Anyone up for a hug? Let’s spread some joy around.

We all have moments when we all need a hug. Although I do not know about you, I love receiving and giving hugs, and I couldn’t imagine life without them!
I know that I can always count on one thing, regardless of what I am feeling, whether I am sad, happy, anxious, or excited: being honest about my feelings. I’ve noticed that when I hug (or someone hugs me), the world pauses, and I can feel the breath, the warmth, and the emotions emitted by the person I’m close to.

I think a hug conveys more than any words could. When you hug someone, you become one with them for a few seconds, and you speak with your feelings instead of words.
Almost everyone feels better after a hug of some kind (at least those who enjoy them). One of the most impressive things about hugging is that it doesn’t just give you a feeling of wellbeing for a few instants, but has benefits that go beyond that!

In recent years, everyone has faced a lot of challenges. Everything that we knew came crashing down. Thankfully, I was awestruck to witness this sweet ‘social experiment’ of free hugging. An environment was full of happiness, joy, and peace that nurtures the mind and heart of those who are committed to it.

“Free Hugs” Stories:

1st:

A man with the pseudonym of “Juan Mann” (pronounced “one man”) started handing out free hugs to strangers on Sydney’s streets on June 30, 2004. His sole purpose was to brighten up people’s lives by hugging them.
The social disconnect and lack of contact have made Free Hugs a highly effective campaign.
During an interview, he was asked, “What are you trying to sell?”.
“Nothing,” he replied. “I’m just giving away free hugs.”
Mann had reached a point in his own life when he was at a crossroads. He realized that people’s lives were becoming increasingly disconnected. People were not interacting with one another.
He wrote a pamphlet for Free Hugs and walked around central Sydney, standing for 15 minutes in the cold waiting for someone to notice. A woman walked up to him and confessed that her dog had just died and that when he hugged her, she felt at peace.

I like this act of bringing joy to everyone around you. Spreading kindness and being thoughtful and compassionate not only benefit others, but they benefit you as well.

2nd:

Similarly, an activist Ken Nwadike went to Charlotte for hugs, not protests. Keith Lamont Scott was shot to death on Tuesday by police. They say he was armed, but his family claims he was not. Protests erupted after his death. Ken strode up to a line of law enforcement officers wearing riot gear and embraced each of them.
He explained that his uniform does not make him a robot, just as your uniform does not make you a criminal. As long as they are human, I see them as human. Ken looks at the power of positivity and how it can help close the racial gap by spreading love.

This program strives to create a culture of diversity and inclusion that promotes unity and civility within the community.

3rd:

Amidst a time when extremism and social causes seem to be rising globally, actress Richa Chadha was spotted on Carter Road in Bandra holding a hand-painted ‘Free Hugs‘ sign.
She said it was magical when she hugged strangers! She said it was an excuse for people to hug one another. Love spreads like wildfire!

I believe that darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do so. Imagine a woman who lost her only daughter in a car accident one year ago. During those darkest times, she wanted nothing more than a hug. You can become that light for her when you embrace her tightly, and she will smile as you part ways.
Since we all face different issues, there can be no comparisons. The reward of watching someone who was once frowning smile, even for a moment, is worth it every time.

I think it would be awesome to have a Hug Day like this during Valentine’s Week in your area this year! On February 12th, come and be a part of this exciting initiative to inspire and motivate everyone in our community to promote peace and unity. It will enable us to grow as individuals and live in harmony with one another! Bring a smile and share the love!