hugs Archives - CONSIDER THIS with Annette Petrick

Backstory

Just before sitting down to write some Consider This stories, I had been with someone who gave me a warm and hearty bear hug. It left me smiling, warm and fuzzy. I decided my first story would be about that kind of touching. So here it is.

Touching

Are you one of those people who touch other people? Some of us do it so naturally. Others would not think of making physical contact with someone they didn’t love or someone whose birth they had not spawned.

People love and need that human touch – holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back can create such warmth and nurturing.

The elderly in nursing homes respond so well to the visits of babies and young children they can hold. Some homes for the elderly have community pets. They find that even petting a responsive living being is therapeutic.

If you’re in the market for a new good deed, try reaching out and touching someone. Once the thought is in your head, you’ll be amazed at how many opportunities there are each day to convey this feeling of affection or caring.

The physical touch actually produces a positive sensation in pressure receptors in the skin. The result can be gentle, comforting, or quite loving.

Sometimes a response can be surprisingly emotional; especially when the touch or hug was badly needed.

In most cases, it’s OK to take a chance that your gentle touch will be welcome. The positive results are rewarding enough to overcome any occasional rejection.

P.S. Next best thing to touching, to convey empathy, is a compliment. Amazing how a minor tribute can change the direction of a bad day. What a pretty color on you . . . cool hat . . . adorable dog . . . great weather . . . See how easy?

[Show #368]

Backstory

I had just returned from the Rotary Club meeting, where I received a giant hug from a fellow Rotarian. The wonderful feeling of camaraderie it engendered made me want to write about it. Regardless of current cultural warnings, keep hugs as part of your life. They are precious and will fill you with well-being.

Charlie Brown

This show was inspired by that outstanding philosopher – Charlie Brown. In a moment of pure insight, Charlie Brown recited – “I love the kind of hug where you can feel the sadness leave your body.” Me too, Charlie, me too.

When someone gathers you up in their arms and holds you tight, it can just wash away every guilt, concern, or worry you have been feeling. And when things are going well, a hug is a welcome gesture of friendship and affection.

I have a friend who I get to hug every week. We attend the same organization meeting, and I can tell we both look forward to the moment when we will share that embrace.

I joyously watch my children hug their children and see the kids reciprocate, even the teenagers.

I did some research and found that hugging is extremely effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress. Well, no wonder it feels so good!

A deep hug, where the hearts are pressing together, nurtures and provides a sense of safety. Perhaps most important, hugs boost self-esteem. They are an extension of the touch we received as infants, meant to show that we are loved and special, even before actual words could be exchanged.

Do the world a favor. Deliver hugs often and with gusto. I will too.

P.S. During the Covid lockdown, when hugs were verboten, a friend sent me this jar of hugs. Besides showering me with joy, they provided a source from which I could send an individual hug to dozens of others. Neat.

[Show #533]