Smiling Meditation
I was delighted to find smiling meditation for my Mindful Monday series, simply because I believe in it implicitly.
Smiling is Yoga of the mouth.
Have you noticed how even a fake smile makes you feel better?
Sometimes, we let the mind lead and sometimes, the body leads.
When we feel joy, we smile involuntarily, letting the spirit lead. But it is absolutely okay to let the smile itself lead. When we smile, things donβt seem so bad any more, right? Sometimes it takes practice, but youβll get there.
Smile at life, because you feel the joy of being alive.
Smiling naturally is good, but practicing smiling is equally important to cultivate the habit of smiling. Our face has approximately 300 muscles that become tense when weβre angry or upset. When we smile, we look beautiful because these muscles relax.
A smile is happiness youβll find right under your nose
So practice smiling. When we get into the habit of smiling,Β we spread happiness and those around us alsoΒ benefit from it.
Start the day with a smile and an affirmation of your awareness and determination to live in peace and joy. A genuine smile is the product of an awakened mind.
How to remember to smile as soon as you wake up?
Use a reminder.
This may be a poster you can see when you wake up. Most of us sleep with our mobile phones nearby β so maybe a ringtone that triggers a smile? Β You might want to think of thingsΒ that makes you smile β a happy incident, someone you love?
As you practice, youβll no longer need the reminders.
Starting the day with a smile helps you greet the day mindfully, gently. Even the beginnings of a smile brings peace and happiness to us, and those we interact with.
Our smile is the most precious and priceless gift we can give someone.
Smiling helps us approach life positively.
Scientifically, smiling sends a signal to the brain which releases the happy chemicals, creating a feedback loop. Even a fake smile becomes real after a little while, becoming a mood-upper. As you smile, breathe consciously. Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Feel the difference.
You can do the smiling meditation anytime you want β standing, sitting, lying down.
Getting started with smiling meditation
To begin with, practice by getting comfortable β sit or lie down.
- Take deep cleansing breaths. Close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale via the mouth. Repeat about three times or more until you feel focused on your body and feel βpresentβ.
- Start smiling. Gently. With your lips.
- Be aware of your lips smiling. Donβt be surprised to find your lips feeling happy.
- Let that feeling of happiness spread over your face, conscious about your upper lip, your chin, your cheeks, your nose, your eyes, your brows, ears, headβ¦β¦smiling.
- Pause. Revel in the moment as your whole head smiles.
Now let the rest of your body experience this smile β¦inside and outside. - As youβre filled with the smile, think about giving it to those you love.
- Feel gratitude for the happiness you feel.
- Now take three deep breaths before opening your eyes.
- Stretch. Smile.
Wasnβt that easy?
What smile triggers would you use to practice smiling meditation?Β
You do know youβre never fully dressed until you wear a smile, donβt you?
In the Mindful Monday SeriesΒ β₯
9 comments
This is marvelous, Vidya… I’d never heard of smiling meditation, but it’s perfect. Like you, I’m a big believer in the Power of Smile. Everything changes when we smile, inside and outβand even outside of ourselves.
The things that trigger my smile without fail are my dogs. The crazy things they do, the image of them running wild and full speed on the beach, the funny positions they like to sleep in, the unbelievably smart pranks they pull, the incredibly fast way they learn… See? I’m smiling already π
Thanks for a great post!
Guilie Castillo recently posted…“… in the grace of the world…” (and the close of the #MiracleTour)
Hugs, Guilie! Thank you! Smiling is powerful therapy!:)
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Power of Giving #GivingTuesday
I usually don’t smile so much…It is not my natural, well, reaction…I need to remind myself to smile…On what could be the triggers? well my family, writing, a post, reading a book or just the thought of it..I know I need to do better π
nabanita recently posted…Pregnancy For A Working Woman
Just you watch, Naba, your daughter will change that! π You’ll find plenty to laugh about, as it happens, and long after it happens. I am smiling now to think of a pic I clicked of you at one of those meets π
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Power of Giving #GivingTuesday
Children at my church called my mother “Mrs. Smiley” when I was young. Embarrassed at first, as kids will be, I grew to like that. π
Darla M Sands recently posted…Extortion Scam Alert – Beware!
How sweet, Darla! π Love how our understanding increases and perceptions change over time!
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Power of Giving #GivingTuesday
Well, Hello!! I have been a bad girl and have not been here. You know when I go on my blog, your posts are never there. I have to hook up through my e-mail. Regardless…please forgive me and I am changing my style which means , every time you post, I will check it right away! Unless I am sick or away, I will get my butt in gear because you make me smile. I have done this exercise and it works. I think of my Katie girl who is in heaven now with my Dad barking away. I think of Wallace and the pussy cats. I think of my hubby and all he does. I think of Christmas. There is so much to smile about
Birgit recently posted…Mock Squid Soup Film Society-3 Clues!
Thanks Vidya. Will practice this from tomorrow itself !
Asha recently posted…Sunset at 60 ?
Similing meditation …… what a lovely way to start a day ….. sure I will do from tomorrow onwards ….. π