April 14, 2005

SMILE.CO.UK

Could it really be that simple?

Just smile at every body. If they can’t handle it, they look away. Those who smile back can be a whole new journey for me and I for them.

For brief, heady days when I first came out of meditation in Pushkar I’ve had inklings of this wisdom. I also remember experiencing it briefly with friends on the Celestine Prophecy trip years ago, and on acid at every single party of 94-95, but that’s cheating.

I got it for nine beautiful days in Delhi when I gave up smoking dope one time. The hotel I was staying in actually called the Police to search my room I was smiling so much. I wouldn't let them go until they went through everything, smiling lovingly throughout. They have never let me stay there since.

Pissed in the sunshine I got it the other day drinking really nice white beer on my own. I was a bit daunted at first. When I got a smile back I didn’t know what to do and bailed out badly but the alcohol set me on my journey. Mike H turned up briefly, sunglassed and unshaven. He wouldn’t score me any scag as he was in human pincushion withdrawal mode again which apparently you need sunglasses for.

Bought me a pint this time though.

When he left I carried on with my smiling experiment. It was amazing. I never realized how many people wanted to smile at me and talk to me. If I can keep this up I could kick the whole depression thing.

It’s going to be hard, and is something I wouldn’t recommend to women who live in cities but the more genuine I can make a smile, the more genuine jewels of human behaviour I get back and the summers coming. Maybe this is how normal, happy people live.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

i heard that song the other day,
"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"

...i heard it and i thought, what a load of crap. but maybe, as you say...they're on to something.

Stefanie said...

I did this myself, and on the same date that you posted this. Strange. I found that to do this convincingly, you must channel a totally beleivable outlook, otherwise, they will eat you alive. So, in order to get people to smile and not shit on you, you gotta cast a spell on their asses. Optomistic, yes?

DAVE BONES said...

You are brave, but I suppose being an ex-exotic dancer that goes without saying! I'd be really warry of smiling at strangers if I was a girl.

I know what you are saying about "channeling a believable outlook"

Its like you've got to convince yourself before you convince everyone else. I find Kronenburg Blanc beer helps a tremendous amount!