(no subject)
This afternoon, while at a lecture on ancient icons & manuscripts from St. Catherine's Monastary, Mount Sinai, I received an unusual compliment from an elderly Orthodox monk. "You smell like my favorite basilica," he said, with a wistful smile.
Apparently my perfume reminded him of a particular blend of incense. Strangely, he's the only other person to have ever noticed the similarity.
To me, it's a very comforting smell. I can think of few things more calming than to be in very old and sacred space. There's something magical and mystical about knowing that thousands upon thousands of others have sat in those antique wooden pews, surrounded by wood that has been permeated by hundreds of years of incense. There is a stillness that immediately sends me into a very intense mindfulness. Breathe deep. There's a special quality to the air, it feels different in my lungs. Seek peace Sweet and sublime.
Apparently my perfume reminded him of a particular blend of incense. Strangely, he's the only other person to have ever noticed the similarity.
To me, it's a very comforting smell. I can think of few things more calming than to be in very old and sacred space. There's something magical and mystical about knowing that thousands upon thousands of others have sat in those antique wooden pews, surrounded by wood that has been permeated by hundreds of years of incense. There is a stillness that immediately sends me into a very intense mindfulness. Breathe deep. There's a special quality to the air, it feels different in my lungs. Seek peace Sweet and sublime.