Your Mindful Coach April Newsletter

In this insightful video, Paul Ekman describes the impact of our human capacity to self-regulate our emotions through awareness. While it may be difficult to make ourselves happy just with a smile, we CAN become more aware of what we are feeling when we are feeling it. This allows a thoughtful response instead of a habitual reaction. Check out the video !

Offerings of interest

New podcast for young students and athletes - Check out the Your Mindful Teen podcast , a complement to the Your Mindful Coach podcast . Perfect for students and athletes age 10-22, we'll be adding more episodes regularly. Available today on iTunes and Soundcloud .

July 12-14 - Self Care for Educators Retreat led by Josh Gansky in Bryn Mawr

An opportunity for educators to reduce stress, recharge, reflect, and reconnect. With mindful practice, practice will be given time to pause and focus on their own care and well-being.

Private Consultation

A limited number of private consultation times are available to build your mindfulness practice. Sessions may be done by phone, Skype video or in person at a rate of $95/ hour. Email for details.

Marc Balcer

brings his experience as a coach, entrepreneur and investor to Your Mindful Coach. He has received training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Management, Mindful Self-Compassion and Mindful Schools.

April 11, 2016

Can a simple smile seen or expressed lift a mood? We'll explore that question and more this month.

The Power of A Smile

In my most recent podcast and blog, I offer thoughts and practices that explore the power of a smile.

We all know what it feels like to see a friendly face and a smile in the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Each time I enter the Castor Building on the University of Pennsylvania's campus, I run into Marcia, a custodian who goes out of her way to say hello and smile. I've found that this interaction always turns around my mood if I'm down and causes me to speak and act kindly with those I subsequently encounter.

What if it was possible to generate this good feeling on my own? Research has shown that the act of smiling actually triggers physiological and chemical changes that impact our emotions.

This month's podcast is a guided meditation on the smile. Try it as an exercise and see what comes up. Its not just about "putting on a happy face" but also a way to support awareness of what's happen inside, how you are feeling and what you are thinking.

With practice, you might find yourself transforming an intention to smile into an inclination to smile. Let me know how it goes!

Click here to
listen to "The Power of A Smile, a guided practice" or download the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher.

9 reasons to smile more

Alyssa Detweiler at inspiyr.com identifies 9 reasons why you should smile more. Learn more about the

research here .

1) Its contagious.

2) It lowers stress and anxiety.

3) It releases endorphins.

4) It makes you more attractive.

5) It strengthens your immune system.

6) It makes you more approachable.

7) It makes you more comfortable.

8) It makes you seem more trustworthy.

9) It makes you a better leader.

What's New!

Mindful Tools for Stress Management

4-session workshop beginning April 18

"This class will give you the tools to change your life in more ways than you can imagine." - John, class participant

By popular demand, I will again offer a four week stress management workshop for finance, investment and other professionals starting April 18 in the western suburbs. Register today and enter the promo code "CFAWEB" for a 10% discount.

You can learn more at my website or by watching a free introduction to mindfulness in the workplace (free but registration required).

Thank you for supporting Your Mindful Coach! Have a great month.

Best,

Marc

[email protected]