Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement…get up in the morning, and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible. Never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.
~ Abraham Joshua Heschel, Jewish Theologian
Wake Up Smiling
Terri McCartney
Behold, a new day! Hallelujah!
I bet if we woke up smiling, and frequently smiled throughout the day, we would be living in radical amazement. It’s certainly worth experimenting with. What have we got to lose?
Everything is phenomenal! Everything is incredible!
Smiling not only releases happy hormones in the brain that lift your spirit, but those hormones also dissolve mental turmoil. When you smile, a cascade of beneficial hormones circulates, prompting your heart to beat in a smooth, rhythmic pattern. The brain then synchs up to that pattern and mental clarity results.
What could be more fun than having the perspective that you are in happy cahoots with life? Imagine that each day offers a clean slate, and life is eager to tickle your funny bone and stoke the fire of your love for life.
Will you join me and begin each day with a smile? Why not think of three things that make you happy when you open your eyes each morning? That will bring a smile that invites joy to partner with you throughout the day.
Wake up smiling with your shine on, your magnificently unique self glowing, your mystical power engaged, contributing the light that only you can contribute to our world.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world's sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
“YES, TERRI. I will you join you in waking up smiling and pouring enthusiasm into my day FIRST THING when I awake. Did Heschel & McCartney write “Good Day Sunshine” and “Here comes the Sun?!” Cheeeeeers, Tom C.
Sometimes I don’t feel like smiling when I first get up in the morning. But then I repeat these words as I get out of bed: “Behold I make all things new. Blessing everything that comes to me this day.” From that point on I’m ready to spring into the day and experience its radical amazement.
3 Responses
“YES, TERRI. I will you join you in waking up smiling and pouring enthusiasm into my day FIRST THING when I awake.
Did Heschel & McCartney write “Good Day Sunshine” and “Here comes the Sun?!” Cheeeeeers, Tom C.
Sometimes I don’t feel like smiling when I first get up in the morning. But then I repeat these words as I get out of bed: “Behold I make all things new. Blessing everything that comes to me this day.” From that point on I’m ready to spring into the day and experience its radical amazement.
Beautiful Terri, thank you – one of things I do is to go to sleep with a smile and that tends to help me wake up with a smile :))