Alice: “There’s no use trying. One can’t believe impossible things.”
Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland.
The Queen: “I dare say you haven’t had much practice. . . . Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
A close friend shared this, challenging me to start each day with a little more gratitude, especially when it feels impossible. I’ve made a habit of taking a luxurious, conscious, slow, full breath as soon as I notice I’m awake. Then I turn up the corners of my mouth, creating a gentle smile. Just being still, smiling, and being aware of my breath is the mindful moment I need to navigate with compassion for myself and others the twenty-four hours before me.
This is a simple, magical act of self-nurturing. Noticing. Appreciating. It’s just one of many mindful possible things I can do before breakfast to center myself.
Did you know that smile yoga changes your cells, the brain, and nervous system? Doing it changed me and surely affects everyone in my path. Now I love smiling: big grins, coy ones, gentle, soft ones. Besides, frowning is hard work; it uses more muscles. Google it!
Watch Bobby McFerrin’s giggly video. Don’t Worry Be Happy.
You’ll become a believer in impossible things before breakfast.