Of scents and memories

Today, I was listening to some therapists lecturing about dealing with smells that remind people of traumatic experiences, and I started thinking if I do have such memories. I think most of my memories of smells conjure very positive feelings and images.

The smell of freshly laundered clothes for example reminds me of my mother who always smelled clean and fresh, and the comforting feeling of being enveloped in her warmth and scent whenever I embrace her. The smell of old spice reminds me of my father and of running up to him to greet him when he comes home from work.

The smell of Tatiana and Charlie reminds me of older cousins whom I looked up to and who doted on me. The smell of Drakkar Noir reminds me of a boy I had a crush on when I was in high school, and the giggly feeling I get when he's around.

The smell of freshly cut grass reminds me of the university where I went to, and of walking or sitting on the grass with my friends. The smell of rosal reminds me of my childhood in the province particularly of the garden around my grandmother's house where I used to pick these flowers to bring to my teachers. The smell of dama de noche reminds me of the apartment in Quezon City where my brother and I grew up, and the time when the family was still together.

Yes, I guess my memories of smells are generally positive although some of these also bring up some sad feelings particularly because both my parents have already passed away, but I guess I've already learned to cope with this loss such that the feeling of sadness is no longer that strong. Instead, I am remembering the happy moments. Hmmmmm... interesting... I think I'm going to think about this some more.