I will smile, and say a simple hello to an entire stranger.
For, in my experience, the most magical of all tools for the cultivation of human amity is a smile.
And when the smile is enriched with a simple hello, the recipient's world appears painted in a wonderful kaleidoscope of colors.
Once, I was a guest at the home of my mentor and teacher.
After a hearty lunch of the most exceptional gastronomic appeal, we took a stroll into the adjoining village.
As we ambled lazily along a stone-cobbled path, we encountered a few people strolling in the opposite direction.
I couldn't help noticing that my mentor, The Sage, seemed to have a ready, wide and earthy grin for each person we met.
Since I was with him for whatever nuggets of wisdom he saw fit to offer me, I decided to ask him a question.
"Teacher, why do you smile at everyone we meet on this path?"
In his characteristic, halting demeanor, The Sage paused in his track, momentarily.
He started speaking.
"Son, one of the most enduring lessons I have learnt on this arduous journey called life is that you are never fully dressed without a smile. That is why, when I encounter someone without a smile, I give them one of mine, to clothe them fully."
The old man continued.
"Son, the commonplace smile can be a blessing in many more ways than one. This is because it is also true that a simple smile can lead to a million magical things."
He told me a story.
A true story.
The famous French author, Antoine de St. Exupery, as a fighter pilot during the Spanish Civil War, had a harrowing, but fascinating encounter as a Prisoner of War.
He was grimly told he would be executed the next day.
At the sound of gunshots coming from the back of the prison, he became extremely distraught with the fear of impending and inevitable death.
Nervously, he fumbled for a cigarette, which his trembling hand could barely transport to his quivering lips.
But he had no matches!
“Hello!" He tremulously called out to the jailer, who resolutely refused to make eye contact with him.
Shrugging, the jailer came over to light Antoine’s cigarette, and as he lit a match for his prisoner, their eyes inadvertently locked.
At that moment, Antoine, for no apparent reason, smiled.
And in that moment, some indefinable spark of amity seemed to jump from one soul to the other, and most certainly against his every conscious intention, a complimentary smile came to the jailer's lips.
He continued to smile, maintaining direct eye contact.
Jailer: “Do you have children?”
Antoine: “Yes……yes….I have three.” He replied, fumbling for his family pictures.
Jailer: “I, too, have three.” He produced his own pictures, and went on to talk about his plans for his children’s future.
Antoine: “You are a lucky man. I will never see my own kids again. They will grow up without a father.” His eyes filled with tears.
Jailer: (His eyes filling with tears too) “Come with me!” He said abruptly.
And he unlocked the cell door, leading Antoine out of the prison through a back entrance, and through back streets, until they reached the city gates, where he released the hapless prisoner.
Without another word, he turned back toward the town.
Antoine de Exupery's life was saved by a smile!
+
Behind the curtains which we put up to shield ourselves, our dignity, our social titles and our status, from prying eyes, lie our authentic and real selves.
The elaborate façade behind which we hide only serves to isolate and insulate us from each other, and prevent our souls from connecting with each other in a meaningful way.
Consider this: Why do we instinctively smile whenever we see a baby?
I suggest that we do so because we are meeting someone who has no defensive barricades, and whose smile for us is fully genuine in its sweet innocence.
Today, I will break into a spontaneous smile, and embellish it with a hello.
For, a smile costs nothing, yet gives a lot.
A smile enriches those who receive it, while not making poorer those who give it.
A smile takes but a moment, but its memory can last forever.
A smile brightens up the home.
A smile generates goodwill in business.
A smile is nature’s antidote for a troubled soul.
Yet, it cannot be bought or stolen, since it is of no value unless it is given away for free.
ACTION EXERCISE
Next time you are at the gas station, as the attendant makes to fill your tank, break out in a wide grin, and let the smile light up your eyes.
You will, at first, get a startled reaction, but this will invariably be followed by a return, tentative smile.
It is at this magic moment that your two souls have recognized each other from some celestial past; a past shared by all of God’s creations.
You can then go a step further.
“Hello! Thank you for being here for us all. You are doing a great job here."
You have made his day.
You have made his work worthwhile
Some people may be too tired to give you a smile.
Perhaps they also have no more to give, because of the cares and burdens of their lives.
Give them one of yours.
Insist on being cheerful today, and then pass that cheer on to others with a simple smile............and a hello!
DR. YOMI GARNETT, a highly accomplished GHOSTWRITER, is a Talk Show Host on the VOICEAMERICA network, Phoenix, Arizona. He is also Host of The Garnett Interview- America's First Celebrity Newsletter Interview. Widely acclaimed as one of world's pre-eminent motivational communicators, he is Author of 365 DAYS OF WISDOM and THE BISHOP'S TESTAMENT.
"TREASURE HOUSE OF WISDOM"
DR. YOMI GARNETT
Talk Show Host: Dream The Life; Live The Dream.
VOICEAMERICA, Phoenix, Arizona
Post a Comment