Smize

We have learned a lot since COVID-19. We have changed our habits, developed new sorts of relationships and a new perspective of the world. I would like to talk about one of them, the ability of smiling with the eyes. 

Social distancing and wearing face masks are among the actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Masks are a kind of accessory of extreme importance nowadays. But our masks have been hiding an important and essential expression, the smile. 

A smile is a facial expression, formed by flexing the mouth and eye muscles, also known as Duchenne smile. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smile)

It is a universal language and can be recognized by anyone. But there are different meanings across the world. For some cultures it can have a negative meaning, as a sign of dishonesty, embarrassment and emotional pain. Sometimes just between family members or closed friends.

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I am from a country where smiling is a friendly greeting, as the same in Canada. While we are smiling, we can show pleasure, sociability, joy, respect, kindness and welcoming. It reminds me of my first vacation to Canada when I didn’t speak English. I met a woman who was wearing a burka and I could just see her eyes. She was refreshing herself in a water fountain when our eyes met, and we smiled at each other. So much has been said in that moment. 

But unfortunately the eyes can also show anger, indifference, smugness. 

I would like to propose that we pay attention to what our eyes are saying. Are our eyes saying what we would like to see from others? The world needs more love, more kindness, more smize! When I recognize myself in another’s eyes, I feel a part of the whole world. My soul feels welcomed and I open my heart.