Believe it or not, we have all the happiness, kindness, and courage we could ever wish for and dream of — inside us.

Often these qualities are lost in the grey clouds of negative emotions. These clouds form over years and become so thick and heavy that our happiness cannot shine through. Our inner sun hides behind the storm of our emotions.

Is it even possible to get rid of these clouds of anger, this haze of sadness and worry that often pins us down? Like a fallen wrestler, we bow our heads to the mat and thump our hands in surrender. Yet, that beautiful sun inside of us yearns to rise above the dark sea of our past, shining forth in dazzling beams of happiness to light our world from horizon to horizon.

To experience love and joy, to be fearless no matter what the cost; this is the journey of our heart, the hero’s journey deep inside of us we all desire to make!

To be fearless and happy no matter what? Is it possible? The answer is yes!

But how to get there?

I begin with a powerful ancient meditation called the Inner Smile. It was my first introduction to the practice of the Tao, based on the teachings of the philosopher, Lao Tzu, who lived in China during the sixth century BC. I never imagined it could be so effective.

When I was living at the Tao Garden Health Resort & Spa in Northern Thailand last winter, I heard of the Inner Smile, and it sparked my curiosity; it was intriguing. How it is even possible to smile inside? What is the purpose? I could not wait to try it.

I always love smiling. Many Russians think that one should smile only on special occasions, otherwise it is a fake smile. Well, that’s no fun!

Instead, my motto is “smile and the world will smile back at you”. For me, it is the best universal language. When we smile, happy energy radiates from our eyes and speaks directly to the hearts of others. And yes, people usually smile back at us, especially here in Bermuda.

When I tried the Inner Smile meditation, my teacher’s voice was quiet and soothing. Afterwards, I felt calmer, more relaxed, and happy. How could I not feel happier when I’d just smiled for the last 15 minutes? I remember walking home under the crowns of old and magnificent trees lit by the dim light of whimsical lanterns, and the sheer magic of the moment kept me smiling as I strolled through that enchanted forest.

That night I slept so deeply. Something in me shifted at a deep level. I awoke refreshed. The next day, I went back and did the Inner Smile meditation again.

It made me feel so happy I did it every evening for four months.

It was the start of my work to banish negative emotions, fears and worries.

I began learning to love my body again, which I felt had betrayed me with ill health. I focused my intent to heal myself with the warm sunshine of a genuine inner smile; not a smile of approval from someone else, a smile of compassion from me to me.

I then took a class led by Master Chia, the founder of Universal Healing Tao.

He was the one who brought this ancient meditation back to the modern world.

The ancient Taoists mapped out the negative emotions that are associated with each organ in the body and how they directly affect each of them. Emotions hurt our organs or help them to be in balance and to heal. For example, the heart is hurt by jealousy, but it can be healed by smiling to it and radiating self-love and forgiveness, which are natural virtues of a healthy heart.

When you establish a smiling, inner relationship with your body you become an alchemist, transforming the stress on your organs into positive nourishment. There is healing power in your smile and, when you combine it with the appropriate breathing techniques and focused visualisation, you can begin to heal yourself from the inside out.

Just as a genuine outer smile transmits positive energy, an inner smile produces calm, deep relaxation, balance and happiness.

Smile and your body will smile back at you! Contact me for guided Inner Smile meditation classes.

Nina London is a certified wellness and weight-management coach. Her mission is to support and inspire mature women to make positive changes in their body and mind. Share your inspirational stories with her at www.ninalondon.com