“We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.”
~Virginia Satir
Hello Beautiful One,
I’d like to share a story with you.
About tenderness, compassion, and the healing power of our embrace.
It’s a beautiful blue sky day, billowy clouds floating by, warm So Cal breeze kissing our skin.
I’m at the park with two of my favorite people: my daughters, Juls and Bela.
We are laughing, playing, and enjoying being alive.
Everything feels just right. Connected. In the flow.
Until it doesn’t.
With a quickness, lil’ Bela has a tremendous shift of energy.
One moment, she’s lively and smiling, the next, she’s in the throes of a three year old meltdown over the fact that sissy has usurped her favorite toy.
From happy to heartbroken in point two seconds.
What’s a peace lovin’ mama to do?
We know there are infinite ways we can choose to respond to any situation, and I am constantly endeavoring to respond with loving kindness.
Of course, this is much easier on the days when I feel nurtured, supported, well rested, and relaxed…way more challenging when I’m in the midst of my own emotional turmoil and growth!
On this particular day, I was ready to respond calmly, compassionately, and oh so lovingly.
At first, I attempted verbal communication.
Yes, both my girls understood what I was saying, but I could still feel the discordant energy between them.
Sensing that I needed to do something different, I let go of my intention to solve a problem and instead chose to focus on giving love.
I enveloped lil’ Bela in my arms, holding her heart to mine, and pressing my cheek to hers.
We breathed together for a few moments, embracing in this most tender of hugs.
She was soothed. So was I.
When I opened my arms, Bela eased into her playful and lighthearted spirit once again.
I reached over and hugged my first daughter, Juls, reminding her of how much I love her and how much I hope she’ll practice loving kindness with her lil’ sis.
After our hug, she gazed at me and sweetly spoke, “I love you, Mommy.”
What wonder and joy we can create with a conscious choice to be loving.
Hugs heal us. Hugs evoke happiness.
Now, when I see one of my girls struggling with negative emotions, I ask them if they could use a hug.
Most of the time, the simple act of wrapping them in my arms and holding them near to me will align us with the loving energy that is always within us.
A hug reconnects us with love.
I wonder:
What if hugs were a healing treatment? For depression, for anxiety, for anger?
What if it was customary for people to share a hug with total strangers in a loving act of healing?
What if we gave hugs as naturally as we give smiles?
How could we transform our lives if we gave and received loving hugs every day?
The next time you see someone in pain, I challenge you to offer a healing hug.
The next time you feel dis-ease in your body or mind, I challenge you to ask for the love you need…request a hug and notice how it helps you ease into a more relaxed energy.
Challenge yourself to make hugging a habit.
Can you share 12 hugs each day for the next 21 days?
Notice how your world will transform as you open your arms to more LOVE.
Hugs, Health, and Happiness to YOU,
Denise
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