--->>> SNORT <<<---

[SourceShield]

Hello.

No - this is not a reference to some A-class stuff...that Patsy from Ab Fab may also be into, but more-so, stands for...

Smiling Negative-thought OverRide Therapy.

It's actually just a form of SmileMeditation, that I've been practicing for a few years now, along with LaughterMeditation.

My autistic noggin can take things a bit TOO seriously at times.

I guess that in these forums, its easy for the written word to be easily misunderstood...especially when so many of us are dealing with all sorts of 'things', on all different sorts of 'levels'.

But, ask anyone that knows me in person...and theyll tell you that I laugh a lot.

I do my job - I work hard and smart but I like to have fun while I am doing it!

I learned this technique a few years back, and I would like to share it here with all you beautiful people...

---SNORT---

I usually do this in bed, when I first wake up...to 'program' my day!

I lie there...Deep, slow, intentional breaths...Generate a smile that meets the eyes - in other words a really big smile, and yes, your cheeks will be feeling it!

Also, lift the eye brows...I wish I could upload a pic...but essentially your creating a really big smile, that meets the eyes, and lifting the eyebrows as well...the eye brows kinda like what you would do if youre really surprised!.

Big smile, eyebrows lifted...youll probably feel silly...but dont worry about that...no one will see you.

And, when youve got that sorted...think of as many things that genuinely make you smile or at least think of as many 'feel good things'- whatever that is for you.

Sometimes for me, when I cant think of much...'cause I am having one of 'those' moments, I will just focus on my dog Bundy...and thats plenty.

I do that for about 20mins now, but to start off with do it for as long as you can, but no longer than 20mins.

20mins is plenty to reprogram and rewire the pathways.

Also, watch out because youll also come up against thoughts that wont make you smile at all...thoughts like...why did she say that???...what did they mean???...why are they so mean to me???...just smile through those thoughts!

And, if crying comes up...allow yourself to go with those tears!

Crying is a great release of stress and cortisol, the stress hormone.

And, I find after a really good 'cry-release' - It makes my smile so much more meaningful!

Thats it.

Seriously.

Its not meant to be rocket-surgery!

Simple and effective SmileMeditation.

Takes about 4weeks to perfect!

HaveFun!

[Starwolf]

What a beautiful profile pic...looks like Bundy has Wolfhound/Staghound parentage ? Laughter and tenderness are a great combination. Makes one feel good just to look at you guys.

Thank you for sharing this smiling mindfulness. Many of us could do with a little more smiling in our lives. Not only is it good therapy for our selves but also for those around us.

One of the things that shocked me most when I moved back from South East Asia was that I had left an "underprivileged" environment where open smiles were the norm to find myself in a so called lucky / affluent place where the smile had been wiped off most people's faces. I soon quit the habit of smiling at strangers after a bristling punk confronted me in the London Underground with a threatening "what are you smiling at, bitch ?". He had equally snarling mates looking over his shoulder in anticipation...I had thought his colourful looks were refreshing and initially reassuring in an otherwise drab / unfamiliar environment. Of course after almost a decade away, I had missed out on a big chunk of European "evolution"...

These days,there is a lot of laughter in my life too...A welcome change for someone who couldn't laugh or cry for many years.

Keep smiling on, keep sharing. You're a legend !

[girl_interrupted]

Thank you for such an uplifting post! I never would have thought <<>> could be such a good opener - what a great way to catch people's attention lol. I love this! I'm sure many of us could do with some smile therapy. I don't think people smile enough, especially in the work environment (depending where you work of course). It'll take a fair good amount of practice for me to crack a genuine smile, with my permanently grim face and pessimistic outlook. I think I've been frowning for so long I've forgotten how to smile and laugh. But I will give it a go! Thanks again for such a positive and motivational post. 🙂

[SourceShield]

Thank you both!

StarWolf - I totally get what you mean.

I too have done a bit of travel, and like others have observed...it seems to be the places in this world where the most 'under-privileged' live...that you find open-smiles, and generous-laughter...everywhere.

They just get it.

We on this side of the 'privileged' world, have so much to learn.

Their sense of community is stronger.

Less cases of psychological and emotional disorders.

Dont get me wrong, they still live and deal with complete, and horrid experiences...like the rest of us!

But, they get that...it takes a whole village to raise a child.

It also takes a whole village to take care of the 'sick' - and that includes emotional and psychological conditions as well.

We have become too used to apathy and fear and grief-strickeness...I agree with the Dalai Lama - we must see Apathy as the 'new' condition, that must be addressed seriously!

I believe that we can beat apathy, with its opposite...empathy.

And, the human brain i.e. the neo-cortex is leading the way.

Which is why smiling and laughter are the medicine that we all need right now!

girl_interrupted - Thank you for your kind words.

They really do mean a lot.

Like you mentioned in another post, I find this site a tad negative at times as well.

A lot of angry people, that seem to encourage others to join in on t.

And I get that...I have had anger management issues.

But, I must do this...all the smile therapy and all the creativity...because I know for sure that its 'healing', and I do feel healthier and happier.

Genuinely.

I still 'slip' - but I know that relapse is a part of the healing process!

Thank you both...you are much loved!

PeaceOut

StayBeautiful