Why is the image of Mona Lisa so famous? I believe it is because of her natural smile. We feel drawn to her, because she seems to be alive. The way Leonardo Da Vinci captured her smile speaks to his genius.

It is not the big clown grin that seems to draw us in, it is the subtle, content smile that makes us want to look at a person. It makes us feel her/his aliveness and contentment. Lots of research has been done to show that smiling helps us feel happy and content. In the wise words of Thich Nhat Hanh “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” We can shift our emotions by shifting our facial expression.

So, why not enjoy a Mona Lisa smile yourself?

Smile softly at yourself, appreciating who you are and what you do. Then smile softly at the world, appreciating all the things that are great right now. Softly smile at every being and everything in appreciation and contentment.

When I smile the softly, it feels like my body is bathed in a soft warm light. I feel instantly uplifted and content. It is one of the most beautiful Mini-Retreats you can give to yourself and to others as it will spread aliveness and contentment wherever you are. The more often you share a smile the more smiling faces you will see around you, because we cannot help but reciprocate. That’s a very good thing! Enjoy!

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