In Being Peace, Thich Nhat Hanh writes that meditation and smiling go hand in hand. As a former Benedictine Canon (Novice), I find this counter-intuitive, probably because the Rule of Benedict prohibits laughing, and smiling is just a step away from that.
But let's suppose in my daily meditation practice, I took up intentional smiling. What would meditation be like if I focused my attention on the wonder of the present moment? Of being alive? Of being all that I am: mother, wife, writer, priest?
I love to smile, but my meditation practices in the past haven't included intentional smiling. I think it may be time for a change. For the next few days, I will allow myself to smile as I meditate, and I'll ponder the many wonders of my life, the sources of my gratitude.
I have the feeling that, as I smile, it will be difficult to contain all my joy. There is so much to be grateful for, if I take the time to think about it.
But let's suppose in my daily meditation practice, I took up intentional smiling. What would meditation be like if I focused my attention on the wonder of the present moment? Of being alive? Of being all that I am: mother, wife, writer, priest?
I love to smile, but my meditation practices in the past haven't included intentional smiling. I think it may be time for a change. For the next few days, I will allow myself to smile as I meditate, and I'll ponder the many wonders of my life, the sources of my gratitude.
I have the feeling that, as I smile, it will be difficult to contain all my joy. There is so much to be grateful for, if I take the time to think about it.
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