Meshaz Natural Perfumes Azpire (Mesha Munyan) X ÇaFleureBon – New Perfume Review + “10 to Zen” Earth Day 2018 Draw

Michelyn Posted this image of 10 to Zen on Facebook Buddha Heart©

A few months ago, I was going through a difficult break-up and I posted the above image “10 To Zen”on my personal Facebook wall and on Instagram; perfumer Mesha Munyan of Meshaz Natural Perfumes responded. As a self-acknowledged Type A, Mesha and I began talking of a fragrant collaboration which would help me (and others) on their path to Z (Zen); to let go of self-imposed or circumstantial obstacles, facilitate personal growth and to move forward mindfully. It was to my delight that Mesha means “freed’ in Hebrew. Lately, I have had an attraction to mimosa perfumes, but I was also looking for a fragrance that had real aromatherapeutic benefits. –Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Mesha Munyan is widely-known as a  natural perfumer and for her lavender distillations

Meshaz Natural Perfumes Azpire (as a brief; the name was chosen, mimosa as an ingredient and the image 10 to Zen) came to me by email, and a request for 10 representative raw materials that would be germane to each affirmation. I found myself in the midst of the creative flow which has inspired perfumes for more than 8 years (many are to celebrate  a milestone anniversary of ÇaFleureBon), including this year’s White Queen (Sarah McCartney 4160 Tuesdays), last year’s  "perfume of Protection" Project Talisman Sonoma Scent Studio , 2004 with (Laurie Erickson) Yin and Ylang, 2010 DSH Perfumes (Dawn Spencer Hurwitz) Lautrec,2010 Anya McCoyTimeless (all-natural), 2010 Amanda Feeley Little Black Dress and from 2012, a scented ode to Pablo Neruda (Ellen Covey) Olympic Orchids Sonnet XII.

Mimosa blooming in Contributor Aaron Potterman's garden©

With Earth Day, April 22, 2018 fast approaching- mimosa, the happy golden fluff ball with medicinal dose of joy- seems nothing less than a prescription for the symptoms of our awakening world. This attraction is symbolic as we move through these days of often chaotic circumstances that are out of our control. It is a hard, hard lesson to remember the words of my own teacher, Horst Rechelbacher, “We have been stupid about ourselves.”

Michelyn Camen Editor-in-Chief of CafleureBon with Science of Scent Winner Sr. Editor Ida Meister at The Perfumed Plume Awards (photo Herrnando)

We begin, as does any universe, when we aspire. We choose a different existence, a different thought. We choose wise companions, such as Sequim, Wa distiller Mesha Munyan and use experienced, loving sounding boards who’s evaluations are always for our benefit such as our own healer and award winning writer, Senior Editor Ida Meister, (who lent her talented nose in the evaluation of  Meshaz Natural Perfumes Azpire).

Mimosa Bouquet credit to The Silver Fox©

Such was the birth of Meshaz Natural Perfumes Azpire, a healing mimosa led cavalry of beautiful botanicals blended in honor of the new mindset we require to change our personal and planetary directions. Mimosa, as I shared with Michelyn, is a glorious floral note but resonates deep in the reptilian brain– so much so, it can reach back farther than a current experience to touch on anything in this lifetime and before. Traditionally indicated in times of grief, but most especially if one is out of touch with this grief or it is so longstanding, it cannot be expressed because one cannot define it anymore. As an agent of letting go and certainty in times of change, mimosa facilitates evolving regret into understanding. Equally soothing to inflammation of emotions and aggressive mindsets as fortifying in moments of rejection or feelings of being refused, dejected or let down.

Photo via Flickr

While this alone may encapsulate the emotional remedy for what we have done to our planet and therefore ourselves, Meshaz Natural Perfumes Azpire brings ingredients for each "10 to Zen" principle: to move from comparing to oneness, oakmoss brings the velvet Earth (again, the words of Horst Rechelbacher, “Good planets are rare.”), the soothing nature of Roman Chamomile transforms a competitive mindset into one of helping.

Lavender Fields where Mesha distills for her fragrances ©

A core ingredient must be the lavenders from Meshaz distillery, which upon the opening of Meshaz Natural Perfumes Azpire, this unique combination of lavenders, grown and distilled by Mesha, greets and washes clean the olfactory system and it would feel, devoid of depressing thoughts.  

