My experience at the Boston Marathon Finish line made me realize how much we strive to protect ourselves or at least the majority of ‘we’ do.
Approximately one out of 40-50 passersby exchanged a hug with me. Those who did, did so with glee, open arms, a smile and lots of love. There was nothing quite like the feeling of being received with a huge smile and a willingness to embrace.
Many who passed by were totally consumed in their own world – head down, serious look on their face, not making any type of eye contact. Some were hooked up to their portable technology, carrying on conversations with others who were nowhere to be seen…
Many would sneak a peek, flash me an impish grin and continue walking, without missing a beat. Many, oh so many, were tempted – I could see it in their faces as they approached – yet at the last minute, only smiled, perhaps gave me a ‘thumbs up’ or shot a photo with their phone.
It made me wonder… why would they want to merely capture a moment on ‘cyber film’ when they could capture an experience in the moment?
Exchange a hug.
Exchange love.
Was it fear – I wondered? Were they guarding themselves? Were they simply shy? Or was it something completely unique to each?
Perhaps the sign I held which read Hugs Heal – Boston Strong – did not convey my intention… my intention to give and receive hugs. Perhaps my sign should have read Free Hugs – Hugs Heal – Boston Strong?
On occasion I would gently coax by saying “who could use a hug? – I could!” or “Free Hugs!” On occasion I would receive a response, by way of a huge warm embrace. The connection was electrifying and hope-filled.
I believe in the power of connection.
I believe in the power of touch.
I know firsthand about the healing forces within the power of connection and the power of touch.
The more often we connect, the deeper we share a bit of ourselves. To reach out to a total stranger and embrace the ‘spirit’ within is a gift beyond measure. To experience that moment of connection and feel the exchange of energy, brief, dynamic, life altering – well… that feeling simply reigned supreme!
Why we deprive ourselves of this “free of charge” always available feeling is mind boggling!?!
I was reminded that although I may not have had the pleasure of connecting with everyone – by way of a hug – I did connect with everyone on some level. I did make a difference – and isn’t that we all want to do?
Make a (hopefully positive) difference in another’s life?
I encourage each of you to experience the feelings of joy and connection that I experienced at the finish line two weeks after the Boston Marathon bombings. In spite of so many walking right by me – I do have faith that everyone did make a connection – whether they were aware of it or not.
I extend this challenge to you – how about the next time you have an opportunity to connect with some (especially a stranger) you check in and allow yourself to trust. Allow the sense of wonder to prevail and call upon love to free you from any scary feelings with which you may be faced – and just go for it!
Trust in the knowing that when you make that courageous move and reciprocate you will touch someone else’s life as deeply and profoundly as they will have touched yours.
Trust me it will all be worth your leap of faith.
Connection is one of the greatest gifts we can give one another and the heavenly exchange of energy will last a life time.