So Many Kinds of Hugs

The frost glistens in the first rays of the morning sun. it is the second day of November. Gone are the mornings with a hint of the Fall chill; winter has begun its approach. Or so it seemed this morning.


My daughter's hands, like mine, are sensitive to cold. This morning warm gloves embraced her fingers, hugging her hand tightly while protecting them from the cold. . I buried one bare hand in a pocket and held hers in the other. A morning of hugs: my hand hugging hers; hers tightly embraced by the gloves; and the frost holding tightly to blades of grass. Clouds hugged the sum as we walked and sang, feet sending leaves dancing in the crisp air.

Hugs.

The word invokes images of one person embracing another. Children held by parents or care givers, friends embracing after time spent apart or prior to departure, or lovers sharing a moment of intimacy.

On the internet, I often see signs of virtual hugs; people attempting to reach out to one another with compassion or shared joy.

I have seen children (and adults) enfolding themselves in blankets or gather to them a favorite plush friend finding security, warmth, and comfort in the folds of the embrace.

Growing up with dogs and cats, I have fond memories of my nose pressed into furry necks as they stood patiently wrapped in a hug of the human sort. Eventually I learned to accept their pet hugs too - the large pink tongues, the rumbling purrs, and their gentle companionship hugging in a way that is singular to each.

My life is rich with hugs - I have a daughter who believes "hug" to be one of the best words and activities in the history of the world. She shares herself through hugs - her sadness, her compassion, her joy, her enthusiasm - each expressed openly in her embrace.

There is something about a hug that words fall short of capturing. Perhaps it is the exchange of warmth? The feeling of arms holding? The comfort that comes from touch? Hugs are a little piece of magic in every essence, speaking a language all their own. They are the best hot chocolate on a cold winter day; the feeling of freshly washed sheets at day’s end; and time shared in companionship.

What are hugs to you?





RAOKA is founded on the idea that we can do little things to make a difference. The little things in life, the little things that we all can do and do daily – like laughter, express passion, gratitude… These acts are noted by various people in accordance with a theme chosen each month. October’s theme was Hugs; The theme for November is Wonder!

If you would like to participate in RAOKA, please contact Zeenat at ‘Positive Provocations.