There is in Montreal a very famous man who stands on the street corner in the Old Port. He wears a suit, a top hat, and his sign reads “Free hugs. If you can’t hug me, hug each other”. People pass him, usually uncomfortable, often shying away from him like he is the plague. He stands perfectly erect and smiling, his arms open, his eyes twinkling in the afternoon sun, just waiting to give free hugs.

Human touch is central to a healthy life and healthy mind, and the hugging man has understood this. Over the past few years, research in psychology has proven how touch can shape one’s behaviour and attitude. If a child grows up with very affectionate parents, the child will usually turn into a human who is warm, loving, giving and healthy psychologically. Touch is important because it reminds us that we are loved and appreciated by others. Touch is a powerful act of love, and must not be overlooked.

In Journey to the Heart, Teleo massages Lucina, explaining to her that people have forgotten the power of healing through touch. Lucina has been living in solitude and depression for many years, and for the first time in a long time, she receives human contact and it shakes and troubles her. Some people have never had true human affection, and when they finally receive it, they see that a life without human affection is a bleak life indeed.

If you are part of the majority of people who have grown up lacking human affection, it’s up to you to turn the world around. I am not advocating that you stand on a street corner giving free hugs, (what a great idea!) but you can certainly start practicing the art of hugging in your daily life more consciously. Instead of nodding your head at your kids when you get home from work, take them in your arms instead and feel how alive they are. Hugs are a powerful proof that we are physical beings, all connected one to the other.

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 7th, 2008 at 3:32 pm and is filed under Daily Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.