Have you ever heard the expression about stopping to smell the roses?
It’s about taking a moment to appreciate the beauty in nature, or to relax for a moment –  even when things are hectic or unhappy.

This may be a surprise, but there is actually distress tolerance skill which is about literally stopping to smell roses- it’s not just an expression! It’s a self-soothing skill which uses the senses of smell and sight to soothe your nervous system.

 

When was the last time you stopped to smell a rose (or any flower) or something from nature? How did it affect you for just that moment?

(There are good reasons why we give bouquets of flowers for celebrations and as condolences.)

Pick something (whether that is a flower, a leaf, grass, or something else) and pour your whole attention into noticing:

• • What colours and shades you can see? Is there any change or variation in these?
  • What shapes can you see?
  • Notice how much space it takes up, and where it starts and stops?
  • What can you smell about your rose or piece of nature?
  • Is there any movement in it?
  • Is there any sound?
  • What does it feel like in your hands?