On a recent presidential visit to England, the new first lady, Michele Obama, embraced the Queen with a half hug and the world news media collectively tensed up. This was considered a faux pas of gigantic proportion. Royal protocol dictates that one must not touch Her Royal Majesty.
The Queen put her arm around Mrs. Obama, in affectionate response, and the world news media heaved a huge sigh of collective relief. With one simple touch,Michele Obama created an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie between two great, and visible, nations on the world stage, and caused positive comments and smiles of approval to reverberate around the globe.
Perhaps it is possible to change the world one hug at a time.
Hugging another person communicates caring more effectively than any words can. The positive effects of a hug are immediate. Both the hugger and the one being hugged feel good.
Touch is one of the ways that we bond with one another. A sincere, warm embrace can brighten the darkest day and truly make a difference.
Hugging can be therapy. A hug can mitigate mental and physical health issues. Persons in poor health suffer from feelings of vulnerability, fright, anger, frustration and a sense of helplessness. A hug will immediately lift their emotional spirits and enable them to better cope with necessary medical care and treatment surrounding their infirmity.
Hugging can be beneficial in other ways:
* Hugs can decrease blood pressure.
* Hugs can slow down a fast heart rate.
* Hugs can reduce the negative effects of stress.
* Hugs can life sagging spirits and elevate mood.
* Hugs can potentially alleviate anxiety and depression.
A hearty hug in the morning can send loved ones off in an aura of caring protection and ward off stress all day.
Children who grow up in a home where hugs are freely and frequently given develop a compassionate nature toward others.
It is possible to change the disposition of cranky individuals with simple gestures of affection. Sometimes they don't mean to be difficult; they just need a hug. It is not unlike the two-year-old who is acting out and calms right down in the warm, reassuring embrace of a loving parent.
Dispense hug therapy at every opportunity to your loved ones and friends, and promote a chain reaction or ripple effect of good feelings and spiritual bonding.
"We need 4 hugs a day for survival.
We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance.
We need 12 hugs a day for growth."
Use the above quote by Virginia Satir, family therapist, as your guide for making a difference in the world, one hug at a time.