Smile and feel at ease

EVERYWHERE I go when people I encounter in the streets and in supermarkets, coffee shops, restaurants and especially offices greet me with a smile, I begin to relax and smile in return.

In my personal experience, when someone smiles at me, it puts me at ease and makes me feel happy. Now, think of smiling at that person, thing or event before you. Can you feel tension and defensiveness melt away?

We may practice a method known as the “inner smile” in which one “smiles” into the internal organs and along the meridians through which an abundance of energy circulates within the body. An inner smile relaxes and revitalizes areas of the body to which it is directed.

Though it sounds simplistic or even childlike to us, smiling into the problems and challenges we face in life is a powerful tool for transforming them.

Cheerfulness is as natural to the heart of a person in strong health as color is to her or his cheeks. It also works the other way around: a cheerful state of mind, a loving and joyous feeling toward life helps keep us healthy.

Numerous studies have confirmed the mind and body connection in relation to health and healing. One’s attitude toward enjoyment of life plays an important role in health and vitality.

We need to recognize that smiling, laughing and playing release and expand an abundance of energy. In short, we celebrate life as pure and simple.

For us to maintain good cheer, health and vitality, it is essential that we get adequate amounts of deep, restful sleep. Today, bright electric lights seemingly turn night into day. Most people spend their evenings with televisions, stereos, computers, video games or other electronic gadgets.

We try to wind down our activities so that we are ready to go to sleep between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.

When I was younger, I thought going to sleep early was boring and staying up late was fun and exciting. However, in more recent years, I find myself retiring early and naturally rising between five and six o’clock in the morning.

Since changing my habits, I feel more rested. Every hour we sleep before midnight is worth two hours after midnight.

If we are in excellent health, have peace of mind, breathe naturally, eat well and retire early, six hours of sleep is plenty.

Another important thing, I am cheerful when I simplify. I do only what is necessary and keep only what I need. What is necessary for you will depend to a great extent to your values. Simply asking yourself “What is necessary” helps you eliminate a lot of wasted motion.

Most important of all, be cheerful even if others are not, cannot and will not be cheerful (Sirach 30: 21-25). Especially soon it will be Christmas Day!

(Send comments to dr.nirmla_motoomull@yahoo.com)