Waking Up With A Smile…

This week we find ourselves at the start of a brand new year so my mind has been wandering to what 2024 is going to hold for the Colenso clan. If you are like me, the words “New Year's Resolution” fill you with dread. So I have changed my thoughts around this age-old tradition with the help of my yoga practice. I now ask myself what would I like to practise in this new year? The word practice takes the competitiveness and seriousness out of the act of change.

We are what we practise everyday. So I’ve decided my new practice for 2024 is smiling when I wake up in the morning. Sounds simple right?! Actually it’s day six as I write this and this morning I forgot! I woke up grumpy and concerned with what I had to get done in my day. I was in the shower before it dawned on me I hadn’t smiled yet. So I forced a massive grin onto my face and within thirty seconds I honestly felt better.

Research has proven that the physical act of smiling increases the release of endorphins, our happy hormones and calms our heart rate, reduces stress, heightens our sense of well-being and supports our health. So even if we don’t feel like it, smiling will only help.

Along with my smile I say the following words inspired by Thich Nhat Hahn.

“Waking up this morning I smile.

Twenty four brand new hours are before me.

I vow to live them deeply with love and kindness.”

If you fancy joining me in this morning practice let me know how it works out.

Sending love and kindness (and a big smile),

Laura x