On most Sunday mornings, I travel to the west part of The Loop to attend a program at my meditation center. Setting aside time for meditating within a supportive group setting has proven to be very grounding — a great way to start my week.

Just across the river from the bustling business district of Chicago, the neighborhood was once home to lots of factories and warehouses, most of which have now closed, or re-located or re-purposed into loft-style offices and residences.

I was running a little late this past Sunday, and I was in a hurry to find a space in the parking lot and lock up. But after pulling in between the yellow lines and popping out of my car, I had to stop….

I was arrested by the smell of the Blommer Chocolate factory.

Both bitter and sweet, subtle, yet unmistakable, the scent of chocolate wafted down Chicago Avenue and the streets of River North. I found myself unable to do anything; to run or even point my car key back towards my Toyota and engage the lock. I couldn’t seem to do anything except breathe. Deeply.

This family operated business has been filling this light industrial area with the sweet smell of chocolate since 1939.

I love the smell. (There is no need to count calories for whiffs.) It’s sweet and spicy and sort of earthy. At times, maybe a little burnt.

I love thinking that this business and the actual location of the factory represents a bit of history. Amid expensive loft condos, something is still made behind Chicago brick factory walls.

And I love the way a powerful and pleasant smell can take you by surprise and bring you into the present moment like few other things can. When I first detect a special fragrance in the air, my impulse is to identify and label it. Oh, that’s chocolate, I’ll think.

Then, I’ll try to place myself in my surroundings relative to where I think the smell is originating. It must be coming from the Blommer Chocolate Factory. Let’s see, Kinzie Street is that way.

They say that two things can’t occupy the same space in your consciousness at the same time. When the aroma of chocolate moves into my head, that’s the only thing I seem to be able to think about, at least for a few seconds.

And all I want to do is BREATHE and hold it. Be with it.

I stood in the parking lot for a few seconds; a big grin on my face.

After a while, my brain kicked into gear making associations. Smells are so evocative, so powerful in stirring up memories.

I started thinking about other times I was in the neighborhood and knew where I was because a favorable wind brought the scent of Blommer’s to me.

I thought about other strong scents that defined a place or time; the smell of oil and garlic from the Chinese restaurant on Clark Street when I lived nearby, or the more than pungent smell of cinnamon candy, red hots, Ferrara Pan Candy Company turned out.

When I lived in Oak Park along the expressway and had to park almost two blocks from my apartment, the stingingly sweet and spicy smell seemed to guide me home after I put my car away for the night.

Ahhhh. AHHHHH……..

Being stopped in your tracks by a pleasant smell, taking it in fully, lingering — is no small thing.