I once read that 8-10 hugs per day increases your health, emotional state, and general well being. I grew up in a household where we always kissed and hugged upon arrival and departure. It was normal to me and now, of course, I’ve passed it on to my boys. When I see homeless people on the side of the road, I wonder, “Do they have someone to hug?”
I think the reason hugs are so restorative is that they connect you with another soul, if only for a few seconds. It’s like, for once, all the ego, judgement and differences disappear and we’re just two people sharing a moment in time.
Imagine what a different world this would be if hugs replaced jealousy. If hugs replaced ignorance and fear. Imagine…
Merry Christmas and lots of hugs to you and yours.
Photo courtesy of Tambako The Jaguar.
Thank you Mary, that’s a really good point.
Good article. My only caveat is that some people are uncomfortable being hugged, especially abuse victims, people with Asberger’s and other forms of autism. So I always ask first before giving a hug.
Having said that there is surely a shortage of hugs in this world so we need to do it more often!
Agreed! I recall once as a young boy my uncle flying in from out of town. I extended my hand to shake and he said, “Greg, in our family, we hug.” He was a big burly man and he just engulfed me. Now – I had always hugged in-town relatives, but his message made it clear that this was truly a family cultural thing. We HUG in my family. I hug my Boys, my parents, sisters, uncles, cousins,…. We also unashamedly tell each other at some point in every interaction together – I Love You.
Hugs are a sign of a most right-based love and acceptance.
Great post Cherie!