I realized recently that three of my favorite meditation mantras include the word “smile” in them.
I realized a long time ago that every time I think that word when I am meditating, I do indeed actually smile. :)
Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment.
In, out.
Deep, slow.
Calm, ease.
Smile, release.
Present moment, wonderful moment.
Waking up this morning, I smile.
Twenty-four brand-new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.
All three of these are also from writings by Thich Nhat Hanh. I’m pretty certain that isn’t a coincidence.
Nothing is more annoying, especially if you don’t feel like smiling, than hearing someone say, “Hey! Smile!” or “Why aren’t you smiling?” or similar things. (We won’t go into RBF in this post; I promise!) A forced smile probably won't do anyone any good. Browbeating someone into smiling may do more harm than good. However, oddly enough, a fake smile can actually provide some of the same benefits as a genuine smile.
Oh, but a truly genuine smile, even when you don’t feel like smiling but you’re putting a good face on it anyway? Or a genuine smile when you do feel like smiling and you want to share? That has the power to move mountains. Or at least make your day better, and make someone else’s day better as well.
Smiling is contagious. Smiling releases neuropeptides that fight stress. Smiling releases endorphins and can help relieve pain.
Smiling is spectacular!
Cheers! Here’s to your health! :)
By the way, in February of 2016, I posted about the power of smiling and the power of laughter. Smiling is related, but not entirely the same thing. I’ve added both of those posts to this site; they were originally only posted on Facebook and LinkedIn.