Listening to the sound of the rain, the usual scent

A Deep Breath on a Rainy Day

This year's rainy season has brought a continuous stretch of rainy days, true to its name.

Some days, the rain drizzles softly from morning till night, while on others, it drums so fiercely against the windowpanes.
The plants in the garden, having absorbed plenty of this rain, seem to have grown noticeably larger.

Amidst all this, I find myself brewing tea and opening a book, or gazing at the garden trees as raindrops fall upon them.
This season, with its increased opportunities to spend time relaxing at home, is quite enjoyable.

However, on the other hand, when rainy days persist, the air can sometimes feel a bit stuffy.

At such times, a spritz of my favorite fragrance is just the thing.

As the fine mist gently spreads its aroma, the air in the room softens, and it feels as if only the atmosphere subtly changes.

A Scent Chosen by Instinct

This fragrance has now completely become "my usual scent."
Half a year ago, I created it as my unique blend with Asao Ando from Lunef.

From a table full of essential oils, I chose the ones that felt most pleasant to me at that moment, and she helped blend them into a single fragrance.

What was striking was that I chose the oils without knowing their names.
The time I spent engaging with the scents, uninfluenced by the names written on the labels, remains unforgettable.

"Oh, I like this one."
"I want to smell this again."

Relying solely on such instincts, I selected each one.

Normally, I tend to choose based on knowledge, like "lavender for relaxation" or "lemon for invigoration," but that day, I set all that aside.

Asao then carefully balanced the collected essential oils, crafting them into one harmonious fragrance.

The result was a fragrance reminiscent of a serene forest.
It begins with the refreshing notes of bergamot and rosemary, then transitions into the deep aromas of hinoki, cedarwood, and vetiver.
When I later saw the formula, I was a little surprised to find that it contained more tree and earthy essences than I had expected, directly reflecting my inherent love for nature.

Initially, when it was first completed, I picked it up with a somewhat special feeling, but now, I find myself reaching for it more and more, even during work breaks or before reading a book at night.

Tucked into My Bag

Recently, it has become an indispensable companion, not just at home, but also on trips and business travels.
When I'm away from home for a few days for work, slipping this small bottle into a corner of my bag has, without me realizing it, become a habit.

Although I love traveling, by the time I arrive at an unfamiliar hotel room, my body can be more tense than I realize.
After unpacking, opening the window, and taking a deep breath of fresh air, I spritz the familiar scent into the room.

Immediately, the usual atmosphere spreads through the unfamiliar room, and the tension in my shoulders gently eases. 

Whether I'm working on a manuscript at home or by my bedside while traveling, the scent is the same. Even though I'm far away, there's a sense of security, as if I'm still within the continuity of my everyday life.

When I lightly spray it by my pillow and close my eyes, the presence of the town I was just in gradually fades, and eventually, I'm enveloped in a stillness like being in a deep forest, naturally drifting off to sleep.

Things That Change, Things That Don't

On rainy days, during work breaks, or in hotel rooms while traveling.

The essential oils I selected purely by instinct, without knowing their names half a year ago, have now completely become a part of my life.

That deep, forest-like scent, born from the core of my being that loves nature, now feels, in retrospect, like something very essential to my life.

While there are these unchanging aspects, just as seasons change, the nuances of what feels pleasant at any given time are bound to subtly shift.

Next month, for the first time in six months, I will welcome Asao-san again to create my own custom fragrance spray.

Facing about 20 types of essential oils, what kind of scent will I find myself liking this time?

Will I find comfort in the same bottle as six months ago, or will my hand reach for completely different, fresh fruits or crisp herbs? It feels like peering into my current emotional state, with a mix of slight tension and excitement.

Perhaps choosing a scent is a way of quietly listening to one's inner self.

This season, filled with the sounds of rain.

A quiet moment with scent seems likely to enrich daily life, just a little.