A smile is the shortest path between two people

Not only is a smile the shortest path between two people. It is also the quickest way to get out of a dark mood; the most certain way to get away from “me” and towards “we”… A smile always has an effect. Regardless of whether it comes from the heart, is a broad beam or a rather tortured one. It makes the world a better place.

Recently at the airport

The other day, after an intensive and moving week-long seminar, I took my dear friend and teacher Gregg Krech to Munich Airport. We had enough time to have a leisurely breakfast and chat there. While Gregg left me alone for a while, I indulged in a favorite habit and watched the busy activity.

Everyone seemed extremely determined. Some looked like they were having a lively conversation with themselves as they hurried through the hall. A gentleman in a beige trench coat pulled a dark brown trolley behind him. He said a few words to an invisible conversation partner, listened briefly and then laughed out loud. His eyes were looking for the “exit” sign and when he had spotted it, he walked towards it elatedly. An older woman crossed his path, looked at him irritated and shook her head as she continued towards the check-in for flights to China.

He smiled back at me

Then I noticed a young woman hurrying towards the China Check-In. She was holding the hand of a girl of perhaps six years old. When the girl tried to turn around, the young woman simply pulled her along – she was obviously in a great hurry. Behind them walked an elderly gentleman, dragging two large suitcases on wheels behind him. He was obviously the girl’s attention, perhaps her grandfather? I watched the scene with interest and smiled to myself. Suddenly the older gentleman with the large suitcases looked directly at me. He smiled back, nodded and then followed the two ladies calmly but quickly.

In that brief moment, as our eyes met in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the busy airport, I had a deep, heartfelt sense of connection with the world. Despite being in a rush, this stranger had taken the time to look around. And he had spontaneously returned my smile, felt addressed. For a brief moment, we were two travelers in a strange environment, communicating with a smile: “Such is the world – often hectic, busy – and we are both right in the middle of it 😊”.

“The shortest path between two people is a smile” – how true!

Smiling and gratitude

That a smile is the shortest path between two people is something we can also see for ourselves. There is naturally a lot of smiling and laughter in our seminars. That’s what happens when people who are following the same path come together: a path that leads to more gratitude and compassion and thus to more contentment. In the courses with a focus on “Japanese Psychology,” cooking together or doing certain tasks often results in funny situations that end in hearty laughter.

But even in the rather quiet Naikan courses, participants always find ways to show their gratitude. Often in the form of a smile on the plate, made from leftover food, as you can see in the cover picture.

Smiling liberates and makes you happy

Scientists have studied the connection between smiling, happiness and neurological processes in the body. They say, that you can influence your feelings positively, if you put a smile on your face and it does not matter if you feel like smiling that moment. Your face muscels will trigger some nerves which will make you feel better after 60 Seconds… Another way to observe the effect of a smile between people directly on yourself, is to watch the video of Big Daddy Wilson “I just need a smile” – can you manage NOT to smile?

The healing power of a smile seems to have reached even medical care here in Bavaria. I found “A smile is the shortest path between two people” written on a hospital wall. May you also feel inspired to give a smile more often😊

P.S.: I am very pleased that you have taken the time to read this article so far. I would be very happy if you let me know what you think about it. Just leave a comment – thank you very much in advance!