For most of us wearing a mask is an act of self care and self love. For others it can bring on a shift in mood triggered by memories of unpleasant moments past. I call this a mask mood. I myself came early to the realization that wearing a mask was not only a good idea but potentially a life saving one.

Our bottle and box suppliers are based in China. When Covid 19 first hit we were concerned for them and watched the news to keep up with current events. We knew that masks were common in Asia, having travelled there twenty or more times over the last two decades, I always remarked on how in Asia people would wear a mask to prevent the spreading of germs and colds. I found China to be very polluted, and it made sense you could also keep safe from the air quality with a mask. But until March 2020 I had never worn a mask.

Before it became an issue of saving the good masks for essential workers, I purchased masks on Amazon. Little did I know that masks would be in short supply. I told my two kids, both adults who live in Brooklyn to buy masks and be safe. I told my mother who lives in Harlem to stay home. And I watched the news, like the rest of you, and prayed they would be safe. They couldn't buy masks. So they stayed home. That's the good news. The bad news? My best friend in New York would call me to tell me how she was helping hospitals buy PPE and that the entire world had gone mad for masks. Masks became polarizing. Wearing one. Not wearing one. Which one you wore. Giving them away. Keeping them.

As a mother, I always marvel at the instructions on a plane: “Should the cabin lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead area. Please place the mask over your own mouth and nose before assisting others.” This is a handy idea and I have used it throughout my life to express what self care is and isn't. It isn't selfish. It is life saving. So I ignored all of it and decided I'd keep my masks and donate them to those I love. My masks, my choice. Some of you might already be saying, "that was selfish". We can agree to disagree.

As a woman, a mother and a good citizen I make choices every day. I trust my choices. I trust my intuition. I also know that saving the world is not my "cause célèbre". Protecting your breath is. That's what we do at Adoratherapy. We make breathtaking moments.

In the end, things sorted themselves out. People decided to make masks, companies decided to get in the game too. And nurses and doctors and essential workers received donated masks, until their companies, and the government figured out their role. You see, all the time there were no masks, in China there were plenty of them. How do I know? If you are in the import business, all you had to do was go on Alibaba and you could buy whatever you needed. These were "Chinese masks". Ahhh.. Let's not go there.

My mother called me. She just so happens to be a famous artist, Leah Poller, one of her self portraits, made years and years ago in our apartment in Paris where I grew up is even called No! The Gas Mask. Ten years ago I brought her to China on a trip and she loved it. She found a bronze foundry to make her sculptures and has been going back yearly to work and exhibit. Her foundry had reached out and was asking if she needed masks. She was floored. She's in her late seventies and hadn't left her house in months. She was grateful. Not only did they send her masks, they sent her hundreds of masks. She quickly sent them to her grandkids, all five of them and her friends in need. She still stayed home. Did I mention she is brilliant.

By this time it was May and we were finally ready to go out. When we wore our white surgical masks we got looks. Of course, here in Asheville North Carolina, few people were wearing masks. We stood out. That's yesterday's mask news. Everyone now seems to get the idea. Speaking of ideas...

While I was wearing my masks I noticed it smelled terrible after a while. Why not spray some of our amazing aromatherapy mists on my mask I thought? Let's face it wearing a mask is not the most comfortable. So which of our scents can boost your mask?

Made with water and essential oils our sprays are water based and breathable. Spray on your mask while wearing, or in your masks after you wear it. Make your mask moods Peaceful, Serene, Smart & Blissful. We've got you and your face coverings covered. Spray. Breathe. Boost.

1. Peaceful Mood Boost

Peaceful is calming and serene. With top notes of lavender, rosewood, and cardamon.  Lavender is relaxing and anti inflammatory. This sweet and floral essential oil spray is harmonious and soothing. Choose peaceful if you feel anxious.

2. Serene Travel Size Room Boost

This 10ML travel size spray will last a while but can also be slipped into your car or purse. Relaxing and restorative, with top notes of organic French, Bulgarian and Kashmiri lavender, bergamot and chamomile, you can spritz as much as you want. Choose Serene if you want instant serenity and calm.

3. Smart Mood Boost

If what you are looking for is not stress relief but motivation and activation, then Smart will do the job. Citrusy and fresh, bright and confident, Smart is determined and zesty. With top notes of lemon, grapefruit and wild orange. Chose Smart if you want a light scent that is not sweet or floral.

4. Blissful Travel Size Room Boost

If You want something uplifting but still relaxing and open hearted then Blissful will be a treat. Vibrant and Joyful, Blissful is exuberant and uplifting. With top notes of blood orange, ylang-ylang and mandarin. Choose Blissful if you want a powdery floral and orange scent.