International Peace Month

August is International Peace Month. This is a difficult concept to grasp as we observe, or in some cases, are directly involved in the horrible conflicts occurring in almost every corner of the globe. Most of us can’t deeply understand why this is happening. The news and social media just serve to muddle the facts, sensationalizing people’s agony, loss and pain. How can we celebrate something that seems so contrary to what is truly happening and why? Some of this is historical, dating back many hundreds of years. There are several main reasons for conflict: religious and cultural differences, territorial control, economic inequality, power, humanitarian injustice, and ideological conflict.

International Peace Month is not just about the absence of conflict, but also about the presence of unity and mutual understanding. It's a time to engage in activities that foster these values within our communities and beyond. Whether it's through peaceful marches, cultural events, community service, or social media campaigns, the key is to come together and work towards a more peaceful world. 

One often overlooked tool in promoting peace is aromatherapy. It can subtly yet significantly contribute to peace on both personal and communal levels, especially during International Peace Month. Aromatherapy, through the use of essential oils and scents known for their calming and uplifting properties, can create a peaceful environment, reduce stress, and foster a sense of well-being and connection among individuals and groups.

Aromatherapy may not be the solution to complex hostilities or global peace, but it's important to remember that humans have been the cause of conflict in almost every case. If we, as individuals, can cause discord, then we also have the power to work towards resolution and compromise. Each one of us has the potential to make a small difference, and when many of us come together, we can make a significant impact. Just imagine the ripple effect if we all committed to promoting understanding and tolerance, practising conflict resolution techniques that emphasize empathy as a key tool, compromise, and mutual respect, advocating for equality, supporting marginalized people, and building a stronger community.

Aromatherapists are empathetic and compassionate by nature. Through kindness, mentorship, and above all, inclusivity, we can become role models within our communities and beyond.

1. Creating Calm Environments:

Peaceful Spaces: Essential oils like lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) are known for their deeply soothing and calming effects. When diffused, these essential oils can transform any space into an oasis of tranquility and calmness.

Meditation and Relaxation: Aromatherapy can enhance meditation sessions, and it is often used to promote inner peace. For instance, you can add a few drops of frankincense (Boswellia carteri) or myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) to a cotton ball and place it near your meditation space. The scent will deepen the meditative experience, helping us connect with a sense of inner calm and clarity.

2. Supporting Mental Health:

Stress Reduction: High levels of stress and anxiety can lead to conflict, both internal and external. Aromatherapy, using oils such as bergamot (Citrus bergamia), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) or rose (Rosa damascena or Rosa centifolia), can help reduce stress, lower anxiety, and improve mood, contributing to more peaceful mindsets and reducing the potential for conflict.

Emotional Healing: Essential oils such as mandarin (Citrus reticulata) or neroli (Citrus aurantium var. Amara) are not just scents, they are tools for emotional healing. These oils are associated with emotional healing and can help individuals process grief, trauma, or anger. Aromatherapy can help people approach conflicts with greater patience and understanding, offering hope in their healing journey.

3. Promoting Unity and Community:

Group Aromatherapy Sessions: By organizing group sessions where participants can collectively experience the benefits of aromatherapy, a sense of unity and community can be fostered. Sharing a calming scent during a group meditation or relaxation session can create a shared experience of peace and solidarity, making you feel connected and part of a larger group.

Cultural Exchange: Different cultures have unique scents and aromatic practices. Sharing these traditions during International Peace Month can promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, helping to bridge divides and encourage peace.

4. Supporting Conflict Resolution:

Aromatherapy in Negotiation Spaces: Diffusing calming aromas in spaces where difficult conversations or negotiations are taking place can help lower tensions and foster a more open, cooperative atmosphere. Conifer essential oils, such as pine (Pinus sylvestris) or Spruce Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), or a more grounding essential oil, such as vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), can help with balance and cooling heated emotions.

5. Rituals of Peace:

Ceremonial Use: Aromatherapy can be a deeply spiritual practice when incorporated into peace rituals or ceremonies. The use of specific oils, such as rose essential oil (Rosa damascena or Rosa centifolia), which symbolizes love and compassion, can create a powerful connection among the participants, reinforcing the intention of peace, harmony, and reconciliation.

6. Awareness Campaigns:

Promoting Aromatherapy for Peace: During International Peace Month, organizations can promote aromatherapy as a personal and community peace tool. Workshops, social media campaigns, or public events can educate people on how to use scents to create more peaceful lives and environments.

While large-scale conflicts often seem beyond the influence of a single person, collective actions by each of us can create significant positive change. We each play a crucial role in fostering peace within our communities and globally. By integrating aromatherapy into the observance of International Peace Month, individuals and communities can harness the power of scent to cultivate a more peaceful, harmonious world. We wish you and your loved ones a more peaceful tomorrow. 💚

Article by: Colleen Thompson, Cert Ed, MIFPA, RA®, EOT®, CA

For over 25 years, Colleen Thompson has been a passionate and highly respected aromatherapy educator. She has owned 3 aromatherapy stores and a holistic spa, and she founded Essence of Thyme in 1995, where she mentors budding aromatherapists from all over the world, helping them create their own thriving aromatherapy businesses.

About Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies

Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies offers 300- and 630-hour professional aromatherapy certification programs that help you grow a successful, fulfilling career by specializing and creating your market niche. Professional Level Certification prepares graduates to become aromatherapy consultants, launch product lines or retail businesses, or provide services as an adjunct to existing holistic health specializations. Master Level Certification and electives are ideal for certified aromatherapists seeking higher education or a path to clinical aromatherapy practice.

All Essence of Thyme programs focus on aromatherapy product development and advanced formulation, evidence-based research, spa and business management, international industry regulatory guidelines, and sustainability and conservation of essential oil and carrier oil-bearing plants.

Our comprehensive, evidence-based programs meet or exceed the criteria set forth by 5 international professional aromatherapy associations. Learn more about our aromatherapy certification programs.