The Smiling Heart
Did you know that strong negative emotions, such as hostility, anger, depression, and anxiety may lead to heart stress & help precipitate heart problems?
In contrast, positive emotions may be considered a protective factor, especially for older people; and Improved emotional Intelligence is also associated with better health, well being & heart health.
What does this mean? Yes! Emotions matter for your well being & heart health!
One simple practice which can help comes from the Chinese Taoist / Buddhist tradition and is the called the INNER SMILE. Smiling can help transform how we feel – moving us towards more positive emotions. To do this practice, just imagine taking an inner smile. Feel the subtle smile around your face. Notice how smiling seems to open you & help you feel lighter. Maybe a warm, energised feeling.
You can actually imagine any part of your body smiling. Try this: Relax, take a few slow deep breaths, in & out through your nose, then just imagine your own HEART smiling… Feel how it makes your heart feel….
References:
• Human Emotions on the Onset of Cardiovascular & small vessel related diseases. Vlachakis et el 2018
• Positive emotion and cardiovascular disease in elderly people Ma et el 2015
• Enhance your health & wellbeing with inner smile meditation