Step Two: Olfactory Exercises
© 2003
>> I have a question regarding Step II concentration on smell (olfactory) exercises. While visual concentration is easy to understand, since its medium is constant input, I have problems figuring out how I am going to perform the olfactory exercises. Since smell is dependant upon inhalation through the nose, wouldn't it be very difficult to simulate a constant concentration on smell? <<
The trick for me at least, was to focus my attention in the sensory organ itself. For example with the visualization exercises, your focus is primarily within your visual faculty, so with the other exercises your focus will primarily be in your auditory faculty during the hearing exercises, your olfactory faculty during your smell exercises, etc.
Choose an odor to begin with. Spend a few moments smelling it intensively, paying very close attention to the effect that it has upon your sinuses and your olfactory apparatus. Note where in your sinuses it effects you and how this effect is felt, etc. Then try to replicate this effect with your imagination alone. At first you will be tempted to inhale through your nose as you replicate the sensations with your imagination. This however, becomes unnecessary with a bit more practice and as you focus more completely upon the sensation within your olfactory itself. Eventually you will be able to continuously maintain the imagined odor independent of your breath.
My best to you,
:) Rawn Clark
20 Feb 2003