Friday, October 7, 2016

Huggy-Huggy

·       “Hugs are nourishment for the heart.”[i] 
·       “Embrace each other with love, smiles[ii], and [a] warm hug.” [iii]
·       “Hug tight; hug often."[iv]

A Huggies (Snugglers) commercial recently provided the physical benefits of a mother holding a newborn baby.

“Hugs strengthen your baby’s immune system, and improve brain development. Hugs promote weight gain, and reduce crying, pain, and stress. Huggies has always believed in the power of hugs that is why every soft and comforting diaper we make is inspired by your hugs.”

The following poem describes the benefits of hugs for school-age children.

I will not play at tug o’ war.
I’d rather play at hug o’ war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs,
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses,
And everyone grins,
And everyone cuddles,
And everyone wins.[v]

As an adult, we know that a hug cannot bring about world peace, but it’s heading in a positive direction of care (rather than a downward spiral of mistrust and hate). Consider the quotes below when you are giving (or receiving) hugs.

1.    “If you're angry at a loved one, hug that person. And mean it. You may not want to hug - which is all the more reason to do so. It's hard to stay angry when someone shows they love you, and that's precisely what happens when we hug each other.” [vi]

2.    “That's what people do who love you. They put their arms around you and love you when you're not so lovable.” [vii]

3.    “It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.” [viii]

4.    “Hug tight, Hug often"[ix]

5.    “When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.” [x]


6.    Hugs should be available at the medical stores 24/7. Sometimes, they are the best healers for almost everything.” [xi]


7.    “We forget that the sweetest joys are found in the simplest acts: hugs, laughter, quiet observation, basic movements, holding hands, pleasant music, shared stories, a listening ear, an unhurried visit, and selfless service. It is sad we forget a truth so elementary.” [xii]


8.    “Sometimes, I present myself as an expert and talk non-sense. To be honest, passing out hugs is far better than passing judgments. Try this!” [xiii]

9.           “Bewildered as he might be, sometimes a man's highest calling is simply to stand, and hug.”[xiv]




[ii] Huggy-huggy is a slang term referring to being extremely kind. This phrase comes from New Dictionary of American Slang. It was edited by Robert L. Chapman, Ph.D.

[v] This poem entitled, “Hug O’ War” is from the book, Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel Silverstein.

[vi] Walter Anderson quote

[ix] Wordions’ quote

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