Abbracci Gratis

I love hugging.  My sister Debbie sent me this link to a video of people holding up signs that say Free Hugs and showing the responses they received. 

Apparently it is the brainchild of a man named Juan Mann "whose sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives.  A simple heartfelt idea that makes a beautiful statement of the spirit of our humanity." www.freehugsmovement.org

In this age of 'stranger danger' and stalkers, where we are taught not to touch that or breath on another, it seems the physical space between us is fast becoming a chasm.  The want to reach out to others is tentative at best so todays message is to the huggers out there. 

The slight huggers.  The one-armed huggers.  The hug and squeezers.  The hug and back rubbers.  The two arms wrapped all the way around, laughing in your ear huggers.  The lift you off the ground they're so happy to hug you huggers.  This message is to them.  Keep hugging.  Thank you for putting yourself out there and risking rejection just to touch another's heart for an instant.  To help another loosen the restraint they have on their emotions.

To other huggers it is so very welcome. To the shy amoung us it is unexpected but usually well received.  To the Don't Touch Me crowd, it won't hurt long; you just may surprise yourself and like the oh-so-brief moment of connection you got to share with a complete stranger.  To those who have no one left in their lives to hug them on a regular basis, what a gift you have given them.

So very well placed at the end of the video (turn on your speakers):

For one moment our lives met, our souls touched     - Oscar Wilde

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN8CKwdosjE&feature=player_embedded