African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

African proverbs about smiling

As the ancestors say, an inner smile is essential; the teeth are smiling, but is the heart.

Quiet time with yourself is essential to reflect on your inner smile and the voice you did not hear because of your cluttered mind. Allow your mind to wander within yourself.

Contemplate about what you might be trying to escape from and why you lost your inner smile, keep an open mind, and be especially curious about your feelings if you start feeling protective of your own and the outside world's negative opinion.

west african woman looking up in joy photo

An inner smile is essential; as the ancestors say, the teeth are smiling but is the heart.

An inner smile is a fundamental aspect of our being, as the wisdom passed down by our ancestors teaches us. It goes beyond the physical manifestation of a smile on our face; it resonates from within, originating from the depths of our hearts and soul.

When our ancestors speak of "the teeth are smiling but is the heart," they emphasize the significance of aligning our external expressions with our internal state. It is not enough to wear a smile on our lips if our heart is burdened with sorrow or negativity. The true essence of an inner smile lies in cultivating a genuine sense of joy, contentment, and love that radiates from within us.

An inner smile has profound effects on our overall well-being. It is a powerful tool to uplift our spirits, increase our resilience, and promote positive energy. When we embrace an inner smile, we cultivate a mindset of gratitude, optimism, and compassion. It allows us to navigate life's challenges gracefully and extend kindness and understanding to ourselves and others.

Embracing an inner smile is a practice that requires mindfulness and self-awareness. It involves acknowledging and releasing negative emotions and replacing them with positive intentions and attitudes. Cultivating this inner radiance creates a ripple effect, spreading joy and positivity to those around us. Our inner smile becomes a beacon of light that illuminates our path and inspires others to find their inner smiles.

So, let us remember the wisdom of our ancestors and nurture our inner smile. May it reflect the joy, love, and peace that reside deep within our hearts, guiding us on our journey toward happiness and fulfillment.
The teeth are smiling, but is the heart.

Smile quotes and ancestral sayings to think about every morning when you are having difficulty smiling at life.

A smile can brighten the darkest day.

Smile, sunshine is good for your teeth.

A smile confuses an approaching frown.

Never lose your inner smile.

A smile is a powerful weapon; you can even break ice with it.

Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it.

Everyone smiles in the same language.

A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you are at home.

Cover your mouth when you cough, not when you smile.

Always remember to be happy because you never know who is falling in love with your smile.

I have never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful.

If you do not have a smile, I will give you one of mine.

If you smile at someone, they might smile back.

If you do not start out the day with a smile, it is not too late to start practicing for tomorrow.

Most smiles are started by another smile.

It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown.

Smile, it lets your teeth breathe.

The world always looks brighter from behind a smile.

The shortest distance between two people is a smile.

The teeth are smiling, but is the heart.

Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn.

Never regret anything that made you smile.

Every smile makes you a day younger.

Peace begins with a smile.


More African Proverbs from the motherland.

  1. Your Attitude African Proverbs
  2. What is an African Proverb
  3. Do not invite evil to sit at your table then cry
  4. Mean Coworkers African Proverbs
  5. Having Faith African Proverbs

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