Lake Orta

A timely reminder from a best kept secret

The one thing that struck me most while away celebrating our special anniversary in beautiful Lake Orta this summer, was how time and time again nature shows itself to be such an amazing healer.

You’d think that as an aromatherapist I’d already be well aware of this, and of course I am – but I’m only human after all. It’s so easy to get caught up in the noise and bluster of this crazy world we live in and forget the powerful impact that nature can have on us if we only allow it.

Orta is often referred to as Northern Italy’s best kept secret and its unspoilt countryside, peaceful way of life and picturesque views proved to be the perfect antidote from modern life and its constant clamour.

Cradled by the lush green mountains of the Alps, the scent of pine and spruce hanging in the freshest of air and with nothing much to do other than gaze into the still blue depths of the area’s smallest and arguably one of its cleanest lakes, we rested.

Lake Orta

It’s not really a surprise anymore that studies show how spending time in nature can have such a positive effect on our wellbeing. It can be a powerful way of helping to reduce stress levels, soothe anxious feelings and provide a gentle lift when mood is low.

As we tuned in to the peace of our natural surroundings, a sense of calm quietly crept over us and our frazzled nervous systems, which had been caught up unwittingly in the commotion of day-to-day life, were gently soothed and our senses awakened.

We became more aware of the sound of the water lapping the banks of the lake, the feeling of the warm breeze kissing our skin and the constant buzz of the cicadas in the shrubs.

Perhaps most importantly for me as an aromatherapist was how heightened my sense of smell became. It is our most primitive sense and yet is generally so undervalued that we often don’t even realise how the waft of salt on the sea breeze, the smell of pine in the forest or the sweet fragrance of a flower in full bloom, can have such a powerful and positive impact on both our emotional and our physical wellbeing.

Yet on the shores of Orta, I became aware of the almost indescribably fresh yet earthy scent of the lake itself, the invigorating crisp, woody notes of the Cypress trees lining the path to the hotel and the sweet, floral fragrance of an abundance of full headed hydrangeas that sat all around us.

They all served to gift us with a unique aromatic cocktail that has created a precious scent memory, forever linking us to that place and our special time together.

Lake Orta

And so, it was in this, the most natural of environments, we found we had little choice but to lean into the peace and tranquillity that nature offered up to us and to completely let go and relax.

It’s left us with a feeling that we need to do it more. Ideally it would be by the ocean (my heavenly spot) a snowy mountain (hubby’s dream destination), or by a beautiful lake framed by the greenest of mountain ranges.

Lake Orta

However, the majority of us can’t have our chosen wilderness at our fingertips all of the time, or even some of the time, so a local park, some fresh sea air (we’re fortunate enough to live by the coast), or a wander in the nearby woodland will do nicely for now.

And on that note, I’m off to do just that. The late summer sun is beginning to dim slightly, but is still shining, so I’m heading to my go-to nature top up spot – to breathe in the saltiness of the sea, throw pebbles aimlessly into the water and gaze at the waves lapping the shore.

I’d love to know, where are your nature go-to’s?

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