Hugs: Improve health, increase happiness and end conflict with hugs
FREE HUGS. What image comes to mind when you read this sentence? What would you do if someone came up to you with a sign that said “Free Hugs”? Imagine what it would be like to give and receive free hugs. What effects would these hugs have on you and others? Can hugs be used to improve relationships? Improve health? Heal emotional wounds? Change policy? Create compassion and understanding? This is my story about free hugs and their effects.
The video “Abrazos Gratis” (You can find it at http://www.youtube.com) inspired a group of 20 people in Oaxaca, Mexico (where I live) to go out and give free hugs. We were not affiliated with any social, political or religious group. We went out for “free hugs” because we liked the video, because the people of Oaxaca during the political conflict in 2006 needed a hug, and because it resonated with something deep inside of us.
We gather with our “Free Hugs” or “I give you a hug” signs, then we walk down the main pedestrian thoroughfare of the city of Oaxaca to the Zócalo (Central Square). At first I felt weird just like the looks people gave me when they saw my poster. Who was I to give them a hug? How would they react?
I hugged everyone I encountered: children, parents, couples, singles, young and old walking down the street, store workers, street vendors, teachers, politicians, and more. Giving hugs to complete strangers is a unique feeling. There is an awkwardness and distrust that appears at first, and then changes as the hug goes on. However, each hug was special. Some people would smile and walk past. Some people wanted a hug but were too scared to get one. Others would hesitate and then shyly or uncertainly receive a hug if I approached them. Some hugs were tentative, shy and awkward, others were light and free. Some people approached me with their arms outstretched. A woman called me asking for hugs for her and her friends. Some even kissed the check. Many hugs were deep, intense, enveloping and loving. Some hugs filled the need for caresses, compassion, understanding. Others were recharging depleted energies and receiving acceptance from those who felt defeated or misunderstood. Other hugs were for fun. They received looks of gratitude, smiles, tenderness, sweetness and joy. A connection was formed when we touched. Each person, whether receiving a hug or just watching, smiled. This impressed me. What a transformation!
I was changed in that 2 hour period that I gave hugs. I got hugs, not just gave them. I was also being touched physically, mentally and emotionally. I could feel my heart opening. I wondered when was the last time I got hugs for two hours. I couldn’t remember once. I was being touched and appreciated during those hours of cuddling while touching and appreciating others. I felt recharged, full of energy and happy. I made heart contact with people.
This experience was engraved in the memory of the inhabitants of Oaxaca in photos in the newspapers, conversations on the radio and personal conversations of those who gave and received hugs, and those who only found out. This “heartwarming” (no pun intended) experience is a wonderful sign of the value of hugging. People were impressed and delighted with the positive effect it had. It is a beautiful experience to give hugs to complete strangers. It reminded me that we are ONE, all part of the family called humanity.
Hugging can be very healing. It is different from other energy healing modalities because hugging is something anyone can see, feel and experience. I love energy work, but many people have not understood how spiritually based energy work takes place in the physical world. Hugs bring the spiritual and physical worlds together in a lovely way. These hugs were energy that became tangible. They made spirituality tangible. I highly recommend it.
What can we heal with hugs? Can we heal a wound, the pain of a sarcastic word, loneliness, sadness, fear, anger, hate, despair, illness and conflict? Wouldn’t you rather give a hug than respond with anger and rejection? How much conflict could you solve by giving hugs? We may not be able to heal all wounds with a hug, but it sure is a good place to start. Move along; Give yourself a hug every day. Your body will thank you. Hug a friend, parent, spouse, partner, neighbor, child, or pet. Hug someone when you feel good and especially when you don’t. Go ahead, try it. See how it feels. See how your hugs affect you and those who receive them.
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Let us spread peace by creating it within each of us and then sharing that peace.