FROM FABRICS TO FRAGRANCE: BREATHING OUR WAY TO INNER WISDOM AND HEALING, WITH KIM GERLACH
FROM FABRICS TO FRAGRANCE: BREATHING OUR WAY TO INNER WISDOM AND HEALING, WITH KIM GERLACH
FROM FABRICS TO FRAGRANCE: BREATHING OUR WAY TO INNER WISDOM AND HEALING, WITH KIM GERLACH
FROM FABRICS TO FRAGRANCE: BREATHING OUR WAY TO INNER WISDOM AND HEALING, WITH KIM GERLACH
FROM FABRICS TO FRAGRANCE: BREATHING OUR WAY TO INNER WISDOM AND HEALING, WITH KIM GERLACH
FROM FABRICS TO FRAGRANCE: BREATHING OUR WAY TO INNER WISDOM AND HEALING, WITH KIM GERLACH
FROM FABRICS TO FRAGRANCE: BREATHING OUR WAY TO INNER WISDOM AND HEALING, WITH KIM GERLACH
FROM FABRICS TO FRAGRANCE: BREATHING OUR WAY TO INNER WISDOM AND HEALING, WITH KIM GERLACH
FROM FABRICS TO FRAGRANCE: BREATHING OUR WAY TO INNER WISDOM AND HEALING, WITH KIM GERLACH
FROM FABRICS TO FRAGRANCE: BREATHING OUR WAY TO INNER WISDOM AND HEALING, WITH KIM GERLACH
FROM FABRICS TO FRAGRANCE: BREATHING OUR WAY TO INNER WISDOM AND HEALING, WITH KIM GERLACH
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FROM FABRICS TO FRAGRANCE: BREATHING OUR WAY TO INNER WISDOM AND HEALING, WITH KIM GERLACH

Words: Barabara Cilliers
Photos: Barbara Cilliers
In the realm of holistic well-being, scent practitioner and breathworker Kim Gerlach invites us to explore the intricate play between breath and smell as catalysts for healing and self-discovery.

Gerlach’s journey from a career in sustainable fashion to her current olfactive and breathwork practice, unveils a profound narrative of personal evolution, resilience, and a dedication to inner wisdom. Yun invites you on a visit to Kim’s home in Grünheide, where we delve into the fascinating theme of senses; unraveling subconscious perceptions, and uncover the impactful dynamics of scent and breath in our efforts of self-discovery.

WHY DID YOU INITIALLY PURSUE A CAREER IN SUSTAINABLE FASHION? DID YOU BRING LESSONS FROM THAT JOURNEY INTO YOUR NEW VOCATION?

“Creating impact beyond my direct circle has always been an important vision of mine (or maybe my ego?). After studying economics, my next interest was sustainability and random life events made me end up choosing fashion. I was intrigued by the dysfunctional contrast of what the industry is: Shiny and glamorous on the outside, cruel and pollutant in reality.”

“My decision to directly work with people was a source of my frustration; so this journey indeed brought a big learning. Before, I would be one little human, trying to tackle the complex fashion system at large. I was unable to feel and sense my impact and from that, I quickly figured that I needed to return home to what I am good at.”

COULD YOU TELL US HOW YOU DISCOVERED YOUR PURPOSE IN THIS INTERSECTION OF BREATHWORK AND OLFACTIVE THERAPY?

“Finding scent as a medium was a lot about remembrance. Instead of going to toy shops, I would drag my grandpa to drug stores to ask for perfume samples. But breathwork discovered me. I stumbled into my very first breathwork class because all other classes were full that day, and it revealed my biggest healing thus far. It first pointed me to a deep trauma sitting in my body but then also helped me heal it throughout the years.

Now the breath has become a steady companion, even in ordinary moments. It helps me wake up, ground, leave an anxious state, and a clearer mind.”

SOMEONE ONCE DESCRIBED ‘BREATH’ AS ‘SPIRIT.’ WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT IDEA AND HOW DO YOU PERCEIVE IT PERSONALLY?

“The breath is so much: The first and last thing we do as we enter and leave this world; the medium that transports fresh oxygen to our cells; the underestimated game changer when it comes to mental health; the thing that connects me with the person sitting next to me in the U-Bahn (and I’m sharing a breath even with their dog); and the one healing modality I always have with me, – no equipment or tight yoga pants needed.”

I SEE BREATH AND SMELL AS A DANCE WHERE ONE INFORMS THE OTHER. BUT OUR BREATH CAN BE SEEN AS A SENSE ITSELF, BECAUSE IT CHANGES WITH OUR EMOTIONS, SOMETIMES EVEN BEFORE WE REALISE WE’RE FEELING THEM. WOULD YOU AGREE?

“I would love to share a quote by Dan Brulé:

‘Breathing is the only system in the body that is both automatic and also under our control. That is not an accident of nature, not a coincidence – it’s an invitation, an opportunity to take part in our own nature and evolution.’”

AT YUN, WE OFTEN EXPLORE THE THEMES OF SENSES, FOCUSING ON SIGHT AND PERCEPTION. DO YOU THINK BREATH-AND/OR OLFACTORY WORK CAN ALSO CHANGE OR INFLUENCE HOW WE PERCEIVE OUR WORLD?

“Smelling is connected to the subconscious perception, so in a way, it clearly influences our reality but we may not even notice. The olfactory process ends up in the limbic system, where emotions and memories are processed in the brain. And I think that’s a beautiful scientific argument for the poetry and impact a scent carries.”

I ONCE HEARD A GRADUATION SPEECH BY OPRAH. HER MESSAGE TO THE STUDENTS WAS; “KNOW YOURSELF.” I NEVER UNDERSTOOD THIS, UNTIL I REDISCOVERED THE MEANING OF ‘SELF’ AS INNER WISDOM. WOULD YOU SAY THAT YOUR PRACTISES FACILITATE THIS TYPE OF SELF DISCOVERY?

“Breathing and using smell are the two mediums I have chosen for now to do that inner exploration. Our inner world is so rich in memories, emotions, and ancestral wisdom; not to forget about intuition and instincts, wow!”

YOU BRAVELY SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND BELIEFS OPENLY AND HONESTLY. THIS REQUIRES SO MUCH COURAGE. MANY, INCLUDING MYSELF, FEAR BEING THIS VULNERABLE.

“To be honest, being open and transparent brings deeper connection and intimacy with others, so the uncertainty and awkwardness are worth it. I met my best friend by asking her via email if she wanted to be my friend, lol. Vulnerability is the birthplace of joy, connection, and courage.”

“I always remind myself that in a hundred years, both me and the gazillion people on the internet will be dead, so really it doesn’t matter, and why not create opportunities for real connection beyond personal fears?”

WHAT IS THE SINGLE MESSAGE YOU COULD LEAVE BEHIND TO OUR READERS?

“Brené Brown works with the concept of a “strong back, soft front, wild heart” that I want to share. I see the strong back as integrity and standing up for ourselves because we know who we are. The soft front allows us to let things in (but with a strong back it is easy to set boundaries to protect our well-being).

And a wild heart seeks play, joy, and authentically expresses who they are. Trying to have these three in alignment is lifelong learning and always brings me back to my core. In our society, we often shield our front or end up having a weakened back (which makes us people please, proof or pretend).”

Leaving Kim’s tranquil abode, we’re filled with reverence for the purpose and meaning of our own breath and a fresh curiosity about the intricacies of scent. We invite you to learn more about this interplay through Kim’s practice, research and offerings on sunandrise.com.