All the statistics in the world can’t measure the warmth of a smile. ~Chris Hart
As they say a smile is something you can’t give away; it always comes back to
you. Smile and the world smiles with you or as what gravel-voiced singer Louis Armstrong sang, “When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you.” This is the power of a smile. And smiling is contagious just like laughter.
According to researchers there are many different kinds of smiles. But basically the two types of smile: genuine or spontaneous and fake or popularly known as Pan-Am smile”.
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
You have heard the expression “smiling eyes” or “a twinkle in your eyes”. This kind of warm and natural smile is also known as a Duchenne smile (named after the French physician Guillaume Duchenne).
A Duchenne smile or an authentic smile involves contraction of both the zygomatic major muscle and the orbicularis oculi muscle. The former muscle pulls up the corners of the mouth, while the latter raises the cheeks, causing skin around the corners of the eyes crinkles or better known as crow’s feet.
It is said that only true and spontaneous emotions can produce Duchenne smiles; as most of us cannot voluntarily contract the outer portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle. In other words, in order to produce an authentic or Dechenne smile, you got to smile inside out.
Whereas a non-genuine smile just uses the zygomatic major muscle to raise the two corners of your mouth. Those obligatory or coutesy smiles are merely perfunctory acts known as “Pan-American smiles“. I am sure you have come across these same fake or mechanical smiles from gorgeous-looking airline stewards or stewardess who have to service with a smile. It is all out of politeness rather than actually giving patrons truly warm heart-felt smiles. Similar to those instant-ready smiles captured in in your old class photos.
“A smile will gain you ten more years of life” – Chinese Proverb
Many research have shown that this sunny facial expression have significant positive effects in your life and also the lives of others. Besides enhancing your attractiveness, smile can boost your immune system and reduce your stress level.
It is true the power of of smiling. It can make one feels better about oneself, even though you don’t feel like it. In addition, a smile always makes other people think better of you. So, wear a smile or give one away today. It is free and it can make your day and also for others as well.
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