A Monday Smile
A tree person gift
As I was walking though a city last month, I looked up into these wonderful craggy trees to see where someone had placed these very fun faces! I began to walk around looking up into the trees (a rather dangerous thing to do in the city) looking for these faces. I hope you will enjoy this one today!
Do you search for smiles when you walk? Smiles are always inspirational.
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There are 16 Comments to "A Monday Smile"
wonderful. thich nhat hahn encourages us to walk about with a half smile to hearten our selves and others.
It is wonderful, Suki! I love Thich Nhat Hahn and his wise words. I agree, too. When I lived in a place which was particularly depressing to me, I would always make myself smile when I went out. People would look at me like I lost my mind and I loved that!
I had the privilege of studying with Thich Nhat Hahn ….a tiny man who filled the room with energy when he entered.
Kim…love the story about the tree. There are so many reasons to smile. Of course, the mystery of a smile when others are in their world of “self” gives them cause to wonder what is going on in your world. Smiles break the barrier encased in sadness.
This is so funny and whimsical and wonderful! And oh, what a coïncidence: this morning I got an email from someone with an article written by Juliette Binoche, famous French actrice, who laughs all the time, even when she is interviewed! The article’s headline is: A VOS RIRES which is an appeal to “use your laughter” …Just laugh. She writes that everything is easier if you have a laugh ready, and I am convinced it is. Sometimes we forget that, some people even don’t remember it at all:)
And the other commentaries here are so precious too. In the metro this afternoon I smiled too and thought about what people think if they see others smile into a space:):)
Have a wonderful day
Andrea
I believe I’ve read that even using your smile muscles sends a message to your brain that things are OK. And the same thing happens when I’m walking downtown and someone smiles at me unexpectedly. It’s a little affirmation that says, “You’re OK.”
Thanks for an inspiring post, Kim.
Thanks San! The smile is a very powerful tool without a doubt. It also makes you appear a bit mysterious, don’t you think?
Juliette Binoche did Chocolat right? She is wonderful and her smile is so catching! Laughter is HUGE, isn’t it? I agree with you and Juliette about the importance of having a laugh ready. I sometimes get mired in seriousness and can use this lesson.
When you said you smiled in the Metro this afternoon, I wondered how that went. I have read so many times how the French are serious and move about in public in their own business-like atmosphere. This has not been my experience in your wonderful city, but it seems as though writers think it is important for others to not expect the French to be friendly. I am guessing you haven’t had that experience, either!
I think this is an interesting cultural contemplation.
Thanks so much, Andrea!
Gwen, studying with Thich Nhat Hahn must have been a life altering experience. I think his writing brings a fresh energy to the space, so I am not sure I can imagine what that dear little man can do when he physically makes an entrance.
I love what you say about how smiles break the barrier encased in sadness. That is so true, although I had not thought of it in this way before! Gwen, you are full of insight and inspiration. Thank you so very much for sharing it here.
Kim, it’s interesting, the way the French and especially the Parisian people can look to people of another nationality. I have found, that even when you do not speak their language, if you “advance” a smile and a very friendly attitude and don’t give up even if they are continuing looking grim for a while…., things will “melt” quickly and they will be just charming:) And they love it if you try to speak French with them and they see that you really want to communicate:):)
Yes, this is exactly my experience. Sometimes they are so charming and delightful (there was on particular French gentleman I met in NYC last year who was just this way) you wonder what in the world these writers are talking about! Then again, maybe you and I are so charming they just can’t help themselves! LOL I am kidding, you know! Anyway, who in the world would not appreciate visitors to their country trying to communicate with them…if just to say “merci” or “bonjour” ?
Merci for returning here to help clarify this.
I live in a small community so I know a lot of the people I see if I go into the village. I find that if I always wear a big smile I get lots in return.
Also it helps if I’m in a hurry and can’t stop to chat – I just smile at everyone (even if I can’t remember their names ;o)) and keep going!
I just love that people do that to trees – I love to find quirky things when I really look – they encourage us to look even further…and to place things for others to find at smile at.
I say this here one day too late, but I must say it anyway:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
ZUM GEBURTSTAG VIEL GLÜCK
JOYEUX ANIVERSAIRE
KIM, I hope you had the most wonderful day yesterday,
love
Andrea
Hello Lesley! Of course you would love these trees, I can imagine the smile on your face when you saw the photo, however I can also imagine in your very artistic community there are a lot of “creative smiles” around.
Thank you so much for visiting me. It is quite an honor to have you here!
Ahhh….Bitte – Merci, mon ami! I had a lovely day, and I am trusting you did as well. It is a joy and an honor to share this day with you! Next week, my friend!
Hi Kim
How are you? It’s been a long time.. Have a gud news for you that i am aunt again..
Sabi
Congratulations Sabi! It has been awhile since we last talked, but that happens when lives get busy. I am very happy you have found a moment to visit again!