Let’s talk about smiles.
It’s surprising the power they have. In fact, there are many, many meditative practices that involve the simple smile.
I say simple because my mind thinks of it that way, but when you realize the benefits of the facial expression, it’s really anything but.
Ancient philosophers have known the benefits of a smile for centuries. And in more recent years, a study in Psychological Science discovered that smiling lowered the pulse and allowed people to recover much faster after stressful activity.
I know it may sound strange, but take just a second or two and think of something that really – and I mean, really – makes you smile. A family member – child, grandchild, mom, dad, husband, wife. A pet – dog, cat, rabbit, heck, maybe even a goldfish. Your garden out back – maybe a particularly vivid, blooming flower. A memory of something from the past that was super fun, maybe you almost laughed your head off at a movie or family gathering.
Whatever it is, think about it and allow yourself that smile. It doesn’t have to be anything big – not overly toothy or anything – just your lips lifting a little, but you can feel it in your eyes. I know you know what I mean. The infamous eye-crinkle that accompanies the truly real smiles.
Hang onto that for just a little bit.
What do you notice? Can you feel yourself relaxing? Did you naturally inhale a little deeply, maybe your shoulders dropped a bit.
There’s an old adage that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile and while science is still trying to determine if that is, in fact, true, the value may be more in the theory than the details. Forget frowning. It uses too many muscles.
Although, with all the studying I’ve done recently about Traditional Chinese Medicine, smiling might go even deeper than the physical. The smile, after all, is very connected to the heart and the heart often speaks a language that doesn’t have a lot to do with words or gestures, if you know what I mean.
I have to tell you, working at the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, I see a number of genuine smiles throughout the day.
The smiles on our adopters as they walk out the door with their new babies are often so pure and full of excitement and anticipation, it can be incredibly refreshing to witness.
Recently, when I was walking one of our pups in the kennels and she did her business outside like she was supposed to, I told her she was a good girl and she got so excited, she literally came racing across the grass to me, tail wagging, legs zooming and tongue hanging out. I laughed out loud and could feel the smile stretch all the way across my face.
I talked to the Chambersburg AARP last week and we had so much fun, there were smiles all around.
I know my cats at home make me smile at least once a day.
Smiling really can be quite a benefit to our well-being and is something we all should practice throughout our daily routine.
Give it a try. Take a pup for a walk. Stop out at our dog park or take a walk through our kennels. You just might be surprised how uplifting a real smile can be.
Practice every chance you get. Let that smile bloom on your face. I don’t care where you are or what you’re doing or who can or can’t see you.
Maybe even share it with someone you love – maybe the four-legged friend at your side right now.
You might be surprised at how much power and good feeling we can create if we all just…smile.
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Jennifer Vanderau is the Publications and Promotions Consultant for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter and can be reached at cvascomm@cvas-pets.org. The shelter accepts both monetary and pet supply donations. For more information, call the shelter at 263-5791 or visit the website www.cvas-pets.org. CVAS also operates a thrift store in Chambersburg. Help support the animals at the shelter by donating to or shopping at the store.
