The Power of a Hug

Hugs express love in a faster, deeper way than anything else I know of, especially if accompanied by kind or encouraging words. It is a gift that takes time, gentility, attention and compassion. The recipient is honored by the gift. When feeling a little low or left out, a hug says, “I see you. I care enough to include you.” Or when feeling a little neglected, a hug says, “It’s okay. I love you.” Little expresses those as poignantly as a hug. The very best at it are those who have empathy that drives them. These people are gifts and treasures to the world. They are quiet often, sometimes shy, easily diminished by those whjo wish to rule them, but these are who should be lifted high. The world screws this up, spouses screw this up, countries screw this up. Our greatest treasures and those who should be celebrated and attended to and paid attention to are these precious empathetic souls who know and understand people greater than any others. They have valuable knowledge, priceless understanding, the ability to put themselves into someone else’s shoes and appreciate and love them. They are the most effective huggers, the compassionate ones, the ones who make you feel amazing just because they get you and love you anyway. These beautiful precious souls should be put on a pedestal, should be respected and adored for this sacred gift they hold and choose to share with humanity, whether they are worthy of it or not. I love these people and wish to resemble them in any small way. Hug on, you perfect souls. I love you dearly.

Healing Touch

I have a friend and a daughter that touch me to show love. They extend their arms in hugs, they kiss your cheek, they rub your back, they hold your hand when relaxing. These people have a way of extending their love through their skin to your skin. There is u spoken but very real communication that occurs with every light tap or gentle brush. I do not understand this phenomenon scientifically but have experience it emotionally and even spiritually. There is also much documented proof that touching or holding a patient, even if otherwise non-responsive, is often much more effective than just medical treatment alone. There is something extremely powerful in the act of a touch, even a hand shake. It is important that we do not lose this very social human way of relating to each other. It is easy to go the day without touching anyone (unless you have a child like mine, in which case it is very difficult) but if you put a little effort, there are many opportunities to give a reassuring hand to someone. Maybe that is something we should strive for? It may mean the world of difference to them. After all, Jesus touched everyone and healed them. There is a strong correlation between healing and touch and faith would only make that stronger.