Release Your Emotions through Breathing and Smiling
According to Ilchi Lee book about breath respiration our brain is not designed to deal with two pieces of information at the same time. We cannot feel happy and sad at the same time. We can alternately feel happy and sad, but not both at the same time. This is a protective mechanism that our brain uses to prevent confusion from paralyzing our intellect. This characteristic of the brain means that we cannot hold on to negative emotions when we are feeling happy. In other words, we cannot feel sad or angry while we smile or laugh. On the other hand, we cannot smile and feel happy while we are still in the throes of negative emotions.
What would happen if you were to smile when you are caught up in negative emotions? At first, you might feel tension from competing emotions. But smile a little bit harder and you will soon experience a miracle. The negative emotions will be pushed aside and scattered to the wind. A smile is not just a simple movement of facial muscles. A smile has real power to positively affect your life. Admittedly, it is difficult to smile when faced with a difficult or painful situation. However, try lifting up the ends of your lips. You will quickly find yourself blowing negative emotions away with the power of your smile.
Yoga Practices Guide By Ilchi Lee.