Inner Smile Meditation

The Inner Smile practice is a powerful technique in Taoism that promotes physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth.

Regular practice  fosters a deep connection with one's inner self, which can also lead to increased vitality, reduced stress, and a greater contentment.

Want to practice on your own?

For those that want to practice this meditation on their own, below is the typical flow for an Inner Smile meditation. Set aside 10 minutes and guide yourself through these steps:

Inner Smile Meditation: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Relax - Begin by finding a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind.

2. Body Awareness - Gently scan your body from head to toe, paying attention to any areas of tension or discomfort. This step helps you become aware of your body's current state.

3. Smile at your Organs - In your mind's eye, imagine a warm, gentle smile spreading across your face. Then, direct this inner smile towards each of your major organs, starting with the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, and so on. As you "smile" at each organ, visualize it bathed in a soft, healing light, and offer gratitude for its function.

4. Positive Emotions - While focusing on each organ, also cultivate positive emotions associated with that organ. For example, you might think of love and joy for the heart, or compassion and forgiveness for the liver. This step helps in releasing stored emotional tensions and promotes emotional balance.

5. Energy Flow - Imagine the energy from your smile and positive emotions flowing into each organ, nourishing and rejuvenating them. Visualize any stagnant or negative energy being transformed into vibrant, healing energy.

6. Balance and Harmonize - As you continue the Inner Smile practice, imagine that the warmth and light of your smile spread throughout your entire body. Feel a sense of balance and harmony as this energy circulates freely, connecting all parts of your being.

7. Close - Take a few more deep breaths, gradually returning your awareness to the present moment. Open your eyes when you are ready.

Zest Meditation Classes

In our meditation classes for teams and properties, Zest instructors teach the fundamentals of many different mindfulness techniques and practices. When they introduce practices like the Inner Smile, they break it down so it’s easy to understand and guide employees through it step-by-step. Employees walk away from these short 30-minute classes feeling more balance and less stress.

When we teach this particular mindfulness practice, our goals are to:

• Educate employees on the background and cultural context of the practice

• Introduce the framework (the ‘how-to’ for this meditation practice)

• Immerse them in the experience of being led by a certified instructor,

• Support them in putting their new knowledge into practice immediately, and

• Empower them with the tools and resources to continue practicing it on their own, should they want to deepen their practice outside of Zest classes.

To get classes like these offered at your property or for your team, contact Zest today.