That Picture Perfect Smile

In an instant (or to the shutter speed of 1/10th to 1/2000th of a second, just to put velocity into perspective) the picture is taken; a moment is captured forever. Smile! “Show some teeth” they preach! Say "I want to go to Barbados," "Paris," I interject, fine "arrivederci then," I roll my eyes at their mocking my faux pas, and then I begrudge a lopsided semi toothed smirk.

When I learned the Mishna in Pirkei Avos about how much more significant is the act of showing the whites of one's teeth, more than the physical sustenance of milk, it made an impression. "Someone who gives a coin to the poor will be blessed with six blessings, whereas the one who addresses him with words of comfort will be blessed with eleven blessings (even if he does not give him a donation)." Explains the Maharal, the one who provides milk to drink or a coin for the poor provides a physical donation that sustains the person for a little while. But the one who smiles at or comforts the poor with encouraging words gives the person an everlasting feeling of self-worth. This lifts the person's spirits and sustains the recipient a lot more than any donation.

My mother often regales me with "fake it till you make it motivation" this is why I was intrigued to learn the components of a smile. Also, in a picture, I have yet to notice someone amid laughter that isn't beautiful, so I guess you can say the beauty of a smile is what beguiles.

according to Merriam Webster's definition

a smile is

1: a facial expression in which the eyes brighten and the corners of the mouth curve slightly upward and which expresses especially amusement, pleasure, approval, or sometimes scorn

2: a pleasant or encouraging appearance

Couldn't have agreed more…

When one smiles are there feel-good chemicals involved, or is it all in one's head?

The answer is that when you smile the brain does release neuropeptides, which are nerve proteins that regulate almost all of the processes of your cells and the way cells communicate with each other. Neuropeptides influence your brain, body, and behavior in many significant ways, from analgesia, reward-seeking, food intake, metabolism, reproduction, social behaviors, learning and memory to helping negate stress, aiding sleep, and elevating mood, so, in theory, the act of smiling aides in contributing to an overall equilibrium.

But when my smile is pseudo? Does that still count to receive all those mood-boosting neuro's?

According to the Facial Feedback Theory, the feedback from your skeletal muscles used in facial expressions plays a causal role in regulating emotion and behavior.

There are two types of smiles. A forced smile, like for a photo or when you're polite, only uses the mouth to shape the smile. In a spontaneous, genuine smile, called a Duchenne smile, the mouth muscles and those encircling the eyes are engaged.

As if you needed a reason…there’s always something to smile about

Smile and laugh more often because the brain does not know the difference between a fake and real smile. If you're feeling down or notice that you've not smiled in a while, fake one. The more often you fake a smile, the more likely smiling will become a more natural habit. Think of it as your daily dose of vitamin D or a cup of jolting java…15-second smile intervals should be part of the wellbeing routine.
Ever had someone flashed a "quick go long" version of a smile? When someone smiles, the response is usually instantaneous. Unless someone is having a very, very long, socially off day. The consensus to a smile is to beam those pearly whites right back. The subconscious inclination of the brain is to automatically mimic the facial expressions of others as a component of emotional empathy. It takes conscious effort not to smile back at someone who smiles at you. So like I said if they don't smile back #sociallyoffday

Even when you don't have much to say, or for those traveling, a smile can change everything. A smile is universal; it is the most international language that everyone knows. I think the “confused” social q is universal as well; I have yet to be in a foreign country and not be perceived as "you look lost"...
It’s not a corny thing to say “I appreciate the little things” because those little things play a significant role in making a person happy! Maybe it’s fleeting, yes, how long can a “walk on the beach” or some greasy diner food keep someone going strong, but don’t discount those small, yet not insignificant doses of happy. I know inject isn’t the right terminology, but it’s on a person’s individual accord to make themselves happy. Read a good book, wake up a half hour late and call an Uber, order a super expensive salad on a random tuesday…these little things breed taken care of feel good vibes, and that’s something to be happy about.
It's crucial to surround yourself with positive people. Simchas Hachaim, the ability to seek the positive (not only SEE but to seek, and pursue the good) is a paramount attribute that will significantly impact the vibe of a person's day to day. There was one girl in seminary; she would wake up every single morning; chipper, smiling, (still does btw) we thought she was an anomaly…many a DMC later I learned how she chose to be happy and to impart Simcha onto others.

We can't always control what happens to us, but smiling and laughing more often can change your internal and external experience, and brighten your perspective on life.

Have a happy tude'

This post is dedicated Liiluy Nishmas Leah -s Yissoscher Dov, her smile and simchas hachaim made the world a brighter place; it should be a source of nechama and strength for her family.