Are you ready for Spring? It begins with the Spring Equinox and International Day of Happiness on March 20th. You can open your heart and tap into your happiness with two mindfulness practices of smiling and gratitude.
SMILING PRACTICE: Start with a mindful practice of smiling a/k/a mouth yoga. Smiling is one of the best ways to create positive energy inside of yourself. When you smile mindfully, your positive energy can help open your heart to more gratitude. Also, your smile also has the power to brighten another’s person’s day! Watch the video and learn more about the power and practice of smiling from my Buddhist teacher Thich Nhất Hạnh.
GRATITUDE PRACTICE: Slow down and take some deep breaths. As you settle down, place your hand on your heart and bring to mind one or more things or people you are grateful for. If it helps, write your thoughts down. Go a step further and express your gratitude with a self hug or an act of appreciation for a loved one. Go here or click on the link below to listen to my Thriving Mindfully Podcast episode to get more tips.
Ananda Leeke 