The Gift of Smiling Eyes

Are You a Ready Smiler?

Giving the loving gift of a smile.

How are you experiencing being behind the mask when you go out in these times of confinement? Do you scurry by with downcast eyes as my friend Claire describes below? Or do you give the gift of smiling eyes?

I try to look up and see what’s happening rather than scurry around with downcast eyes, and it helps my general mood as well.

Her comments set me thinking about encounters we have when we’re out and about in these times. And how our eyes speak silent volumes.

Will you too engage generously with a cheerful eye-full – a flash of heartfelt recognition for your fellow humans?

Smiling Eyes

I’ve always smiled at people for no reason other than that they are in my vicinity, whether that’s in the supermarket, in the street, or even on the underground in London.  Maybe, even especially on the underground in London!

Recently, I’ve noticed on the occasions when we go out shopping (which is really about the only time we do emerge these days!) that my habitual tendency to smile at people is neither diminished nor dimmed by wearing a mask. So the thing is, can we see and feel the smile behind the mask?

Does that smile reach my eyes, meaning that the recipient knows they’re being affectionately acknowledged?  And if they reciprocate, does their smile reach their eyes so I know I’m being seen and felt?

Can I discern if I’m getting facial feedback?  Does that make me more attentive to the response I evoke in casual contacts, when our eyes just happen to meet?

The Gift of a Smile

Since I think giving the loving gift of a smile, that warm, generous gesture, is a great kindness and expression of care, I’ve decided to kindle that spirit of loving as a spark, or sparkle, into my eyes, and engage and play at that higher level of Love. So that I see everyone as a lovable spark of life.

After all, when we feel better, we say ‘things are looking up’. Maybe we can inspire others and create a little more Love in our world simply by levelling up, with a merry twinkle.

I’d love you to join me in gifting a warm smile to lighten our hearts. It’s free, and freely given. There’s that old saying that it takes 17 muscles to smile and 43 to frown. Perhaps it can remind us how effortless it is to smile, yet it transforms our masked outings with the energy of Love.

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