As I was laying in bed last night still thinking about the things that have brought me to where I am today (see the previous post), I was struck by the wonderful part hugs have had in my healing. I grew up in a family that was not particularly affectionate. In fact, I clearly remember my Mom shunning hugs from sisters at church and making comments about how she wished they would respect the fact that she didn't want them. I took on that same attitude for years, until one day I realized that I was refusing not just the hug (the physical expression) but also the love that each person was offering me.
As I started accepting hugs, it was weird at first, but pretty soon I found that I actually like them! Sometimes it's been hugs from people I don't know very well and other times from people I've had long associations with. But one thing is clear- hugs are healing!! Somewhere in that person to person contact is a magical ability to give and to receive love, compassion, and friendship, and to be connected in a deeper way. You have to allow yourself to be vulnerable and to take a chance on accepting love from others, and hugs are such an easy way to start!
Nowadays, as I go to church, one of the highlights of my day is when I receive hugs from my sisters. I still have some remnants of my past "non-hugging" life with me- I tend to be pretty cautious about who I initiate hugs with... mostly out of respect for others who, like my Mom, don't want that contact. But if anyone comes up to me and wants a hug- I'm there! And I hope that one day I'll be like our dear Sister Meadows, who is so enthusiastic about hugging everyone who comes her way.
Hooray for hugs!! Give one today! (Or better yet, give dozens!)
5 comments:
Patty I soo agree with you. You know what I think is part of the hugging-healing process. Our hearts are as close as they can get to each others. And I picture the love circling our hearts and growing to encompass the other persons. It creates a bond that wipes so many things away that words and other things just can't do. I know I don't hug near enough!
THanks for sharing!
Thanks for that reminder. I used to hug a lot more than I do. I need to hug more. I need to give and receive the healing, too.
Geez--- and I thought I was your 'special' hug person !!!!That's ok- I'll share your hugs with everyone!!
Oh, and believe it or not- I'm really not a huggy person. It is something I still have to work through every now and then.
I grew up in a very "huggy" home. I love to give hugs, but often have held back because I was not sure about how the hug would be received. Thanks for reminding me that I should do this more often. I like to think that when I cross over to the other side of the veil that I will be hugging lots of my family and friends.
Needless to say, I like a good hug. Great post, Patty.
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