Picture in your mind a close friend or family member. Think of how they look when they are happy. Now picture them when they’re sad. They probably seem quite different, don’t they?
It’s usually fairly easy to detect when someone is feeling good or bad. Their body language gives it away. In general, their smile, warmth, and confidence show up when they’re feeling good—and their sullen, sunken expression shows you know when they’re not. As sensitive beings, we tend to reveal outwardly what we are feeling inside. But did you know that it also works the other way around? There is a story that illustrates this point nicely.
Himalayan Tour
A group of tourists travel to Nepal on a tour of the Himalayas. Their guide brings them to a nearby ashram where they will stay and humbly explains to them their one requirement. They are asked to stand up straight and smile. If they forget, they will be asked by one of the monks to do a chore. Thinking this will be easy, the guests are relieved. However, during their 2 week stay, each time one of the monks notices that one of the guests is not following this requirement, he politely gives them a clay pot and asks them to fetch water from a spring about a mile and a half down the hill. The hot sun and weight of the full pot makes the return journey seem very long. If upon their return, the guest is still not following, they are asked to repeat the journey. After a few times, the guest improves. By the end of 2 weeks, each guest looks and feels much better than when they arrived. Everyone is standing up nice and tall, and smiling. As the last group leaves, a new group arrives, slumped over and looking sad. And the process repeats itself.
We all feel a little better when we stand or sit straight. Our chest opens up. We breath more deeply. As we straighten our spines, the weight upon our organs is lifted. We feel lighter and happier. The life energy in the body flows more freely, and the increased circulation to the brain helps us mentally relax. In addition, a little smile sometimes reminds us of the good things in life. It helps us let go of pain, hurt, fear, or anger. It definitely can’t hurt to try!
Watch Wai Lana’s ‘Smile’ video and enjoy: https://youtu.be/6dVrTT75VNo
