“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh
Smiling is good for the soul, the mind and the body. It welcomes others in, it doesn’t pass judgement, it has no expectations. It simply lives to represent our love and joy. The more we smile, the more we attract others to our positive, warm and welcoming spirit. Our authentic and most loving self radiates through our smile. Smiling is truly transformative – it changes how we perceive ourselves, others, and how we interact with the world around us.
When we smile we activate neural messaging that benefits our health and happiness. According to Psychology Today, “The feel good neurotransmitters dopamine, endorphins and serotonin are all released” when we show off our pearly whites. This in turn relaxes the body, and lowers blood pressure and heart rate. The endorphins released from smiling can even relieve physical pain. While the release of serotonin serves as a natural anti-depressant.
Smiling begins early in life. Babies start smiling in utero, as a reflex, and then at about 6 weeks old, babies start to show their emotional smile. This very same smile is what carries us through life – from the smile we display as we pass by a kind stranger to the smile we exude in life’s more transformative milestones.
Joe Goodwin said it best… “When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you”. So, each time we share our smile with others, “their brain coaxes them to return the favor“. Thus, we create a harmonious relationship, in which both parties release those “feel good” chemicals. I’m telling ya’, smiling is powerful! Each smile creates a domino effect of more and more smiles.
We humans aren’t the only ones who smile. Non-human animals smile, too! Not just our companion dogs and cats, but animals like goats, cows, and pigs. They also have complex emotions that manifest through physical expression like smiling. So, never underestimate the smile from a fellow creature. They’re expressing their love and joy, just as we are.
Your smile, and all smiles make the world a better place. So smile on, my friends!
Happy Saturday 🙂
Coach Jentry