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“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind
word, a listening ear, and honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around”.
~Leo F. Buscaglia
A
smile is so simple, yet so powerful. Some noticeable effects of externalizing
your internal joy are:
People
will be attracted to you – I don’t mean sexually
(well, maybe that too), but people will feel drawn to your energy. When you
smile more, you will carry an aura and poise that will draw people to you.
People will look forward to being around you, knowing only that they feel great
around you. People on the street, at work, your friends etc. We all like and
want to be around happy and cheerful people, right?
Optimistic
– You’ll feel more positive about
yourself and the world.
Happiness
& Joy – A smile is an expression
of happiness and joy in you. Like an upward spiral, a smile will boost the
happiness you feel.
Healthy – A smile can affect your internal state, which
can have physiological impact on your physical and mental health.
Approachable – A smile is so welcoming and will make people
feel more at ease.
Making
Other People Happy – A smile has the power to
make other people feel good about themselves. It’s heart-warming and has the
power to cheer up others instantly.
Smiles
Are Contagious – Others can quickly and
easily catch it and will experience the above ‘side effects’.
Take
The Smiling Challenge!
Smile
at Strangers -You know those times when
we cross paths with a stranger or accidentally catch someone’s gaze, and we
(both) would suddenly look away in awkwardness or pretend we are looking at
something else? Well, the challenge is to give them a big smile. A genuine
smile, showing teeth and everything. Deepak Chopra talks about giving each person you encounter a
small gift. I do this with a smile. Why not? It doesn’t cost us anything. Plus,
it’s a lot more fun than feeling awkward and pretending you’re not there. I
also love to see people’s reactions when you smile at them, and they aren’t
expecting it. Some blush, and others are surprised and smile back, which makes
me feel all warm inside.
Smile
at Homeless People and Street Hagglers – I
live in a part of downtown Seattle with lots of street hagglers and homeless
people. People often ask me whether I get ‘harassed’ often. The answer is:
sometimes. But they really are very nice, just like the rest of us. They too
need attention and acknowledgment. So, give them a gift worth more than money.
Next time someone asks you for money, don’t try to ignore them. Turn to them,
smile warmly and tell them how you feel. If you don’t feel like giving money,
just tell them “Sorry, I don’t have change now. Have a beautiful day!
“Similarly, if something is trying to sell you something or ‘hitting-on’ you,
simply turn to them, smile and say “No thank you. “I’ve found that it takes
more energy to ignore and pretend to be very serious, than it is to smile. So
smile! Make someone’s day!
Smile
Fully -You know that half smile
we give people when we’re trying to be polite? Like on an elevator, bumping in
someone at the front door, or waiting in line. Why not practice giving them a
real smile? It’ll be less awkward and you can potentially make someone’s day,
or a new friend!
Smile
at Work -Living under a routine, we
can easily be in a zombie-like state when coming into work. We zip into work
quickly following the same routines we’ve habituated. Our target is to get to
work, and we can sometimes forget about the people around us, in other
cubes/offices/departments. So, the challenge is to practice beaming with smile
as you come into work. Smile genuinely with people you meet. Be completely
pleased to see them. Make it a focus for the day, to bring more happiness into
the lives of others. Ask them genuinely and infused with energy, “How are you?” “How was your weekend?” Watch
the smiles surface on their face.
A
Small Compliment with Your Smile -When
meeting or encountering people. Look for things you admire or like about them,
however small, let them know. A small genuine compliment can go a long way to
lift people’s spirits.
I’ve
found it useful to be conscious of things that make me smile. You might want to
spend a few minutes making a list of things that brings a smile to your face.
More
Tips to Bring Smiles into Your Life
Smiling
Journal – For two weeks, record the
moments that brought out your wonderful smile. If you are ever feel down, flip
through this book to be reminded of things that make you smile. Experience
those moments and notice your state shift to a positive one. You cannot be both
angry and smiling at the same time. I learned in physiological psychology that
if the physical action conflicts with that of your feeling, the feeling inside
will shift to match that of your outer sensation. One way to shift your emotion
is to change your physiology.
Appreciation – Identify things that you are grateful for.
Then focus on those things as much as possible.
Humor – Make a point to watch a comedy movie. To go a
comedy club. Hang out with people who make you laugh.
Go
On a Self-Date – When we feel more
connected with ourselves, we feel more joy and tend to naturally smile more.
Find
Innocence – Observe a small child or a pet
at play with total ease and freedom. Watch their innocence, enjoy their
presence and yours. Are you smiling? Do you feel happy for them? That’s because
you are connecting with the same innocence within yourself.
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