Frankincese  from Mesha was used as an ingredient for No 3. Let Go of Anger

Frankincense (carterii) resonates here as in the church, to remind forgiveness is the antidote to anger, while worry is well doused by the oil of tranquility: vetiver.

Mesha distills her own douglas fir © Let go of Guilt

Blame becomes acceptance of what is under the ancient guidance of the fir tree as red cedar reminds guilt is resolved by the acknowledgement of lessons learned. The joy of this fear based thought brightened by love is the apricot and radiance of osmanthus.

Laughter is healing photo stock photo

The tenth and most interesting tenant is the suggestion to laugh. While some may say frivolity and mirth have no place in times as serious as we find our planet in- it is scripture for many spiritual practices. A Course In Miracles calls it “the moment the son of God forgot to laugh”, which some refer to as “the fall from grace” while Kabbalists refer to this act of laughing “forgetting to die”; secularists talk about the moment you get over your problems is the moment you can laugh about them. Whatever perspective you take, there is a grand magic in laughter, childlike and simple.

mimosa trees by Aaron©

Again, a unique distillation by Mesha, including mandarin, resonates with the inner child to whom all things are possible. Indeed, it is embracing our childlike nature of wonderment that helps us to let go of what weighs us down, and this Earth Day (and every day) we aspire to be the best humans we can be for ourselves and for our planet.  We do this in order we make our Earth an heirloom which is handed down from generation to generation, hopefully more beautiful, more bright and clean than when we found it.

We are works- in-progress. We Azpire.

Notes: mimosa, osmanthus, Roman chamomile, Douglas fir, western red cedar, oak moss, a Meshaz lavenders blend, frankincense, a Meshaz citrus co-distillation blend including mandarin, vetiver

–Drew Chafee (Einsof), Natural Perfume Contributor  

Disclosure: samples were provided by Meshaz Natural Perfumes: much gratitude.Opinions my own

Follow us on Instagram @ÇaFleureBon  

Meshaz Natural Perfumes Azpire

Mesha Munyan has generously offered a draw for a 30 ml bottle of Meshaz Natural Perfumes Azpire (on sale Saturday) and set of all Mesha Natural  perfumes 1ml  x12 samples for one registered reader in the US. Please be sure to register. To be eligible please let us know what appeals to you about Azpire based on Drew’s review, what you would like to let go of  from the Ten to Zen list and what, if anything, you will do for Earth Day. Draw closes 4/25/2018.

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so like Çafleurebon and use our  Blog  feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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22 comments

  • heartandsoul says:

    Azpire sounds like it might be capable of olfactory miracles. Forgiving myself and finally feeling free from self criticism….if I could let go of a fraction of that I could move mountains.
    We recently had to cut down the enormous oak tree in our front yard. I miss it so much and want to plant another tree out of respect for the one we lost. Earth Day is the perfect opportunity.
    I appreciate these draws. Thank you for the chance!

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    Fantastic! This sounds beatifully crafted. I love seeing the photo of the douglas fir distillation. And I could definitely use some help with #10 from the list! I’ll be planting in the garden this spring, hopefully adding much color to my small corner of the world by summer. 🙂 Thank you for the great review and the generous draw!

  • fazalcheema says:

    I am intrigued by a natural perfume based on mimosa. if I have to let go, I would choose number 6 in zen list. I would hope on earth day that together the humans of this world become more responsible in taking care of it, especially, those who are not yet awake to the dangers of climate change and uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources. I am in US.

  • Gail says:

    I enjoyed reading this so much. Great review and beautiful photos too. Mesha is an expert distiller as well as a talented perfumer and lavender farmer. If anyone understands the synergy of plants and people it is Mesha. Drew’s post shines a light on Mesha’s talent while at the same time addressing Michelyn’s helpful and important Ten to Zen! What a wonderful collaboration.

    In September of 2014 I had the pleasure of listening to Kurt Schnaubelt address the National Association for Holiistic Aromatherapy. His work with essential oils in the treatment of physical and emotional trauma is fascinating. His book The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils is a marvelous resource and an interesting read.

