The Healing Power of Hugs

Hi Bohdi,

That is so cool!

Makes me feel all warm.....................

Hi Bodhi,
That is a great story. I think we all know how wonderful a real hug can be, not just the social air-kiss one!

Love Ursula

It's just so unbelievable that in spite of repeated scientific proof that physical affection is essential to human health and well-being, that infants can die without it, and that hugs can literally save or extend life, that our society, especially in the US, is still so intent on preventing people from hugging.

When working with children, I have often been told not to hug the kids. But it seems to me that if a children approch me wanting a hug, it would far more harmful to them if I were to refuse and push them away, and yet that is what would be the "correct" response according to this society we live in.

What will it take to get people to understand how important a hug can be?

Thanks for this gentle but powerful reminder!  It oughtta be obvious, even to a doctor...

There are contact animals and non-contact animals.  Look at birds on a wire...non contact.  Look at a pile of cats napping together....contact.  People....contact.  It's how we're wired.  And the lack of it is traumatic even if we can't quantify it.

I was raised very non-contact...very little hugging, cuddling or holding.  For a long time I found it difficult to touch people or be touched.  Then for a time it seemed like everyone was hugging everyone, and I had to grin and bear it.  Gradually I discovered that hugs are good, and over a long time I was able to overcome my aversion to touch.  I was always very lonely then, and had no clue that my own behavior was somewhat antisocial. Now I make a point of casual contact whenever it's appropriate, and have found that it opens doors.  Duh.  Some of us learn the hard way.

So I'm not surprised about the preemie twins...I think that poster prolly oughtta be up in every neonatal unit in the country.

8-D