Hug: October 19 - 25

Sometimes you just need a hug. This has been one of those months. So many of you responded to last week's reflection with thoughtful words of support. Friends have been equally kind. Today, Catherine, my friend whom I haven't seen in months, gave me the best hug ever. No little pat on the back, this was a full-body embrace that spoke in a language beyond words. Some of the hardness shielding my heart simply melted.

Please, please, please, find someone to hug this week. It will make all the difference in the world.

Practice

Find an out of the way corner all to yourself if possible. Allow all of your feelings to arrive with you. Take time to notice each one. Welcome love and joy but don't overlook worry and sadness. Don't shut out anger and judgement. Recognize compassion and weariness. Make room for all of them. Take a little time to greet them by name.

Give each visitor a cup of tea and maybe a cookie. Listen to their stories. Learn from them. Some may be tough to sit with. Give yourself grace to deal with each as you are able.

Practice self-compassion. Place a hand on your heart or your cheek. Wrap one arm around yourself and then the other. Enfold yourself in a hug. No little pat on the back but a full-body embrace. Don't pull away too soon. Listen to the beating of your heart. Listen to the sound of your breath.

What if each heartbeat is really a hug from Love (or God or the Universe or whatever name you use for the Divine)?

What if each breath is really your "Thank You" in return?

Let your heart and lungs say all that needs to be said.