A Space to Slow Down
Aromatic Meditation & Breathwork in Woodside, CA
Held in a private setting in Woodside, California, these small group meditation gatherings offer a quieter, more grounded alternative to traditional studio environments for those throughout Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Portola Valley, and the surrounding Peninsula
About the Practice
These small group gatherings offer a quieter, more sensory-centered approach to meditation, using scent, breath, and guided awareness to help settle the body and calm the mind.
Each session incorporates guided aromatic breathwork, meditation, and subtle sound, with essential oils used as aromatic anchors throughout the practice. This sensory approach can be especially supportive for those who find traditional meditation difficult or struggle with a busy mind.
Each gathering is built around a specific aromatic intention, with practitioner-formulated blends selected to support the emotional tone of the experience. Guided breathwork is woven throughout the practice, focusing primarily on calming breath patterns associated with grounding, relaxation, and parasympathetic nervous system support.
Who It’s For
This practice is designed for those seeking a calmer, more grounded way to meditate and reconnect with themselves through breath, scent, and guided awareness.
It may be especially supportive for those experiencing stress, overwhelm, mental fatigue, difficulty slowing down, or a sense of disconnection from the body. No previous meditation experience is necessary. Gatherings are intentionally small, creating a comfortable and approachable environment for both beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
The Space & Setting
Gatherings are held in a private residential setting in Woodside, California, surrounded by the quiet atmosphere of the redwoods and conveniently located to Palo Alto and the surrounding Peninsula.
Rather than a traditional meditation studio, sessions take place in a calm, comfortable living room environment designed to feel grounding, intimate, and restorative. Guests remain comfortably seated throughout the experience while soft lighting, aromatherapy, herbal tea, and subtle sound elements help create a space that encourages the body and mind to gradually settle.
Meet Your Guide
“I’m Françoise Decatrel, founder of The Way Apothecary. For more than a decade, I’ve worked with aromatherapy, breathwork, meditation, and sound as tools to help people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and move through stress in a more grounded way.
Most people have experienced essential oils casually, but working with scent in this intentional and immersive way can completely change the meditation experience. Aromatherapy becomes a point of focus, helping guide awareness back to the breath, body, and present moment.
These gatherings bring those practices together in a calm, sensory-centered setting, using scent, guided breathwork, meditation, and subtle sound to help quiet the mind and support a deeper sense of presence and ease.
Join Us
Small group gatherings are held monthly in Woodside, California, with each session limited to five participants to create a calm and supportive environment.