  • Gail says:

    I’m sorry… it was Dr. Florian Birkmayer MD who spoke on the treatment of traumatic stress disorder with essential oils. Dr. Schnaubelt spoke at the conference as well, 4but on another topic…

  • Rae Lynn says:

    I loved everything about this review! The 10 to Zen list, each of the carefully chosen ingredients to reflect the 10, the background of why each one was chosen, the photos, etc. I think #10 of the list is what I would choose to do. I have no specific plans for Earth Day.

  • doowtnehpets says:

    I like the concept. Relating fragrances to each of the 10 to zen. I’d let go of worrying. No plans for Earth day.

  • NiceVULady says:

    I thought this review was very interesting and enlightening. Azpire sounds like a healing fragrance. I’d add an 11th to the 10 and that would be letting go of sadness. I’ll be out in my yard for Earth day. I just planted two trees yesterday. Thanks for the draw. i’m in the USA

  • Maya says:

    Last year was the year of ylang ylang for me, but second was mimosa. It is a sunshiny scent. I have no problem with #10. That’s easy peasy. The rest need work to one degree or another. If Azpire could help, that would be wonderful. It’s a lovely day today but I am not planning anything Earth Day related. In the US.

  • jeremyn87 says:

    The note combination interested me. Particularly the frankincense. I actually chew on the resins. It has a very light and gentle smell.
    I’d like to let go of worrying.
    Probably not doing anything Earth Day related. I;m in the US

  • Catanosmia says:

    I love the idea of “soothing the inflammation of emotion.” I find frankincense and vetiver to be soothing. That 10 to zen list is great! I think letting go of regret (focus on the past) and worry (focus on the future) sum it up for me. It is hard for me to stay in the now. No plans except work for Earth Day. I’m in the US.

  • nessajo says:

    I was introduced to Mesha and her exquisite fragrances in July of 2017. Now I can’t get enough of all of them, I’m eager to experience Azpire. I love the way each fragrance makes me feel….each different. I’d embrace the ability to be sure of decisions that I make, not second guessing myself.
    I took advantage of our rare springtime sunshine and potted some lovely plant starts in celebration of Earth Day…I try to celebrate this temporary home of ours, gifted by God every day. I’m in Alaska

  • Cynthia says:

    I have been intrigued by this perfumery in the past because of their lavender crops, and I love lavender. I was surprised to learn that Mesha has branched out to other forms of perfume. This one sounds very zen, something I could use iin my life of late! USA

  • tiffanie says:

    Lavender always makes me smile, especially when I see it in a new perfume. I use the essential oil almost daily to help ground me in the morning or to relax at the end of the day.

    Thank you for the 10 to Zen, the reminder to laugh, for the beautiful words and pictures, and for the generous draw. Happy Earth Day, everyone. Today I will bike/hike in the nature preserve near my home and enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and sunshine.

  • SandiL says:

    This post makes me think of a mantra that has been a part of my entire life..” Aspire Higher” as I evaluate circumstances in my life and always look to the good and elevating. Essential oils are also a daily part of my life not for the fragrance alone but for the qualities they have to allow me to transform myself each and every day. Great things come from a need..
    Loved this post and what a fabulous collaboration.
    Xo

  • doveskylark says:

    I just love the idea of mimosas helping to evolve regret into understanding. I had thought I had so many regrets…but maybe I am just in need of the understanding of why I did or didn’t do something. Then it isn’t a regret anymore. How soothing to think so.

    My favorite of the 10 is letting go of worrying. I am getting much, much better at that as I grow older, but still need to work on it.

    I spent Earth Day looking at trees, thanking them for their strength.
    I live in the USA.

  • Diana D says:

    What a lovely article! I love the notes of frankincense and lavender. I definitely need to let go of negative thoughts about my self/my self-worth.

    I spent Earth Day walking through a camp ground in the community where I live in northern Pennsylvania. I live in the US.

  • Ellen says:

    Excellent article in so many ways. Thanks to Mesha and Michelyn for making this happen. The perfume sounds lovely and therapeutic. Mimosa is one of my favorite florals. On Earth Day I was participating in an orchid show – growing orchids is one of my zen activities that helps me let go of all of the items on the list. Four days of not reading the news helped, too.