The Healing Power of Hugs

Photo credit: www.lapsiholog.com

In a recent blog post, writer Suzanne Boles tells the story of how she grew to understand the healing power of a hug. A hug, she explains, is something so deceptively simple that we may think to overlook its power. And often, we only hug friends, family and those in our lives that we’re particularly close to. If we could just hug more, says Boles – and hug those who we may not even know – we could uncover endless opportunities to foster human connectivity, empathy and healing.

Often, friends and family don’t know what to say to comfort those in the midst of the grieving process; they’re uncertain as to what words could possibly express the love and sympathy they feel for others. A hug, says Boles, offers a deep sense of comfort and empathy for those in the grieving process – and without the need for a single word to be spoken.

“I have learned that hugs are healing and I am trying to share that message now,” says Boles, “I do it with people I know. I share it with strangers. I will share two stories about hugs here.” She proceeds to tell two stories about the healing power of hugs, with both experiences occurring with complete strangers.

Suzanne Boles. Photo credit: suzanneboles.com

In one, Boles notices a woman crying at an airport. “I asked if she was O.K.,” says Boles, “She had come for her father’s funeral.” So Boles asks the woman for a favour – a hug:

“I leaned over and put my arms around her and whispered in her ear, “It’s o.k. I just lost my husband. I know this is hard but you will be o.k.”

“I leaned over and put my arms around her and whispered in her ear, “It’s o.k. I just lost my husband. I know this is hard but you will be o.k.”

On her way home, Boles says she thought a lot about hugs. “If everyone hugged someone to give them strength,” she realized, “and if we hugged each other without feeling constrained by uncertainty, but moved instead by love and caring, how wonderful would that be? In my mind, the world would be a better place”

Read Boles’ complete post here.

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