THE HALF SMILE MEDITATION - A practice to nurture the Anahata Chakra

 Half Smile Meditation

A practice to nurture the Anahata Chakra 
{The Heart Centre }

I came upon this practice several years back at a time when I was trying to recover from a long stint of depression. 

My very first time practicing it shifted my mood so markedly that I started walking around with this hint of a smile pretty much through the entire day & continue to do so till this day.

The Half Smile Meditation infuses me with a sense of

Satisfaction

Calm

Hope

 Often when I walk around with this hint of a smile I feel tickled from within, like I am enjoying a private joke within my self 

Think of the Buddha or Shiva or Lakshmi they are usually depicted with a gentle half smile that is endearing and makes one feel loved & supported by them.

How to Practice this meditation

Begin to smile with your lips, but stop just when you notice a small amount of tension at the corners of your mouth.

 In addition to the half smile it is helpful to smile with the eyes as well. You may practice with eyes open or closed.

If someone were watching you, they probably wouldn't notice any change in your face. It's a subtle, tiny private smile. 

When beginning this practice set aside a specific time for it. Wear this half smile for ten minutes without stopping, and notice how your mood shifts.

Most people experience a significant elevation in their overall mood.

You can practice this meditation anytime and anywhere. 

For example -

First thing in the morning before and after brushing your teeth, while showering, cooking, walking etc.

As you wait for the elevator, or plane or bus or your food to arrive.

When you notice yourself starting to get anxious, impatient or irritated.

How it works

 Smiling relaxes the facial muscles which in turn allows the lips to turn upwards naturally which then sends a message to the brain & sympathetic nervous system to relax.

Our body-mind & psyche is programmed to associate smiling and laughing as feel good activities. Even when we pretend to laugh or smile, the activity stimulates and brings forth a real laugh or smile in just a few minutes.

The more you smile, the more reasons you discover to smile. (this is the law of attraction in action.)

Benefits of the practice

 Very effective in shifting overwhelming emotional states such as depression, anxiety, and anger. 

 Soothes the sympathetic nervous system that is responsible for our fight or flight response

 Stimulates the Parasympathetic nervous system responsible for rest & recuperation.

Stimulates positive emotions so that you intentionally attract peacefulness ( this works even when you don’t feel like smiling)

Nurtures the heart center in the subtle energy body also known as Anahata Chakra by infusing one with a sense of joy, calm and ease

It makes you more approachable & welcoming ( of course if you are a recluse and prefer the intimidating look this practice probably isn't for you )

I hope this information inspires you to practice the half smile meditation & you keep smiling