Hug Please.

Can we please share a hug?

There’s a lot going on in our world right now. From global pandemics and social distancing to emotions running high around the desire to take action for our fellow humans, it’s easy to see how stress, anxiety, and fear are showing up in our lives. 

When our nervous systems are pushed to their max for a long time like this, it leads to a break down in our wellness system.

In other words, our bodies, our minds, our routines, our support networks are all beginning to fray.

More than once lately, I’ve found myself exhausted enough to warrant laying down for a nap— not something that is a regular part of my life, but what my body definitely needed. 

Have you been feeling this, too?

Here’s the thing— I’m a hugger. From a big ol’ family of huggers.

I was raised on the concept that a hug can be a bridge, a way to connect and let someone know that you care when your words feel inadequate or you simply can’t find the right ones. 

But for the first time in my entire lifetime, that bridge is closed…at a time when I know we need all the bridges we can get.

I admit it— I’m weary of social distancing. I will continue to do my part, of course, but I miss my people and I miss the ways I’ve always offered comfort to those around me.

So I’m feeling the need to rethink what a hug can look like. To figure out how to “hug” from afar. 

To find another bridge.

And I think that bridge looks like compassion.

In order for us to show compassion to others, we must first practice it on ourselves.

Pay attention to what you are feeling right now. Many of us are a little more fragile than we would be if we had access to our usual support networks. 

Notice where you are, what your body and mind are feeling at any given moment. 

If you’ve noticed that your thoughts aren’t serving you, begin to shift them. I like to do this by thinking of one small thing that never fails to bring a smile to my face. For me, it’s most often my dog, Coalie. 

Pause right now to picture this, picture something that brings you real joy.

When we treat ourselves compassionately, with loving words and actions, we strengthen the mental and emotional muscles required to turn that kindness and love outward as well.

This is a practice. 

Which means we won’t always get it right. But we keep going anyway.

Treating ourselves and others with compassion, love, and kindness is always worth the effort. Always a muscle worth working.

I want to support you. 

I want to hug you. 

I want to wrap my arms around this whole beautiful planet and let the world know how much I care.

So please accept this hug from me.

Please pause right now, wherever you are, and visualize loving energy wrapping around your body. Sending positive healing energy into your body.

Close your eyes and imagine the face of a loved one— and wrap them in the loving energy of a hug.

Do this for someone you don’t know well, and then— c’mon and challenge yourself— do it again for someone you know whose views you may not agree with. 

These energetic hugs are so, so powerful. 

They are good for the world, and they are good for you. A hug lowers stress, improves immunity, and supports good health.

Winnie the Pooh said, “A hug is always the right size” and I have to tell you, I agree.

I am sending you the biggest hug right now, this second. Please know that you are cared for, appreciated, and deeply loved.

Together we are always stronger, my friend.

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Gentle reminder: registration for the next round of 12 Weeks to Wellness opens July 1! Make sure you’re on my email list to get all the info about how to sign up. We need support and accountability now more than ever— don’t miss out!