I read on the Internet that seeing a smile can give you more pleasure than sex or eating chocolate, according to new research. Whether true or not, smiling although simple is very powerful. Giving it space in my newsletter has brought me much pleasure, and I hope it will do the same for you.

Peace begins with a smile.
- Mother Teresa -

Smiling is a direct channel to the heart, which emanates happiness and peace. It creates a connection between people with it's warmth and the many positive connotations it holds. Dr David Lewis, the author of “The Secret Language of Success“ writes: "It creates what is termed a ‘halo’ effect that helps us remember other happy events more vividly, feel more optimistic, more positive and more motivated." Furthermore, the saying goes that it takes 17 muscles to smile while it takes 43 to frown, so it saves energy too.

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles.
It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.
- from "P.S. I Love You", compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. -

I have noticed how a smile affects people, it cheers them up, makes them feel special and seen. It may be awkward to share a smile with someone we don't know, perhaps due to social 'don't s' or fearing that our smile may be misinterpreted. Though there may be some truth in this, a bigger truth is that smiling is an important gift which connects us, heals and acknowledges the beauty of life, of the moment and of another.

A smile is the universal welcome.
- Max Eastman -

In a meditation class my teacher suggested that we smile while our eyes were closed. Though a bit awkward in the beginning, it did indeed enhance my mood. I am not saying that smiling will erase all the negative aspects of life but it serves as a reminder of good things, so can't fail but to ignite joy, however big or small.

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Q. How often do you smile?

Q. Do you find it hard or easy to smile?

Q. When you smile how do you feel?

Q. What feelings does it provoke in you?

Q. When someone smiles at you how does it feel?

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Smiling is infectious and I think this poem describes it perfectly.

Smiling

Smiling is infectious you can catch it like the flu

when someone smiled at me I started smiling too

when I passed the corner someone saw my grin

when he smiled I realized I passed it onto him

I thought about that smile and realized its worth

a single smile just like mine could travel round the earth

so if you feel a smile begin don't leave it undetected

lets start an epidemic quick and get the world infected.

- By Ricky D Claar -

• Go out today and share your smile.

• Smile when you are feeling blue.

• If you find it difficult to smile, remember a time or someone that brings a smile to your face and enjoy the experience of smiling.

• Allow it to move any unwanted sadness and replace it the qualities that your smile brings to you.

• Go to bed with a smile.

• Learn to smile more, it brightens up your life and the world around you.

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.

- Janet Lane -

Enjoy smiling and its infectiousness nature.

Have a peaceful month, Marisa