Smile! Banish Your Fear

Changing our physiology is one of the best ways to change the way we think and feel. Smiling (and I don't mean just a little smile - a big grin will do!) has the ability to change how we feel in an instant. Laughter too, is one of the best ways to heal our mind and body, hence the proliferation of laughter classes all around the world.

If you consider this idea cute, but not worthwhile, here is an example of how I cured panic attacks by changing my physiology alone:

For around eight years I had panic attacks almost every night just before I went to sleep or if I woke up in the middle of the night. They ranged from startle through to terror and hyperventilation. I didn't think there was anything I could do about it so I kept the problem to myself.

I came across a technique however, which allowed me to immediately calm down my emotions so that I could logically dispute the fears that were keeping me awake.

As soon as I experienced fear, I would relax my body, look up at the ceiling (looking upwards has a different affect on our body compared to looking down) and grin widely. I would not stop grinning until the fear subsided. Sometimes the fear would come back once I stopped grinning, and so I would just grin again!

The effect was powerful. While I was grinning (and it had to stay a happy grin - not a grimace) I was completely unable to feel the terror that would normally strike me.

You don't need to be in a fearful situation to use this idea. You can smile for no reason at all! Smiling is associated in our minds with happiness, so the more we smile the better we feel. And afterall, what is the point of all the things we do, if not to ultimately create happiness?

(C) Copyright Petra Rankin 2005

Petra Rankin used powerful techniques to beat her own long-term depression. She is now dedicated to teaching others how to be happier and lead more successful lives. Her first book Fast Track Your Success and Happiness is due to be launched in September 2005 and is currently available for download as a free e-book instead of paying $19.95. Limited time only!

---

Songs of Life

I imagine when we die we find out how in-tune... Read More

The Power of Inner SELF

I am sharing one of the great insights.The fear that... Read More

You Can Quickly And Easily Solve Your Problems

Today I just wanted to write you a quick note... Read More

Adages for the New Age

The old familiar adages just don't do it for me... Read More

Inspirations: Some Other Things Ive Noticed Along the Way So Far

Some people live in and talk about the past so... Read More

Tranquility

It's all in the mind- your mind.It's not brought about... Read More

A Plan Of Attack

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 28,... Read More

The Power Of A Dream - Success Always Start Off With A Dream

Back in the good old days of school, the teachers... Read More

Things Happen Without Reason

Sometimes things happen in life for apparently no reason at... Read More

How to Overcome Loneliness

Nowadays the majority of people live in very large cities.... Read More

Improvisational

Why are we trying so hard? It is like we... Read More

Mirror, Mirror -- What Do I See?

"A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile... Read More

Keep on Keeping on!

Whenever we are working on our dreams we are going... Read More

Energy Work Basics Part 2: What Lifts Your Spirit?

Remember, everything is made of energy. Each of us has... Read More

The Seasons of Life, Part 1 of 5

Life is about constant, predictable patterns of change. For the... Read More

Courage That Changes Your Life

"The scars you acquire while exercising courage will never make... Read More

Imprisoned In Liberty?

Robert was so strong that I once saw him pick... Read More

Nothing To Celebrate

Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 12,... Read More

Hitler and the Tsunami

In Catholic school the nuns used to tell us that... Read More

Exceptions To The Rule

Yesterday I turned 48, and she just turned 21. Uh-oh,... Read More

Go Where No Man Or Woman Has Gone Before

"It`s life Jim but not as we know it." -SpockIn... Read More

The Theft of Fire

"Igne Natura Renovatur Integra" (By fire is nature renewed whole.)... Read More

Reach Your Dreams

About fifteen years ago I was rummaging through some old... Read More

For Old Times Sake

Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 19,... Read More

The Pursuit of Greatness

On June 3rd, 1948, a blast rocked the Black Hills... Read More

Inspirations: Even More Things Ive Noticed Along the Way So Far

Some people live in and talk about the past so... Read More

The One Thing You Really Want

There is one thing you want...My guess is you want... Read More

Anam Cara - Going Beyond The Good

In Corrogue I receive a gift of love.I awake to... Read More

As A Caterpillar

"Happiness can be as elusive as a fluttering butterlfy but... Read More

Case Closed

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 27,... Read More

Time to Change the World!

Here's something you can do each day that will REALLY... Read More

All Is Going Well?

The true test in life does not occur when all... Read More

A Plausible Defense

Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 5,... Read More