Chinese Tobacco 19-69 2017

the himalayan cedar, amidst a lush and fresh-looking yet sun-dried forest from the brief summer, stands present and mindful in its familiar place, deeply rooted in the calcareous soil.

its crown is lush, a testament to health, strength, and a secure stance, yet it occupies only as much space as it needs to gently weave itself into the pulsating organism of the forest. a few individual branches carefully touch some cedar sisters around it. it feels the years and decades of a vibrant life within this strong, well-rehearsed community in its wood.

the warmth of the day has settled into its weathered bark and now radiates outward into the swiftly cooling evening.

in the twilight, an old takin buck comes to it, rubs extensively against its sturdy trunk, and then leans quietly for a while. he is tired. late summer is approaching. in the coming weeks, he will seek a herd to mate one last time. he will not survive the winter. the eternal cycle of life closes. again and again.

tenderness flows through the veins of the cedar. it is grateful for the trust that is shown to it not only by this animal being. and enjoys the quiet, deep peace in the connection with all that is alive.

***

chinese tobacco, a scent like life. that’s how it feels on my skin.

it starts lightly and citrus-fresh, and from the very beginning, a bright tobacco note lays itself beneath the increasingly emerging, bright, cooling, and fresh-dry spice of ginger and coriander. at this stage, it radiates a powerful straightness to me, a self-evidence in being. perhaps even a kind of invulnerability (in the knowledge that all life is vulnerable).

when after perhaps 2 hours the base increasingly takes over, the scent becomes wonderfully supple and soft enough to bring one to their knees. never creamy or heavy, but always in that bright-dry manner that is already perceptible at the start. sometimes I think I can smell oud, sometimes a tobacco-incense-vetiver mix. it is the vanilla that connects and softens everything without taking away the scent's steadfastness.

overall, the scent is super gentle, close to the skin, and quiet. contemplation and meditation in silent, connected solitude.

very enchanting.

thank you johan bergelin!
thank you 19-69 for celebrating diversity and freedom!