I have a friend who always carries essential oils with her. I don’t know what the particular oils are, but I know there’s one blend that’s relaxing and another that’s energising. I know that because almost every time I see her she asks if I would like some essential oils, if I need to be relaxed or energised.

I always say yes.

She does it with everyone. She takes the oils from her bag and dabs the mixture first on your wrists, then your temples. She brushes your hair aside so she can place it just right.

I am always in need of relaxing or energising. Perhaps we all are. Perhaps the human condition is to always be too relaxed or too energised, but never the right one at the right time.

When I see my friend on Thursday I am at work and she is a guest at the event I’m running. I tell her I’m not feeling well, that I’m going to go home as soon as things are going smoothly. I look a little wan. There are three hundred other people in the room, but she asks the question I know she will: Would you like some energising essential oils?

I would.

She begins to rummage in her bag but the friend she’s with has started to walk away, thinking our conversation is over. Hold on, Ben! she shouts over her shoulder as she reaches for my wrist. Wait a sec while I anoint my friend.

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A version of this post was sent by email on the 24th June 2018 as part of Internet Care Package.

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