Dear Friends,
Thanks to those of you who responded to
yesterday's Leadership Thought on hugging.
I received several wonderful responses. One
south Florida friend sent me an air hug. Unfortunately, however, his air hug
was not quite the same as a real person embrace.
I also received a strange response from
another reader-just a small dark seemingly non- descript emoji. I had no idea
what she was trying to communicate with her cryptic response, so I asked
her. She simply responded that she had sent me a hugging emoji. Duh! I
guess that brings you up to speed on my computer communication skills.
Since the pandemic there hasn't been a lot of
hugging, and I'm afraid that hugging is in danger of becoming a thing of the
past.
As I reflected some more on this subject, I
found myself wondering what might happen in our crazy political world if those
antagonistic members on both sides of the aisle would start hugging each other.
Could all the acrimony be healed with a simple hug? I don't know, but I do know
that it's hard to argue when you're hugging!
It has been medically proven
that hugging makes us happier.
A hug releases oxytocin, a chemical that not
only reduces blood pressure but makes us happier. That's why it is called the
"happy hormone."
When I see someone down in the dumps, I will
often ask them if I might give them hug? And if they look at me and ask
if I've been vaccinated, I know it may be time to back off and suggest a toe
tap or an elbow bump instead!
It is true that hugging makes one feel
comfortable and cared for while also reducing stress and if there is
anything that we need less of in our lives, it is stress.
Stress impacts us all, especially children.
Dr. Suzanne Archers, a retired educator, states that children who don't grow up
with hugs may grow up and find it difficult to express affection to others. She
goes on to point out that if your child reacts negatively to the idea of being
hugged, then sit next to him/her on a sofa where you can still make some degree
of physical contact.
Paul encourages us to greet one another with a
holy kiss (2 Corinthians 13:12), but I think it might be a little safer to
start with the hug, even if it might seem a bit less scriptural.
However, you choose to express your care and
love for others, remember to make it appropriate and apropos for methods may
not matter but motives sure do. Just a thought!
Yours for hugging,
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