Smiling meditation

The act of smiling produces positive changes in your brain. THis exercise combines that fact with a relaxing meditative exercise.

1. Sit comfortably and shrug your shoulders up and down several times to relax.
2. Breathe in and out several times, massaging your face to release the tension in your facial muscles.
3. Breathe in, close your eyes gently, and breathe out while forming a slight smile. Breathe in and out deeply and naturally.
4. When breathing out, combine your exhale with a widening smile. Repeat this several times, focusing on the motion of the smile on your face as a light breath escapes through your lips like a gentle wind.
5. Slowly shift your consciousness to your brain and feel your brain become lighter and more refreshed when you breathe out with a smile.