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 “Abrazos Gratis” video (You can find it on http://www.youtube.com) inspired a group of 20 people in Oaxaca, Mexico (where I live) to come out and give free hugs. We were not affiliated with any social, political or religious group. We would go out and give “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 “Abrazos Gratis” or “I give you a hug” signs, then we walk down the main pedestrian thoroughfare of Oaxaca City to the Zócalo (Central Plaza). At first I felt strange as did 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 mistrust that appears at first, and then changes as the hug goes on. However, each hug was special. Some people would smile and walk by. Some people wanted a hug but were too afraid to receive it. 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 came up to me with their arms outstretched. A woman called me to ask me for hugs for her and her friends. Some even gave a kiss on the check. Many hugs were deep, intense, enveloping and affectionate. Some hugs filled needs for caress, compassion, understanding. Others were recharging depleted energies and receiving acceptance from those who felt defeated or misunderstood. Other hugs were for fun. Looks of gratitude, smiles, tenderness, sweetness and joy arrived. A connection was formed when we touched. Every person, whether receiving a hug or just watching, smiled. This impressed me. What a transformation!
I was changed in that 2 hour period of hugging. I got hugs, I didn’t just give them. I was also being touched physically, mentally, and emotionally. I could feel my heart opening. I wondered when was the last time I was hugged for two hours. He couldn’t remember a time. I was being touched and appreciated during those hugging hours as I touched and appreciated others. I felt recharged, full of energy and happy. I made heart contact with people.
This experience was recorded 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 of whom they only found out. This “touching” (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’s a beautiful experience giving 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 plays out in the physical world. Hugs unite the spiritual and physical worlds in a lovely way. These hugs were energy that became tangible. They made spirituality tangible. I highly recommend it.
What can we cure with hugs? Can we heal a wound, the pain of a sarcastic word, loneliness, sadness, fear, anger, hatred, despair, illnesses and conflicts? Wouldn’t you rather give a hug than respond with anger and rejection? How much conflict could you resolve by giving hugs? We may not be able to heal all wounds with a hug, but it sure is a good place to start. Forward; 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 and try it. See how it feels. See how your hugs affect you and those who receive them.
Go to my website to receive my gift to you, an EFT script and an audio for peace in English or Spanish. Click on the link below to view and/or download it. Click Find the inner light
to enter the site. For English, click on the icon EFT Scripts/Audiosfor Spanish click on EFT Writings/Audios.
Let’s spread peace by creating it within each of us and then sharing that peace.