The Art of Smiling with Our Eyes

Have you been practicing the art of smiling with your eyes?  So much of the way we communicate with each other falls into the category of “non-verbal” communication - our facial expressions, hugs and handshakes, body language. A lot of these ways of conveying our feelings are not available to us when most of our face is covered with a mask and we’re not able to get within 6 feet of one another, let alone touch. 

So in these social distanced times we find ourselves searching for new ways to communicate warmth and support to the people we meet. In the grocery store for example, in pre-COVID days, even something small like maneuvering my cart to let another shopper pass would be accompanied by a smile to say “it’s not a problem...I’m happy to offer this courtesy.”  When you think about it, it really boils down to “I see you as a person not an obstacle,” conveyed in one simple, heartfelt smile. 

How do we hold onto basic but essential human connections during these times of separation, when more than ever people are feeling isolated and alone on multiple levels?  It’s a small thing and it requires practice but the art of smiling with our eyes is a good place to start. 

Missing you and sending you smiles and hugs,

Rachel