I have been reading " How God changes your brain " by Andrew Newberg and Mark Robert Waldman. It is an interesting and informative review of the latest findings in neuroscience (one of my big interests). Their research suggests that these are the Eight ways to enhance your physical mental and spiritual health.
No.8 Smile
"Smile even if you don't feel like it, the mere act of smiling repetitively helps to interrupt mood disorders and strengthen the brains neural ability to maintain a positive outlook on life. Thich Nhat Hanh suggests that we do "smiling meditation"
whenever we have a spare moment during the day. Smile when you're going up in the elevator or waiting in line at the supermarket, and you will notice the people around you calm down. You'll feel better, and exude empathy, and people will respond with kindness. As Thich Nhat Hanh wrote "If we are not able to smile , then the world will not have peace. " Smiles, by the way,are neurologically contagious in every culture, and women are more susceptible than men. "
I'll write about no. 7 tomorrow.