The Power Of A Smile

What is it about the smile that makes us feel so good? Who could ever imagine the profound and far-reaching effects of this little movement of a few facial muscles? Both the person giving and receiving this seemingly unimportant gesture feel a sense of warmth, trust and happiness. The smile unites human beings and can be seen as a way of saying “I am no threat, you may come closer to me!”. For indeed, the smile serves as a bridge between people. The smile seems to be a globally practised expression of contentment and even babies are receptive to the warmth this transcends.

For me, the smile is like a little hug that can be given without touching a person. Like a fairy with a magic wand, the smiling person radiates a sense of well-being which is contagious and is then passed from person to person. This is really positive as it means everyone around you starts to be in a good mood, which results in everything in life seeming rosier. Of course, the more positive you are, the healthier and happier you are- this has been proved over and over again in psychological testing.

I’m going to let you into another little secret about the smile…it seems that whenever we smile- be it a genuine or fake smile- the brain recognises this movement as a sign of happiness and pleasure.  It is apparently impossible to smile and feel negative emotions at the same time. So maybe next time you’re feeling a little down, give it a try. You can trick your mind into feeling happy, until you really are. Simple!

Why I love Snowy Days

There’s nothing like a snowy day to remind us of the sensory delights we can be treated to, whatever our age. I remember waking up as a child some winters, my mother coming in to open the curtains and in my only half-wakeful state being greeted by the most glorious of all glimmering landscapes…that of the snow! My tiny feet practically taking flight as I ran to the window to take a better look. The sheer enchantment spreading across my rosy cheeks…turning into pure glee at the novelty of the moment. The realisation that on this day everything would come to a halt- there would be no school, no homework, no routine. Only snow. Something bigger, better and brighter than us had taken over and we couldn’t do anything about it! That was kind of liberating.

I have to say, although many years have passed I am still somewhat in awe of this magical occurrence. For not only does it offer a spectacular landscape upon which we can feast our eyes, but it also brings out something in people that I really like. For in spite of the freezing cold temperatures and all the shivering going on, something warm form deep inside humanity seems to stir….we are united by a mixture of feelings. Firstly by that of gratitude- we’re alive and able to relish this beautiful moment, something so simple and universal that appeals to everyone. Secondly, by this feeling of  ‘we’re all in this together’. I remember that a few years ago I got stranded in the snow and although this was pretty inconvenient it enabled me to witness some real camaraderie between strangers, offers of help, cheery conversations…the kind of things that only usually occur in unusual situations. This was very heartwarming to see.

So as I sit at home today contemplating the work I would have been doing, had this not been a snow day, I look through the window with the eyes of a child and I feel in awe of nature. I see the trees glistening with the purest white of snow, I see footprints leading to the cosy shelter of the home, I see children having a snowball fight and so clearly living only for this moment. I am so glad to be here right now with just my senses and a childlike appreciation for the world.