling more relaxed has improved the way I interact with people. For example, I no longer mind being seen in the garden - therefore I no longer do things like put out the bins under cover of darkness in order to avoid having a conversation with my neighbour!
I've been socially anxious for many years, which has impacted on my loneliness issues.
When I became interested in Buddhism I started to meditate with incense (joss sticks).
One of the things I realised about burning scent is that it regulates my breathing, and the effect lasts for several hours after the stick has finished burning.
I notice that I'm breathing easier, and am less anxious. My breathing is in the middle range (not shallow or deep) and it's a really nice feeling (one might call it a state of calm).
I find that scented candles have the same effect. Any pleasant-smelling candle will do, as this has nothing to do with aromatherapy as such.
My favourite scent of the moment is French vanilla.
Feeling more relaxed has improved the way I interact with people. For example, I no longer mind being seen in the garden - therefore I no longer do things like put out the bins under cover of darkness in order to avoid having a conversation with my neighbour!