Smiling is contagious

 I was in a park recently and these wonderful people dressed as sugar cubes were making their way down the path smiling and being rather exuberant as they went. Almost everyone they encountered broke into a smile. They were people in silly outfits having fun, disarming everyone with relentless joy and enthusiasm.
 
I think there is research backing this up, but even faking a smile helps you feel better. Sharing a smile with random strangers in the street helps you feel happier. The world needs a little more joy at the moment and it starts with each of us.
 
The news can seem bleak, the weather grim, the trees are a little bare etc. But that doesn't mean there isn't an abundant amount of joy to be found. It perhaps isn't as obvious and we might be out of the habit of looking. Don't get stuck thinking everything is awful. It really isn't, even if on the surface it might appear that way.
 
Okay, we don't have to go as far as dressing up as sugarcubes (I think they were being paid, promoting a sugar free drink or something), but start with smiling every opportunity you get. Fake it till you make it. Wave to the next person who stops at the zebra crossing for you. Wish the cashier in the supermarket a lovely rest of day. It seems trite, but it is infectious and we all need to be reminded that it starts with us. Make someone elses day. It feels good!
 
Of course yoga helps with this. Consider it part of your daily practice. It helps us catch the downward trajectory of negative thoughts and reframe them. Note if you are feeling disappointed or frustrated with your practice and remind yourself to let go of the analysis and judgement. Pay closer attention to the sheer fact and wonder that you are breathing and moving today. There is joy to be found in each breath and remembering to recognise that is something worth practicing. 
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