Isolation and quarantines have left an emotional void that needs to be healed. We are designed to give and receive affection and love, to be able to connect with people on another level; that can’t be replaced by any technology. Technology has helped us throughout the pandemic to keep some sort of connection between us, but giving, or receiving a hug is embedded in our DNA. I don’t think any human being could survive without touch, affection, and love.
I’m so lucky to have a soul sister right where I live, that person who you connect with instantly and an amazing friendship is born. We have a lot of things in common and the connection and friendship we have is beautiful and special, it’s real and authentic. We have shared a lot of happy moments, as some sad ones too. We are confidants, of our adventures, our mischiefs, our pains, and sorrows. And we also have shared quite an amount of chocolate and chips together. Whenever we met, part of our greeting or parting routine always included a strong hug that left us filled with good energy and good vibes, with our spirits lifted and renewed.
Because of the pandemic, and for health reasons on both ends, we decided that if we had to see each other it would have to be maintaining the proper social distancing. At the beginning it was from our cars, where one would stay in the car with the window open and the other would just sit on the grass or a chair outside. We also had long facetime calls during the cold winter. For two long years, we tried to stay in touch in a creative way. We had long encounters and conversations in her back yard, with our chairs separated a few feet apart. Our get togethers were just a balm to our souls, we caught up about our life, we could spend hours talking about an array of subjects, serious ones, and funny ones too. It was always so nice to see each other, but I think both of us yearned our hugs.
A week ago, we planned to get together again, this time in my backyard. I left the gate open so she could come in through there. Despite having seen her several times in her backyard, I was quite excited about seeing her this time because she was coming to my house after such a long time. As always, she came in there she was, with that beautiful energy surrounding her. She was wearing a mask, and she told me she’d planned to give me a hug (after 2 years!), but she had been exposed to the virus recently. She felt totally fine, but she was just being cautious. As considerate as always, she gave me the option of deciding if I wanted to hug or not. I didn’t think it twice and I said “Of course I want a hug! I don’t mind, bring it here!” I couldn’t believe it, I missed my friends hugs so much, those warm bear hugs loaded with care and good vibes! Then we hugged. As if we hadn’t seen each other for twenty years. The emotion was so strong that we both started sobbing like little kids. It was a mix of laughs and sobs. It was one of the longest hugs of my life. I just wanted to stay there, hugging my dear friend for the rest of the day, it was so beautiful, truly a gift from the universe.
After our long hug, we quickly dried our tears with a big smile printed on both our faces and then we just went to our respective chairs again to talk and catch up. I was “feeling a little blue” that day, I’m going through some sort of physical-emotional challenge now, however, just by seeing her and giving her a hug, everything vanished as if it was magic. I felt so happy to be able to hug my dear friend again. I am so thankful that after these challenging times we are both well, and now we have the chance to keep giving each other hugs and share great moments together.
That hug just left me full, energized, with the spirit elevated to the max. So much so, that after she left, I decided to do some house chores that I have been neglecting for weeks, and I was happy about it! I felt renovated, overflowing with joy.
We’re all made with Energy, and hugs are a great way to share it among us. Living beings are all interconnected; and we are capable of giving or receiving energy - multiplied when we hug. If you have a pet and are feeling overwhelmed with emotions, give it a hug and you’ll notice the difference. They help us a lot too, there’s a reason why the term “emotional support animal” exists. Now, going to a more scientific approach, it’s proven that hugs help generate the hormone Oxytocin (the cuddle hormone) that is also a neurotransmitter that generates feelings of happiness, relaxation, mood improvement and reduce depression and stress levels. Also, it helps increase the levels of Serotonin and Dopamine giving us an overall sensation of wellbeing.
So now that you know, leave aside those “cordial” hugs, and from now on, dedicate some time to give honest hugs, filled with the emotion you’d like to project to the other person. The pandemic somehow has brought a certain feeling of discomfort or doubt when it comes to giving hugs or showing affection. There are still sometimes those questions in our heads “Is it ok if I hug this person? – How would this person feel about it?” The only way to find out is by asking, just like my friend did. Don’t be afraid of asking if you can give a hug or a sign of affection. Let’s not ignore or take a hug for granted. Also, let’s not give a hug without good intentions. When you give a hug make it count! Put out all the emotion you have!
We never know how much Good we can do just by giving a hug, let’s not take for granted all the things we can heal just with the Magic of a Hug. Our world needs it.
“People will forget what you said or what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou
Sending you a warm and hopeful hug.
Uschi.