When my son was little, he had a teacher who had a warm and wise heart, who loved the children, and was very kind to them. She taught them a little song that had a very simple melody, that was easy for children who were just five, and the chorus had these words : " Three hugs a day is a minimum, not a maximum ..." It was a little song she sang with the children each day at the end of class, and before leaving them, she would give each child a hug, and it was very touching. I often had the impression that that hug was the only hug several of these children received, so evident was their profound joy with this simple and humble ritual. My son is an adult now, of a big size, almost 6 foot 7, with big shoulders, long curly hair, a beard and mustache, like a Scottish warrior, which is part of his heritage, and each morning, he gives me a big and sincere hug, and it always gives me a moment of profound pride and joy.
Today, nature photographer Lotfi Bouslah of Lolo Pics shared a very beautiful photo of a brilliantly coloured scarab, perched on the edge of the stem of a wild flower, with the words: " We all have need of that comforting hug." The photo is precious, a jewel of precise composition, with fine colours, a poem of light and rest. It took me a moment to grasp the meaning of the title. Once I had my ah, OK, moment, I decided to do some research into the scientific importance of hugs. Apparently, they are of a crucial importance when it comes to not only our mental but also our physical health.
Hugs boost the immune system, by producing white blood cells, also called leukocytes, and hugs reduce the risk of dementia, because they help balance the nervous system and reduce high blood pressure. Hugs are a sure fire way to help persons who struggle with loneliness, depression, sadness. They are a way to express a sense of security, of communication, of friendship, of tenderness, and their exchange improves mood, by increasing serotonin levels, that are responsible for our feelings of well - being. Also, hugs let us know we are loved, accepted, part of a family, a group of friends, a community. Hugs also reduce muscle tension, and are a way to feel close to one another, are a way to express that we appreciate a person, their presence, they are a way to tell someone: you matter. Hugs strenghten our connections, our worth. When you see someone have a hard time, in their body, in their soul, give them a hug, a sincere hug reduces sorrow, even on a physical level, and reduces the symptoms of physical pain, manifested through bradykinins. An intense and deep hug briefly connects the hearts of the persons hugging, which increases mutual trust, and it was discovered that even the fact of imagining a hug from a loved one reduces anxiety and sadness and gives a sense of joy and positive emotions that also reduce existential anguish around death and doubts of self - esteem. Happy children know the importance of receiving hugs and love to receive and give this simple and efficient and most pleasant and important form of affection. The beautiful and moving photo of Lotfi Bouslah is a valuable reminder in a world that is at risk of allowing itself to be seduced by suspicion and indifference. This artistic and serene photo will encourage me to remind myself that " Three hugs a day is a minimum, not a maximum. " Apparently, between 8 to 12 hugs if we have the chance, is a good idea. Good luck to all, let's spread a bit of happiness with this humble and beautiful gesture that tells us we love and are loved all in one.
Trudi Ralston
The research on the importance of the hug, courtesy of Dr. Fahad Basheer, " The Science of Emotions ", Josh Richardson " The physiological benefits of hugging ", and " Benefits of hugging ": The Times of India. December 3, 2015.
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