“You know how it is when you go to be the subject of a psychology experiment, and nobody else shows up, and you think maybe that’s part of the experiment? I’m like that all the time.” – Steven Wright 
I’d like you to try something amazing that I just discovered. Actually, I didn’t “just” discover it. I’ve known about it for quite a few months, but didn’t do anything with it. Today I decided to try an experiment, and now I’d like you to as well. It really is cool. So please follow my instructions closely that way you get the full effect.
You can do this anywhere – at work, at home, standing in line at the grocery store. It doesn’t matter where you are. Don’t worry about looking stupid, because nobody will even notice what you’re doing anyway. Ready? Ok, here it goes: I want you to smirk. You know, curl up your lips just a tiny bit at the ends – kind of like you’re smiling to yourself, like you know a big secret that no one else knows. Now include your eyes as well. Let them curl up a bit, also like when you’re smiling.
You probably think that I’ve lost whatever marbles I have left, but before you pass any judgment or dismiss what I’m telling you, really give it a shot. Now continue doing this for about ten more seconds. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine and ten.
Now stop. I mean it, stop. Let your face relax into its regular form. Continue for ten seconds like this now. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine and ten.
Now smirk again. Don’t worry, this is the last time I’m going to ask you to do this.
Did you feel a shift in your mood from when you smirked and then stopped, and then smirked again? How did you feel when you were smirking? Did you feel lighter? Content? Relaxed? I did. And when I stopped, I felt “blah.”
I was told about this by a friend who was reading The Power of Infinite Love and Gratitude. I don’t think I have everything down pact with this technique, so don’t quote me exactly on it but what I do remember really works. Originally I thought that this technique was full of baloney (no offence to baloney lovers) but it’s not. Think about it, how could you feel depressed, angry, and gloomy when you’re walking around with a smile on your face? Negative thoughts can’t penetrate either. This technique isn’t about replacing your feelings. If you’re angry, then be angry. Feel the emotion right through. This technique shortens the duration of that feeling. Your outlook is brighter, and things and events won’t get to you as much, so the chances of you feeling angry in the first place are greatly reduced.
I know it’s hard to go around all day purposely placing a smirk on your face, but after a while, it becomes a habit. Your ‘blah’ face became norm after all, didn’t it? So why not replace it with a little smile?
Today I made a conscious effort to practice this and I was amazed at how energized I feel. I feel happier, am walking taller, and feel so much more alive. I feel like I was walking around with a big secret that only I know. Well, it was kind of like that, until I shared it with you.
I welcome you to try it out. Let me know how you make out. I’m interested in hearing about your experience.
Smartie