June is National Smile Month! Just in time for Summer—the season of the Heart!

The Heart is associated with the emotion of joy. We’ve all likely experienced a joyous event at some point in our lives. Joy goes beyond happiness. It’s that deep-rooted goodness that emanates throughout your being. Joy often comes with laughter and smiles—two things that can do wonders for your cardiovascular health. Love is the most powerful way to nurture the visible and invisible aspects of the Heart.

We’ll let you in on a secret: smiling is the key to a long, healthy life. It can keep your Heart forever young. And, believe it or not, smiling is a far more effective cardio exercise than running on a treadmill. The act of smiling creates positive Qi and propels it throughout the body, helping to heal the Heart along with other organs. In addition, smiling can actually change the physiology of the heart.

Scientists have proven that smiling has stress-relieving benefits. A simple smile has the ability to lower pulse rates and expedite recovery after a stressful event. And because smiling releases endorphins, the act of smiling can actually make you feel happier.

Here’s an easy smiling exercise for cardiovascular and whole body health:

Sit quietly in front of a mirror and smile at yourself from your Heart. A smile that comes from deep within creates an actual physical effect. It helps blood and vital energy flow throughout your whole body. After you’ve practiced smiling at yourself regularly, try smiling at others from your Heart. They may just smile back!

Don’t Let This Pass You By!

Our 7-Day Journey to Heart Harmony with Grand Master Nan Lu is around the corner! Practice Heart-centered Qigong practices, enjoy a creative eating style, and find what inspires you. June 17-24. Register!