Hugs are awesome, healing and powerful, and since we all have an endless supply, be generous and hug, hug, hug
I’m a great believer in hugs. Hugs, as a rule, ROCK! We all know that hugs from, with and to the ones we care for and love are the best, but, hugs from friendly strangers can be amazing too. Under the right circumstances, it’s just what the doctor ordered, it hits the spot and it will improve your health, beauty being that the benefits are mutual and great both when you’re giving and/or receiving a hug (win win for all).
We all understand hugging friends, family and beloved pets and the great feeling of well being we experience, a natural high (yummy oxytocin) nature and our biology blessed us with. Let’s capitalize on that, broaden our horizons and expand the benefits beyond the usual suspects. By way of illustration a true story:
A few days ago I was at the bank making a deposit and correcting a bank generated error (yes, they do happen sometimes to the best of them, imagine that!). The line was long and I was in a rush and short on patience. However, determined to practice what I preach, I took a deep breath and calmly got in line to wait my turn, watching and unwillingly listening as people ahead of me confused the bank tellers for their social circle of the moment, coffee buddies, or therapists and life coaches. Instead of getting their business done quickly and efficiently, over sharing monologues and dialogues were engaged in on a plethora of issues and subjects–personal and private–definitely better suited for a more confidential and different setting and clearly not while I was waiting in line behind them.
After what seemed like an actual eternity, I was finally first in line and just about to step up to the teller window when an oldish man walked in from the parking lot, bringing with him dark clouds, thick grey smoke of doom and an arctic chill. The lights in the bank flickered (a sign of demons and ghosts for anyone who watches Supernatural) and I could see my breath, visible as milky white ether for a few second, as he proceeded to rudely cut in line right in front of me, heading for the teller that just became available.
Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad freeAs the blood rushed to my head and I opened my mouth to strongly protest, my eyes locked with a woman at the end of the line, five people behind me. She gave me a knowing look and an understanding “I feel your pain” smile. “Some people” I mouthed, and as I felt my blood pressure slow down, she mouthed back shrugging
“What can you do?”
Finally it was my turn at the teller. I went up to him and quickly and efficiently concluded my business. While passing her on the way out I said “Thanks”. To my surprise, she leaned forward and gave me a hug. “Not at all” she smiled, “Hope this helps, a good hug helps me every single time”.What can I say? She made my day. I was energized and in a better mood for hours. The clouds parted and the sun, gently floating in a deep blue sky, shined bright and strong warming the depths of my soul. Everything felt better and the little constant irritants of every day, all but disappeared.
Just to be clear, I am not advocating we all grab any old stranger and hug them at will, any place and any time the mood strikes (not that there is anything wrong with that), but, with the right people and in the appropriate circumstance, a hug can go a very long way to making our small world a lot more peaceful and fun. It certainly trumps yelling, or flipping people off or any such heart attack and stroke inducing shenanigans, and besides, I think we can all agree that we are much less likely to hit someone after we hug them.
Those novices out there who are new to the ancient art of hugging, might want to take baby steps and start with a group hug, which is less intimidating and less personal.
It is a well know fact that that the more we hug the better we and they feel (all that great boost to our oxytocin levels and all). So! What are you waiting for? Carpe diem, go and hug someone right now and spread some warmth, humanity and good will among the people.
Photo: Aled Lewis /Flicker Photo2: Joris Louwes /Flicker
Good post… I’m a hugger and I know spreading the love is a good thing.s More hugs = less war so I’m all for it.
Thanks N. I truly believe that the more we hug the less we will fight and these are both scientific and anecdotal well established truths.
Thought I’d add a thought. Hugs are rooted in our DNA. If you look at animals you see that hugs and touch are in no way limited to humans. Physical touch and hugging is essential to life and to it’s healthy development as well as to thriving, or if you are deprived of hugs and touch, failure to thrive.
Now get off your butt and hug a few someones.
Sending you a big hug, Tsach. Thanks for the great article. Made my day 🙂