After watching this TedX video, I think we should be flashing smiles in a multitude of directions! As I was looking up some smile research on the web, I came across the APS website (Association for Psychological Sciences). They posted an article, The Psychological Study of Smiling. In the article by Eric Jaffe, he concludes the origin of our smile is contained in the sensory passages of our emotions. There is a whole physiological process that produces this event. Jaffe further goes on to say that the length of this process is only 2/3 - 4 seconds in length. Looking at it this way, smiling sure is a small fragment of time, but produces unbelievable benefits. This amazing research makes me smile just reading it! The research is vast and complex, but even Charles Darwin began making connections back in 1872 with his book entitled, The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals.
As you begin your week, may you be inclined to tap into this innate resource. Just as Ron Gutman surmises, it may be our best shot at a super hero power! Smiling increases joy. Smiling decreases stress. When in doubt...smile:)
May You Sweetly Seek:)
In Gratitude,
Sarah