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the healing nectar of the inner smile

According to many traditions, smiling is the secret to health and longevity. The Inner Smile practice is a well-known Taoist practice which states that when we smile like a Buddha, the world smiles back. Living with an inner smile is to live in harmony with yourself.

Smiling triggers happy endorphins to be released into our body. Smiling can actually reduce stress, stabilise blood pressure, relax muscles, reduce pain, accelerate healing and enhance mood.

Even if it sometimes feels too hard to generate a heartfelt smile, a surface smile will do much better than a frown. Why not try it for yourself... feel the difference within your body when you smile. This is not the big "cheshire cat" grin, but a subtle "Mona Lisa" smile which spreads from your eyes to your lips. Now try a frown and feel how your body responds to the change in energy.

The more we gently smile the easier it is to smile. Smiling is very contageous. As we become more practised at smiling it becomes a natural expression of healing nectar for ourselves and the world, and the world smiles back. A sincere smile shines from our soul and lights our eyes, making the world a warmer place.

"Don’t let another day go by without smiling or laughing.
Smile when you wake up in the morning... it will change the perspective of your entire day.
Laugh instead of crying over spilt milk… it will help you to see the humour instead of the agony.
Smile instead of meditating… it’s better for your face muscles and your soul.
After all, life isn’t a test. It’s just an experience.
Wouldn’t you rather take the journey in humorous joy rather than grey solemnness?"

[Geoffrey Hoppe]