What Is – The Smile?

Durham 1
We are heading towards the shortest day (of daylight), that’s the 21st December. After that the turning of the year will slowly, slowly bring us into Spring and then Summer. There is a rhythm to our living is there not? However at this time of year living seems, for some, to come to a standstill. I supplement with extra light as I am prone to low mood or as it’s called, The Winter Blues. No shame in that and many people benefit from adding some extra sunshine into their lives when the real thing is hidden behind clouds, much of the time.

Continuing on the theme of humour, which brings on a smile, here are the words to a song surely all or most know. Sing along and bring a smile to your heart. One does not need to be grinning from ear to ear to show happy. The smile is on the inside after all and can be there what ever the weather, or time of the year. How so?

When the fears and troubles fade into the background of ones consciousness, as they surely will given half a chance, The inside smile will show through….because it never leaves us. There is Joy in living past and deeper than what we manufacture. Especially at this time of year with all the ho, ho, ho and jingling bells it’s time to find the smile that is always there.

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile
Songwriters: CHARLES CHAPLIN
Smile lyrics © BOURNE CO.

Thanks to Mark for the photo of Durham Cathedral taken the other day and to Ian for posting the above song in the comments. Both photo and song have me now posting. Cumbria is getting back on track after the  floods and damage to infrastructure which has impacted everybody. Merit to all those who have been caught up it the devastating effects of floods to their homes. Oh and light therapy is not the cure all for low mood, depression and or despair. These are debilitating conditions which go deep into ones being, professional help can help. The first step towards help can be the hardest, after that the steps are a little easier.

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7 thoughts on “What Is – The Smile?”

    1. O so glad to hear from you Jessica. I am in Preston at the moment visiting J and S and remembering your visit year before last now. Happy holidays to you and your family.

  1. Although Stonehenge attracts devotees to witness the Longest day,Neil Oliver (of ‘Coast’ fame on the tele’),in his excellent book ‘A History of Ancient Britain’,points out that the main significance of these monuments was to celebrate the shortest day and and the reassurance of the sun’s journey back.
    An interesting thing I recently discovered was that the Celtic day began at sunset and their year began with ‘the Dark Moon’ at the time of the Autumnal equinox,late Sept.,early Oct.,the beginning of the year’s ‘night-time’.This was the festival of Samhain (pro. Sahrwin) celebrated by huge bonfires,feasts and ceremonies for the dead.
    In irish folklore it is the time of year when the boundaries between the worlds dissolve and spirits and the fairy folk appear.

  2. Winter solstice very soon, many candles on my altar at this time of year. Light returns a few minutes a day, until we see a perceptible difference, and bird song soon begins again. _/\_

  3. Hi,

    Merry Xmas. Loved your post. Living on the West Coast of Canada has one redeeming aspect during the winter months — it may not be that ‘light’ but it’s seldom cold and almost never snows. That said, have a happy and warm holiday season, and may the light of love and friendship be with you always.

    Cheers, Gerry

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