תִּיקּוּן עוֹלָם شفاء العالم

I was told long ago that we have an opportunity to change the world each and every day. The statement did not make much sense to me in the beginning. But as I progressed in my field of mental health counseling and mindfulness, the idea of this statement began to come into clear focus.

When talking with other spiritual and mindful people, I came to the understanding of the simplicity of the statement. One such very mindful person translated the statement so eloquently that I utilize it on my practice. She stated that the simple act of smiling when meeting or even passing a person can have a massive ripple effect on the world. Much of the effect goes unseen by the originator of the smile.

Imagine walking in your local Trader Joe’s and passing a person that does not look like they are having a good day. Your choice to smile when your eyes meet might very well lift their mood enough that they continue their day happier. That continues to those that she or he may meet, and so on. A smile is actually a small miracle of being human. It’s power is subtle and beautiful.

Above are the words: To Heal the World in both Jewish and Arab languages. The languages of the world may be many. But the language of love is but one. And it usually starts with a smile.