Mindfulness: Having An Inner Smile
Mindfulness: Having An Inner Smile
Mindfulness: Having An Inner Smile
Date / Time So far today, have you brought kind awareness to your:
Thoughts? Heart? Body? None of the Above
PURPOSE/EFFECTS
Sometimes we can get in our own way by striving too hard or taking life too
seriously. Smiling and lightening up can be beneficial for both physical and mental
health. Having an inner smile means we’re greeting our experience with more kindness
and openness. As Thich Nhat Hahn says, “You need to smile to your sorrow because
you are more than your sorrow.” Holding an inner smile also reminds us to keep a
sense of humor and avoid being too hard on ourselves.
METHOD
Summary
You can maintain an inner smile in everyday life as well as during formal practices
such as yoga, prayer, or meditation; gently smile to yourself, with kindness,
appreciation, and a sense of perspective.
Long Version
mindfulness
MindfulnessExercises.com
Having an Inner Smile
• Practice “smiling” at difficult situations or relationships to honor and acknowledge
them with friendliness. Notice what happens when you do this.
HISTORY
Holding an inner smile is taught in Daoism, Mahayana Buddhism, and also by Buddhist
meditation teacher Thich Nhat Hanh.
NOTES
Please note that by smiling at your experience you are not trying to deny or diminish
it, you are simply meeting what is present with friendliness.
mindfulness
MindfulnessExercises.com
Having an Inner Smile
mindfulness
MindfulnessExercises.com