“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile - but sometimes your SMILE can be the source of your joy.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
For some time now, I’ve been practicing the subtle art of smiling. I’ll tap into some inner source of my happiness and sunshine, I’ll let it radiate from the inside/out, and VOILA: I’m in full-on happy face mode.
When I’m out in public - walking my dog; at the farmers market; taking a bike ride - I make a point of sharing that smile with people I pass or interact with. I get such a thrill witnessing the moment when my smile connects with them, and they SMILE BACK. I have watched stony or preoccupied faces turn soft and suddenly present; I have seen a light spark inside; and I have felt a shift in someone’s energy go from neutral to happy….
Did you know that there is a science behind our smiles? From the British Council: “When our smiling muscles contract, they fire a signal back to the brain, stimulating our reward system, and further increasing our level of happy hormones, or endorphins.” Smiling triggers our ENDORPHINS!! Who doesn’t want more of those feel-good hormones floating around?!??!
Our smiles are like affirmations. They are affirming our awareness, our presence, and a desire to live in joy. By sharing your smile with others in your community, you are not only making a connection - you are quite possibly making someone’s day :)
Give it a try. You can’t help but smile when you do! and think of the joy you’ll be spreading….
