Sometimes, when tragedy strikes, I find myself at a loss for words, retreating inward with my grief. This was certainly the case when I heard about the passing of Jonathan Benavides. The news came just two days before the launch of Kotodama of Scent, and I used this as a distraction, throwing myself into the book launch to avoid confronting the reality of what had happened.
Now, almost two weeks later, I finally have the courage to acknowledge the deep sense of setsunai I'm feeling. So many words within the book resonate with Jonathan. He was a beautiful embodiment of kokoro and he was truly our kakehashito so many.
Jonathan deeply understood the meaning of kotodama – the spiritual power of words and scent. He was a healer, a true kintsugi master of the soul. He grasped the restorative and healing power of essential oils and their ability to be a catalyst for personal transformation.
The aromatherapy world has lost a truly special person. Jonathan, you will be deeply missed, but you will also always be our natsukashii.
With heartfelt sadness,
Sal
