During the pandemic a lot of people stopped hugging each other as a greeting.  We stopped shaking hands.  I missed all that friendly connection.  I’m a cuddle and a hugger and I like it when we can touch each other without needing anything.  

Some people hug out of needing to get something, and some hug to give and share something.  

I remember one time I was talking with a couple of friends and I put my arm around one of them, and hugged her gently while we continued to talk.  A simple gesture of loving friendship.  I had been guided to do it – Spirit definitely gave me the nudge.  

And she said “thank you,” with real appreciation.  I knew it was a healing moment.  A Love extending moment.  I’m so glad I listened.  

Isn’t it interesting how much power there is in human touch? I can so easily hurt or heal with my touch. 

Years ago, I studied Gandhi and Dr. King and their teachings of nonviolence – it deeply transformed me and the way I experience the world.  One of the most obvious ways to practice nonviolence is to refrain from any act of physical violence. The most powerful way to practice nonviolence is to be loving. 

Often I can let someone know that I love them by a simple touch and it means a lot.  In my family we hug and kiss goodnight, and it’s part of our loving bed time rituals.  

I certainly don’t share a loving touch with people I feel uncomfortable with.  Have you ever had a hug from someone who seemed like they were trying to take something from you?  Or where it felt totally fake?  I have.

A loving hand on the shoulder, a hug, a pat on the back–these small gestures can let people know I genuinely care.

When words are too much or too little, a gentle touch can be so healing.

You can be the touch of an angel.

When confronted with the opportunity to lovingly show someone I care I consider Emmet Fox’s beautiful words, 

“There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer; 

no disease that enough love will not heal; 

no door that enough love will not open; 

no gulf that enough love will not bridge; 

no wall that enough love will not throw down; 

no sin that enough love will not redeem…”

Knowing that LOVE is the healer, I make a commitment to show the people I love how much I care by extending my loving touch when it feels appropriate – I don’t need to force it – I follow my heart. 

Let my hand be the one that extends the Love that heals.

As I become aware of every opportunity to express Love, my constant spiritual practice widens and deepens and that’s healing for me, and for everyone, because we’re one.  Let’s get back to hugging like we used to and offering the hug that asks for nothing and offers everything, because it’s a Love hug.  Love hugs for Love bugs!

My Self-Love Workshop is March 17th – let’s launch into spring with love!  Love is the great healer of EVERYTHING and we can actually love ourselves free of the past and the pain.  If you find you’re hard on yourself, this may be the workshop for you.  Follow your intuition – if it’s right for you right now, you’ll know.