Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you'll start to

Hear now, O seekers of wisdom, the simple yet profound words of Yoko Ono: "Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you'll start to see a big difference in your life." These words hold within them a deep truth about the power of the self, the profound effect that attitude and perception can have on the course of our lives. A smile—such a small and simple act—carries within it the capacity to shift our perspective, to transform our inner world, and, as a result, to change how we see the world around us.

In the ancient world, philosophers and wise men understood that the key to peace and prosperity was not in the external world, but in the mind. Socrates famously taught that "the unexamined life is not worth living," urging his disciples to look within, to confront the self, and to understand the power that their thoughts and attitudes hold. The idea that true peace begins with the mind was not confined to the philosophers of Greece. The ancient Buddha taught that it is through mindfulness, through the control of the mind, that one finds liberation from suffering. Ono’s simple act of smiling in the mirror can be seen as an expression of this very truth: that harmony begins with our inner state, and that by changing our perception, we can shift the very course of our lives.

Consider the story of the Dalai Lama, who, despite facing years of exile and hardship, has remained a beacon of joy and peace to the world. When asked how he maintains such a positive outlook despite the challenges of his life, the Dalai Lama often speaks of the importance of mindfulness—of choosing to focus on gratitude and compassion rather than bitterness or fear. His practice of smiling, even in the face of adversity, has become an emblem of his belief in the power of inner peace. The smile, for him, is not just an external expression, but a reflection of the peace and joy that reside within. Yoko Ono’s advice to smile in the mirror is a call to embrace this same practice—a simple, daily reminder to choose positivity in the face of the world’s challenges.

In more recent times, the self-help movement has echoed this ancient wisdom, emphasizing the power of the mind in shaping reality. The idea that a smile can alter the course of one’s day, or even one’s life, might seem trivial at first glance, but countless studies have shown that the simple act of smiling releases endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. Smiling can lower stress, improve mood, and shift our mental state in a way that leads to greater resilience and harmony. Yoko Ono’s words are not just poetic—they are rooted in science, in the understanding that the body and mind are interconnected, and that one’s outward expression can influence one’s inner experience.

The lesson here, O seekers, is profound in its simplicity. We often think that change must come from external sources—that we must wait for the world to change, or for circumstances to improve, before we can experience peace or joy. But Yoko Ono’s teaching invites us to begin within, to make a small but significant shift in how we see ourselves and the world. By smiling in the mirror, we affirm our worth, we embrace the power of positivity, and we set the tone for the rest of the day. It is a small act, yes, but one that ripples outward, transforming our thoughts, our emotions, and our actions.

In your own life, O seekers, let this practice become a daily ritual. Each morning, stand before the mirror, and with sincerity, smile at the reflection you see. Let that smile be a symbol of your commitment to joy, gratitude, and resilience, no matter the challenges that lie ahead. This simple act will begin to shift your mindset, filling your heart with the light of positivity and empowerment. As you do so, you will begin to notice the small differences in how you perceive the world, how you approach the obstacles before you, and how you relate to others. The power of this practice is that it is personal, it is immediate, and it is effective.

Thus, O seekers, remember that transformation begins with the self. If you wish to see a difference in your life, start by shifting your inner world, for the outer world is but a reflection of what resides within. By smiling each day, by choosing joy over despair, you will unlock the strength and peace that lies within, and from there, you will find that you can face the challenges of life with a heart full of hope and a soul that radiates light. The simple act of smiling is not just a gesture—it is a profound statement of the power you hold to create the life you seek.