Wikipedia defines a hug as a form of physical intimacy, not necessarily sexual, that usually involves closing or holding the arms around another person or group of persons. The hug is one of the most common human signs of love and affection.
When asked what they miss the most about having a partner, a single person will no doubt answer "hugs" were sorely missed. Hugs, not words, were the greatest comfort to me in my grief state when my husband passed away. I didn't want to hear "I'm sorry" . . . I just wanted a hug . . . comfort and support without words.
Hugs show many levels of affection, even in the animal kingdom!
What if you encountered a lonely stranger at an airport holding a sign reading "FREE HUGS" . . . would you give that person a hug? To be very honest with you, with as much compassion that I possess, I can honestly answer "NO" . . . I'm not a touchy feely person with strangers. In reality, I am a very private person when it comes to strangers.
Having said that . . . the Free Hugs Campaign has touched and impressed me on many levels.
There once was a lonely guy experiencing a bad phase in his life, a string of personal difficulties brought him to a crossroads in life that found him leaving London to venture back home to Sydney. Left with a world of trouble and a suitcase that held everything he owned, feeling, lonely and depressed as he watched other travelers at the airport terminal being welcomed with open arms with lots laughter, hugs and smiles. He felt a sinking feeling as there was no one to greet him at the airport and desperately needed a hug.
On that day in 2004, the Free Hugs Campaign was born . . . the hugs are meant to be random acts of kindness - selfless acts performed just to make others feel better.
The man who has become known as Juan Mann found some cardboard and a marker and made himself a sign that simply said 'FREE HUGS' . . . he found one of the busiest intersection in the city and held up his sign as people passed him by, just staring at him. I can imagine they probably thought he was a lunatic!
The first person to approach him was a little old lady whose dog had just passed away that morning on the anniversary of her only daughter's death . . . she told Juan that all she wanted at a time of feeling so alone in this world, was a hug. She was smiling when they parted . . .
Years later, the International Free Day of Hugs is celebrated the first Saturday in July, described as a social movement involving individuals who offer hugs to strangers in public places.
The movement has had its moments . . . the police banned the practice of Juan and his fellow huggers from offering the free hugs on the street. They were allowed to continue after filing petitions, jumping through bureaucratic hoops and red tape just to offer free hugs . . .
In this world of influence from the Internet, Juan Mann ended up on the Oprah Show, gave out his real address and offered an open invitation to anyone to come over and chat on-camera as part of his 'open-house project', ultimately hosting 80 guests over 36 days . . . and created problems with his landlord.
Juan has since "retired" . . .
Free Hugs Campaign Website enables those involved in the campaign to better organize themselves and coordinate their efforts. Check it out if you want more information on the movement . . .
Have you hugged someone today?
