"Petrichor-Seekers Anonymous”
The Chronicles of SUN-day…RUN-days, Volume 2, Issue 7, Episode 28
On every SUN-day morning, I embark on my ritualistic run. Rain or shine, through all weather conditions, I lace up my shoes and head out the door. It has been my routine for years, an unwavering commitment to staying active and connected to nature. Sometimes, I start early in the morning, but occasionally, I run after church or in the early afternoon.
Last night, as the sun set, my home in the foothills was engulfed in a mesmerizing torrential downpour. Lightning streaked across the sky, creating a dazzling display of interconnected white bolts. The rain came down heavily, saturating the ground and forming rivers that carved their way down the hillsides.
The conditions were perfect for flooding.
But the smell…oh the smell.
Sweet, illusive petrichor.
Petrichor is the word that describes the distinct earthy scent that often accompanies the first rain after a long period of dry, hot weather.
The unique aroma of petrichor is caused by a combination of factors. During dry spells, plants release certain oils and compounds that are absorbed by the soil and rocks. When it starts to rain, water mixes with these compounds, along with geosmin, a compound produced by soil-dwelling bacteria.
The coming down raindrops then lift these compounds into the air, creating the nostalgic and refreshing petrichor scent I find delightfully evocative.
As humans are very sensitive to this odor, it takes only a very small amount of geosmin bacteria in the air for us to notice the smell.
Our sensitivity to this odor is believed to be connected to our ancestral past. Our survival was once heavily reliant on rainy weather, making us naturally attuned to the smell of rain and the potential for life-giving water.
A purely earthy odor.
Simply put…the smell of fresh desert rain.
For me, the smell of petrichor is more than just a pleasant aroma; it's a connection to the natural world—a reminder of the rejuvenating power of rain and the beauty of the earth.
As I set off on my run today, I encountered muddy paths and giant puddles. The faint scent of desert petrichor lingered, filling the air with an aura of renewal and freshness. Nature came alive, with bees and butterflies buzzing around, seeking flowers that had not been entirely washed clean of pollen by the overnight downpour.
And the cougars? None within sight. (Check out Episode 27, if you missed it!)
In the midst of this outdoor adventure, I was grateful for the blessings of another day. The potential for flooding had passed, and I felt fortunate to experience and share yet another run.
And above all, I was grateful for the readers of The Chronicles of SUN-day…RUN-days, knowing that they too appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
#Run #Health #IronCrucibleHealth #Earth #Weightloss
-------------------------------
As a lover of nature and running, and a DNA-Based health and weight loss coach, I help people appreciate the outdoors and achieve optimal body weight so they can feel great forever! 👑
Each of us is unique, and the key to success lies in understanding our individual genetic makeup—eliminating the guesswork and embracing the wonders of our own bodies.
So, dear readers, what are YOU made of? 💎 Let's unlock the secrets of your DNA and embark on a journey of health and well-being together.
-----------------------------