“A tiny bud of a smile on your lips nourishes awareness and calms you. It returns you to the peace you had lost. A smile is the most basic kind of peace work.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
I have skimmed over this thought before; but it has come to hold more meaning of late. I know for myself that if I am feeling down or cranky or even angry - if I can physically form my face into a smile that something changes. Something changes within me and I automatically feel different. Not cured for sure, but better.
No doubt there is some chemistry stuff involved; no doubt some psychology stuff involved; and probably a tad of just who knows what involved, but I have found that in a small way, it shifts something in me.
Maybe it can also shift something in somebody else.
I think Thich Nhat Hanh is right that it returns you to the peace you had lost - those words capture beautifully for me, the fleeting re-calibration that occurs.
It is Christmas time and I wish my friends across the interweb, the world and nearby, a time of togetherness, of sharing and of peace.
Our family will be gathering but without our centre - my mum died ten days ago and we are bereft. I try a tiny smile every now and again.
Our Christmas tree decoration this year - Barry's metal peace doves...
Thich Nhat Hanh
I have skimmed over this thought before; but it has come to hold more meaning of late. I know for myself that if I am feeling down or cranky or even angry - if I can physically form my face into a smile that something changes. Something changes within me and I automatically feel different. Not cured for sure, but better.
No doubt there is some chemistry stuff involved; no doubt some psychology stuff involved; and probably a tad of just who knows what involved, but I have found that in a small way, it shifts something in me.
Maybe it can also shift something in somebody else.
I think Thich Nhat Hanh is right that it returns you to the peace you had lost - those words capture beautifully for me, the fleeting re-calibration that occurs.
It is Christmas time and I wish my friends across the interweb, the world and nearby, a time of togetherness, of sharing and of peace.
Our family will be gathering but without our centre - my mum died ten days ago and we are bereft. I try a tiny smile every now and again.
Our Christmas tree decoration this year - Barry's metal peace doves...
Oh I'm so sorry. Losing a mom is such a hard thing ... tears prick my eyes with the remembrance of it. So yes, small smiles accompanied by soft-spun memories of happy days. I bid you and yours peace.
ReplyDeleteLiz, thank you. You are right, it is so very hard, but I like your words of soft-spun memories...beautiful Go well.
DeleteI'm so sorry about your mother. I hope the love around you at Christmastime feeds your soul. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words AES - 'twas good to gather again. Go well.
DeleteFiona, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to be in the holiday spirit when a loved one has just passed away; we had a death in our family on Friday. As to your thoughts on smiling, there is actually research showing that smiling causes a change in brain chemicals that makes you feel happier. Wishing you many blessings for the holidays, and keep smiling.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharmon, I must admit the holiday spirit sort of passed me by this year...I'm interested in the research around smiling and brain chemicals and am sure it is right! Go well.
DeleteI am sorry to hear that you have lost your Mother. Take your time to grieve and remember all the lovely times.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs from Sandy in the UK
Thanks for the long distance hugs Sandy - losing a mum is hard and so very sad. I am going gently which is good. Go well.
DeleteOh Fiona I am sorry, Christmas never seems a good time and yet I seem to have lost more relations around then than at any other time of the year. I miss my mother so much, still talk to her, she was 98 and had been a big part of my life for so long. Hope the New Year is better.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny - I think the loss of a mother at any age is hard; what a life your mum must have led! Hope your new year goes well.
DeleteDear Fiona, I'm sorry to hear such sad news. Never easy to lose loved ones but Christmas makes it even harder. I lost my mum six years ago and still think daily of things I want to tell her. I know you are surrounded by love at this time. Go well...
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol - it is hard at anytime but this time of year means we have faced lots of 'firsts' quite quickly. I imagine I will always be thinking of things to tell her, or ask her...she was a remarkable woman. Go well...
Deletefiona, HUG
ReplyDeleteThanks V - received and welcomed!
DeleteI am so sad for your loss, Fiona. I wish there was something I could say to comfort you. Sending love and strength.
ReplyDeleteAh Gaby thank you so much from across the miles...love and strength received! Go well.
Delete(((Fiona)))
ReplyDeleteThank you Mo...
DeleteThe loss of a mother creates an unfillable void in the family. I am so sad for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dana - our centre is gone and leaves a big hole. None of us can fill it, but we will do our best to mend it...go well.
Delete