About This Practice
Don’t underestimate the power of a smile. We are most aware of the positive impact of a smile when we experience being greeted with a kind, genuine smile. What we often neglect to realize is that our own smile can create a similar impact–not only on others around us but on ourselves. This is not about putting on a fake smile for others. It is about intentionally smiling with kindness and care upon yourself, thereby releasing chemicals in your body that help you relax and feel better.
Steps
Take inventory
Try your best to recall the moments last week when you smiled to yourself when you were alone. Notice what, if anything, prompted you to smile. Recall how it felt to be smiling.
Remind yourself
Recognize that you can initiate even more smiling with a simple reminder. Write yourself notes that you'll see throughout the day. “Remember to gift yourself the joy of smiling.”
Smile into your whole body
Close your eyes and plant your feet on the floor. Lift your lips and create a gentle smile. Imagine listening to a distant sound. Imagine there is a smiling face in front of you–your our own face or the face of a loved one. Draw that smile into your forehead. Let your forehead relax. Let the essence of that smile cascade throughout your body.
Radiate your smile
Once you become more practiced in this inner smile, see if you can do it even when you’re not alone. Visualize sending that inner smile first down into your whole body and then into the entire room. Practice with eyes open as well as closed.